1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Start by getting everything ready to make cooking smooth and fun. Dice your onion and mince the garlic ahead of time this is your mise en place, which keeps things organized. Measure out the spices and soften the Neufchatel cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This prep takes roughly 15 minutes and sets you up for success.

2-Second Step: Sauté the Aromatics Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, toss in the 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another 30 seconds to release their aroma. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the chili.

3-Third Step: Build the Broth Base Pour in 2 (14.5 oz) cans of chicken broth, 1 (7 oz) can of diced mild green chilies, and the spices: 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare and Add the Beans Drain and rinse 2 (15 oz) cans of cannellini or great northern beans. Set aside the whole beans, but take 1 cup of them and blend with 1/4 cup of the soup broth in a food processor until nearly smooth this creates that creamy texture without extra ingredients. Add the Neufchatel cheese, 1 1/4 cups frozen corn, the whole beans, and the pureed beans mixture to the pot. Stir everything well and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens.

5-Fifth Step: Incorporate the Chicken and Finish Stir in 2 1/2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors. For the best results, taste and adjust seasonings here. Serve hot, topped with options like tortilla chips, Monterrey jack cheese, and sliced avocado. This final step takes about 5 minutes, bringing your total cooking time to 35 minutes.

6-Sixth Step: Customize and Serve Once everything is mixed, let it simmer a bit more if needed, then dish it out with your favorite toppings. This step adds a personal touch, making each bowl unique. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!