Making Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili is straightforward if you follow these detailed steps:

1. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their flavor.
5. Mix in Beans and Chilies: Add the drained white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir well, making sure everything is combined.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Add Cream: After simmering, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Heat Thoroughly: Allow the chili to warm for an additional 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through.
9. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

These easy steps provide a clear path to creating this delicious dish that will impress all of your taste testers!