Looking for a cozy, comforting, and flavorful dinner idea? White chicken chili is the perfect one-pot meal for cooler nights or busy weekdays. Unlike traditional chili that uses tomatoes and red beans, white chicken chili features a creamy, mildly spiced broth loaded with shredded chicken, white beans, and green chiles, a family favorite that’s both hearty and healthy!
This dish shares the spotlight with hearty favorites like the chicken eggplant parmesan, a recipe also worth trying if you love chicken-based comfort foods.
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili
- Quick & Easy: Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftover meat, it’s ready in under an hour.
- One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes, more comfort. Everything comes together in a single pot.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers and freezes well (before adding dairy).
- Creamy Without Heavy Cream: Using Greek yogurt or sour cream adds richness with a healthy twist.
- Family Favorite: Mild enough for kids but easy to spice up for adults.
- Customizable: Add more veggies, make it spicier, or go dairy-free, it’s flexible.
Looking for a cozy casserole instead? Try this rich and comforting million dollar chicken casserole that’s just as satisfying.
Key Ingredients in White Chicken Chili
Here’s what you’ll typically need to make a delicious pot of creamy white chicken chili:
- Shredded chicken (breast, thighs, or rotisserie chicken)
- White beans (Cannellini, Great Northern, or Navy beans)
- Green chilies (canned or fresh)
- Onion and garlic
- Chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- Cream cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for creaminess
- Corn (optional but adds sweetness)
- Cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and salt
- Jalapeño (optional, for added spice)
- Lime juice and cilantro (for garnish)
For more dairy-based comfort dishes, check out this million dollar chicken casserole loaded with creamy richness.
How to Make White Chicken Chili: Step-by-Step
Stovetop Method
- Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat olive oil.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeños.
- Cook until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add Chicken and Spices
- Stir in shredded or cubed chicken, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
- Let the spices toast for a minute.
- Pour in Broth and Beans
- Add chicken broth, white beans, and green chilies.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in Creamy Ingredients
- Add cream cheese or sour cream.
- Stir until melted and fully combined.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve
- Garnish with lime juice, cilantro, shredded cheese, or avocado slices.
Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Options
Slow Cooker Method
- Dump all ingredients (except dairy) into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Shred chicken and add dairy ingredients 30 minutes before serving.
Instant Pot Method
- Sauté onions, garlic, and spices using the “Sauté” function.
- Add remaining ingredients (except dairy).
- Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
- Quick-release pressure, then stir in cream cheese or sour cream.
If you’re making this in a crockpot, using a reliable slow cooker for easy white chicken chili ensures consistent heat and effortless cooking.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to mix it up? Here are some popular modifications:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken, double the beans, and use vegetable broth.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt for creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle powder.
- Low-Carb: Omit the beans and corn; bulk up with more chicken and veggies.
- Leftover Turkey Chili: Perfect after the holidays!
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. (Tip: Avoid freezing if you’ve added dairy, stir it in after reheating.)
- Reheat: Warm over the stove or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth if too thick.
What to Serve With White Chicken Chili
Pair your bowl of white chicken chili with:
- Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Side Dishes:
- Cornbread or tortilla chips
- Green salad with a lime vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables or baked potatoes
Expert Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili
- Use rotisserie chicken for flavor and ease.
- Bloom your spices in oil to enhance flavor.
- Don’t skip lime juice, it brightens the entire dish.
- If too thick, add extra broth. If too thin, mash some beans and simmer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes white chicken chili white?
It lacks tomatoes and uses light-colored ingredients like white beans, chicken, and dairy.
Is white chicken chili supposed to be spicy?
Not necessarily. It’s usually mild but can be adjusted with peppers or hot sauce.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
How do I thicken white chicken chili?
Mash some of the beans or add cream cheese for a richer texture.
Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better the next day.
What beans are best for white chili?
Cannellini, Great Northern, or Navy beans work great for their creamy texture.
Is white chicken chili healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein, fiber, and nutrients, especially if you use Greek yogurt or skip the cream.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re meal-prepping, cooking for a crowd, or craving a warm bowl on a chilly evening, white chicken chili checks all the boxes: quick, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying.
Explore more deliciously cozy recipes like this creamy chicken pasta bake or try something new with this chicken caesar pasta salad.
Print
The Ultimate Guide to White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting white chicken chili made with tender chicken, white beans, green chilies, and a rich, flavorful broth. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced green chilies
1 cup frozen or canned corn
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic, green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
Add chicken breasts, white beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to pot.
Stir in sour cream and cream cheese until melted and well combined. Simmer on low heat for 5 more minutes.
Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Adjust the thickness by mashing some beans or adding more broth.
Make it dairy-free by swapping sour cream and cream cheese for coconut milk or dairy-free alternatives.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze without the dairy for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, chicken and white beans, easy chili recipe, healthy white chili