The Cheesecake Factory White Chicken Chili Recipe

The Cheesecake Factory White chicken chili recipe, this recipe is so quick and easy – but full of flavor! Green chiles, salsa Verde, and plenty of dry seasonings are mixed with chicken, beans, and other aromatics for loads of flavor. The classic recipe is served topped with steamed rice and Pico de Gallo, but this chili goes great with fresh avocado, cilantro, green onions, and sliced jalapenos. The best part, this comes together in one pan and in under an hour, for a quick meal and easy clean up!

Highlights of this copycat recipe:

• One-pot recipe makes clean up a breeze
• Healthy recipe
• Customizable toppings can be fun for family night
• Freezer friendly
• Done in under an hour
• Budget friendly recipe
• Good way to incorporate nutrients

What can I add to my chicken chili to add flavor?

Hints of cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, paprika, and chili powder add a rich, smokey flavor. Aromatics like garlic and onion give lots of flavor. Store-bought short cuts like fire roasted canned green chiles add even more depth and flavor. Toppings like cilantro and fresh lime can add flavor as well.

How can I make my chicken chili more creamy?

If you want your white chicken chili to be creamy you can mix in extra half and half or heavy whipping cream, you could also melt in some cream cheese or shredded cheese.

The Cheesecake Factory serves their chili with steamed white or brown rice and a cup of Pico de Gallo.

If you like The Cheesecake Factory White Chicken Chili Recipe, you’ll love these other recipes…

Instant Pot Turkey and Bean Chili Recipe

Easy Five Ingredient Instant Pot Beef Chili

The Best Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Panera Bread Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Simple One-Pot Black Bean Soup

Grocery Store List and Substitutions:

• Extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil or canola oil
• Yellow onions (or substitute white or red onion)
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Kosher salt
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Salsa Verde, homemade or store-bought
• Canned cannellini beans or any white beans, like great northern beans
• Canned green chilies (could substitute roasted green poblano chiles or roasted jalapeños)
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (could substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders, you could also use leftover rotisserie chicken)
• Chicken Broth (could substitute vegetable broth)
• Heavy cream or whole milk
• Avocado, green onion, cilantro, and tortilla strips for garnish

Quick Steps:

• Saute onions and garlic
• Season with dry seasonings and salsa Verde
• Add in chilis, beans, chicken, and stock
• Simmer until chicken is cooked
• Shred chicken and return to pot
• Add in heavy cream and simmer to thicken

Topping ideas:

• Crunchy tortilla strips or tortilla chips
• Corn chips
• Avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Dollop of sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese, Mexican cheese blend, or shredded Colby jack cheese
• Fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeños
• Lime juice and zest
• Chipotle Tabasco

Tools I used for this copycat chicken chili:

• Le Creuset 5 1/2-Qt. Dutch Oven – enamel cast iron is great for even heat and this pot is large enough so nothing boils over. My go to!
• Wooden Spoons – perfect for sautéing and mixing, and great for not scratching your pans.
• Can opener – a good can opener is a must, this one has stayed sharp for me for a while.

Instructions for the Cheesecake Factory’s White Chicken Chili:

• In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once warm, add in the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft, add in minced garlic. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Mix in dry seasonings and salsa Verde, stir to combine.
• Keeping the heat on medium-high, add in the chilis, chicken, beans, and chicken stock, Stir to combine and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked.
• Once chicken is cooked, shred and return to the pot. Stir in heavy cream or milk, simmer on low for another 5 minutes. Serve garnished with avocado, cilantro, green onions, or cheese.
• This chili will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Notes:

*If the chili gets to thick, thin with a little bit of stock or water 

*Reheat in a microwave safe container, perfect to eat the next day

A warm, comforting bowl of white chicken chili is perfect for a chilly winter night! Serve with all your favorite toppings as well as some crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping!

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to see it! Take a picture and post to Instagram with the tag @theheartylife and the hashtag #theheartylife – You can also leave me a question or comment below! If you’ve tried this recipe, feel free to give it a star rating on the recipe above.