White Chicken Chili from The Cheesecake Factory features tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, green chilies, and a blend of southwestern spices, simmered to perfection for a hearty and flavorful bowl with a smooth, comforting texture.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Slotted spoon
- Ladle
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (such as Great Northern or cannellini)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Ensure you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender meat that easily shreds. Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of your chili, especially since canned beans and diced green chilies add their own salt content. Opt for Great Northern or cannellini beans as they provide a smooth, creamy texture essential to the dish. Fresh spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano enhance the southwestern flavor profile, so measure carefully to balance heat and depth. Your White Chicken Chili from the Cheesecake Factory copycat menu can taste authentic by respecting these ingredient choices and proportions.
Instructions
- Dice onion and mince garlic.
- Cut chicken breasts into large chunks.
- Heat olive oil in large pot/Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, sauté until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in green chilies, cumin, chili powder, coriander, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Rinse and drain white beans.
- Add beans and frozen corn to the pot.
- Simmer 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stir in chopped cilantro.
- Ladle chili into bowls.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for serving.
Substitution
White Chicken Chili from The Cheesecake Factory copycat menu is a comforting dish that combines shredded chicken, white beans, and a flavorful blend of southwestern spices. If boneless, skinless chicken breasts are unavailable, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier texture. When fresh green chilies are not accessible, canned diced green chilies offer a convenient alternative without compromising flavor. To achieve a thicker texture, you can mash some of the cooked white beans before stirring them back into the chili. Your choice of beans, such as Great Northern or cannellini, allows flexibility based on what you have on hand.
Tips
Make sure to simmer the chicken gently to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry and tough; using two forks to shred the chicken while it's still warm yields the best texture. Rinse canned white beans thoroughly to reduce excess sodium and prevent a metallic taste in your chili. Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and cheese off heat or on very low heat to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without curdling. You'll want to reserve lime wedges until serving to add a fresh burst of acidity that enhances the chili's southwestern flavors.
Nutritions
White Chicken Chili from The Cheesecake Factory provides a rich source of lean protein from chicken breasts combined with dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates from white beans and corn, supporting muscle repair and digestive health. The recipe's use of low-sodium chicken broth and spices like cumin and chili powder adds flavor without excessive sodium, benefiting cardiovascular wellness. Cream elements such as sour cream, heavy cream, and Monterey Jack cheese contribute healthy fats and calcium, enhancing satiety and bone strength. Your intake balances macronutrients effectively, making it a hearty yet nutritious meal option.
Storage
Store your White Chicken Chili in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. It can be safely kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, ensuring you have convenient, ready-to-eat meals. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to preserve the smooth, creamy texture of the chili.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap chicken breasts for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time while maintaining tender meat. Use a mix of black beans and white beans to add a richer texture and enhanced flavor complexity. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk if you want a dairy-free alternative that adds subtle sweetness. For a smoky twist, consider roasting the green chilies before adding them to deepen the chili's flavor profile, enhancing Your overall cooking experience.
Allergies
White Chicken Chili contains dairy ingredients like sour cream, heavy cream, and Monterey Jack cheese, which may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to milk proteins or lactose intolerance. The chili also includes spices such as cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper that can sometimes trigger allergic responses or irritation in sensitive individuals. If you have known allergies to dairy or spices, it's important to check each ingredient carefully before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The White Chicken Chili from Cheesecake Factory stands out for its rich blend of creamy textures, smoky spices, and tender chicken chunks, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. Its unique combination of ingredients such as white beans, green chilies, and a hint of cumin offers a balanced heat that appeals to a wide audience. You will find that recreating this dish at home allows you to customize the spice level and freshness, ensuring an authentic taste without the restaurant price. Making the copycat version is worth it for those seeking to enjoy a hearty, delicious chili that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides or as a standalone meal.