This white chicken chili recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional chili. It features a creamy broth filled with tender shredded chicken, mild green chilies, and hearty white beans. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or looking for a cozy meal for a chilly night, this one-pot dish is easy to prepare and full of comforting flavor. You can cook it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or even in your Instant Pot for maximum convenience.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to keep this white chicken chili on repeat. It’s fast to make, especially if you have leftover chicken. The mild heat and creamy texture make it a hit for both kids and adults. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to customize, whether you want to make it dairy-free, meatless, or extra spicy. This recipe is comforting, filling, and always satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Olive oil
Used to sauté the aromatics and give the base a richer flavor.
Yellow onion
Adds sweetness and depth to the chili’s foundation.
Garlic
Provides a bold flavor boost and enhances the spice mix.
Chicken broth
The main liquid in the recipe. Choose low-sodium broth to better control salt levels.
Diced green chilies
Give the dish a gentle kick and distinct Southwest flavor.
Ground cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper
These spices build warm, smoky, and earthy notes that round out the chili.
Lime juice
Adds brightness and balances the creamy and spicy elements.
Salt and pepper
Enhance overall flavor. Adjust as needed throughout cooking.
Great northern beans
These mild white beans thicken the chili and absorb all the tasty flavors.
Corn
Adds sweetness and texture, complementing the creaminess.
Shredded cooked chicken
Perfect for using leftovers. Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Stirred in at the end, this adds creaminess and a slight tang.
Optional toppings
Try shredded cheese, sliced avocado, cilantro, green onions, or tortilla chips to personalize your bowl.
How to Make White Chicken Chili
Start by building flavor with sautéed onion and garlic. Then simmer your broth with spices, green chilies, and a blend of whole and pureed beans to create a thick and satisfying base. Finish by stirring in the cooked chicken and sour cream to create a rich and creamy chili. This process takes less than an hour and requires only one pot, making it a go-to choice for busy evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add broth and seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Blend some beans
Drain and rinse the beans. Set aside one ladleful and puree them with a bit of broth. This step adds a thick, creamy texture without using extra dairy.
Step 4: Combine beans and corn
Return the pureed beans to the pot along with the remaining whole beans and corn. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Step 5: Mix in chicken and sour cream
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cooked shredded chicken and sour cream or yogurt. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with any of your favorite garnishes.
Helpful Tips
To tone down the heat, use just one can of green chilies or omit the cayenne. If you like your chili spicier, consider adding chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. For a dairy-free version, substitute with unsweetened plant-based yogurt or skip the cream altogether and blend more beans. Want to make it meatless? Use vegetable broth and load up on veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. This recipe is also excellent for meal prep and gets even better the next day.
Details
Flavor: Lightly spiced and creamy with a fresh citrus kick
Texture: Creamy base with tender chunks of chicken and beans
Occasion: Perfect for cozy nights, potlucks, or casual dinners
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 5
Estimated Cost: Around $19
Notes
Salsa verde is a great swap for green chilies if you’re craving extra tang. Using raw chicken instead of pre-cooked? Add it in with the broth and spices, then shred it after it’s cooked. To freeze the chili, do so before adding any dairy to avoid separation when reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 299 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.002 g |
| Cholesterol | 2 mg |
| Sodium | 126 mg |
| Potassium | 852 mg |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 172 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Calcium | 157 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes white chicken chili different from regular chili?
Unlike traditional chili, which uses red kidney beans, tomatoes, and ground beef, white chicken chili uses white beans, chicken, and a creamy broth without tomatoes.
Can white chicken chili be made without cream or dairy?
Yes, you can skip the sour cream or yogurt and blend extra white beans to achieve the same creamy texture.
What beans work best in white chicken chili?
Great northern beans are ideal for their smooth texture and mild flavor. Cannellini and navy beans are also good substitutes.
Is white chicken chili better in a slow cooker or on the stovetop?
Both methods work. The stovetop is quicker, while the slow cooker allows the flavors to deepen over time with minimal effort.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. To freeze, skip the dairy and add it later when reheating for the best consistency. This chili also makes a great freezer meal when prepared in advance.
Print
White Chicken Chili Recipe | Cozy, Creamy & Easy Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting white chicken chili made with white beans, shredded chicken, green chilies, and a flavorful broth. Ready in under an hour and easy to adapt.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Juice from 1/2 small lime
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
2 heaping cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheese
Cilantro
Green onions
Avocado
Tortilla chips
Instructions
1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Pour in broth. Add green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend one portion of the beans with some broth until smooth. Return to pot.
4. Add remaining whole beans and corn. Simmer uncovered for 15–30 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in cooked chicken and sour cream until creamy.
6. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
Use salsa verde for a different twist.
Make it dairy-free with plant-based yogurt or by blending extra beans.
Swap in raw chicken and cook in the broth before shredding.
To freeze, do so before adding dairy and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.25 cups
- Calories: 299
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 126
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0.002
- Carbohydrates: 46
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 2
Conclusion
This white chicken chili is everything you want in a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers a warm, creamy finish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it fresh off the stove or reheating leftovers, this recipe offers comfort and flavor in every spoonful. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something a little more special — all with one pot and a handful of ingredients.