5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy 5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe That Wows Every Time

Whipping up a delightful white chicken chili requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Busy home cooks appreciate straightforward recipes that deliver big on taste.

Warm spices and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll crave.

Creamy textures and rich broth make this chili stand out from traditional recipes.

Minimal prep time means you can enjoy a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.

Grab a spoon and get ready to savor every delectable bite of this easy chili.

Simple 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Delight

  • Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this chili a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a fast meal solution.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy texture and hearty ingredients create a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out, ideal for chilly evenings or when craving something nourishing.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Potential: The mild, kid-friendly flavors and smooth consistency appeal to both adults and children, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for personal touches like adding toppings such as fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese to match individual taste preferences.

What You Need to Make 5-Ingredient Chili

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that forms the hearty base of the chili.
  • White Beans: Soft, creamy legumes that add texture and extra protein to the dish.
  • Green Chilies: Mild peppers that provide a subtle heat and fresh flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the foundation of the chili.
Dairy and Seasoning:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth ingredient that adds richness and creates a creamy texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and highlight the other ingredients.

Quick Instructions for 5-Ingredient Chili

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Vessel

Grab a large pot and set it on the stovetop.

This will be your magical cauldron for creating a comforting white chicken chili that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Toss these delicious ingredients into the pot:
  • Tender chicken pieces
  • Creamy white beans
  • Zesty green chilies
  • Savory chicken broth

Step 3: Awaken the Simmering Magic

Turn your stovetop to medium heat and let the ingredients dance together.

Watch as the pot slowly comes to a gentle simmer, allowing all the flavors to mingle and get to know each other.

Step 4: Create Creamy Perfection

Dive in with a block of cream cheese and stir it into the bubbling mixture.

Keep stirring until the cream cheese melts completely, transforming your chili into a luxuriously smooth and creamy delight.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Give your chili a taste and sprinkle in some salt and pepper as needed.

The goal is to make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Once it’s seasoned just right, ladle the steaming chili into bowls and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.

Pro Tips for White Chicken Chili Perfection

  • Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and extra flavor.
  • Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to increase heat intensity for spice lovers.
  • Use an immersion blender to partially blend the chili for a thicker, creamier consistency.
  • Replace white beans with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining volume.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, reheating slowly to prevent cream cheese separation.

Variations to Keep 5-Ingredient Chili Exciting

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Swap: Add diced jalapeños and replace green chilies with chipotle peppers for a smoky, heat-packed alternative.
  • Vegetarian Protein Punch: Substitute chicken with white beans, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternative for a meatless protein-rich meal.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Use cauliflower instead of white beans and add extra heavy cream to increase fat content while reducing carbohydrates.

Serving Suggestions for 5-Ingredient Chili

  • Southwestern Fiesta Topping: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of zesty flavor that brightens the creamy chili.
  • Crunchy Texture Boost: Top with crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips to add a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the smooth, creamy chili base.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread or a simple green salad to create a complete and filling meal that balances the rich, comforting chili.
  • Cool Cream Drizzle: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to enhance the creamy texture and provide a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm chili.

Storage Advice for White Chicken Chili

  • Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping flavors sealed and fresh.
  • Pour chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or taste.
  • Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Gently reheat chili in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works great and saves time. Just drain and shred it before adding to the pot.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mild with green chilies, but you can add more heat by including jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier version.

  • Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Add all ingredients except cream cheese to the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in cream cheese during the last 30 minutes.

  • What type of beans work best for white chicken chili?

Great Northern beans or cannellini beans are perfect for this recipe, but you can also use navy beans as a substitute.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe

5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

White chicken chili delivers comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising warmth and satisfaction for home cooks who crave simple, delicious meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 15 ounces (425 grams) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern, rinsed and drained)
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) diced green chilies

Liquids and Dairy:

  • 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (full-fat preferred)

Instructions

  1. In a spacious pot, amalgamate shredded chicken, pristine white beans, zesty green chilies, and robust chicken broth, creating a hearty base for the chili.
  2. Elevate the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to intertwine and develop depth, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  3. Introduce cream cheese into the simmering concoction, stirring methodically until the cheese dissolves completely, transforming the chili into a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture.
  4. Meticulously taste and calibrate the seasoning, incorporating salt, pepper, or additional spices to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  5. Ladle the steaming, creamy white chicken chili into serving bowls, ensuring each portion captures the rich, comforting essence of this delectable dish.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the leanest and most tender protein in this chili.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature beforehand to ensure smoother, faster melting into the broth.
  • For a lower-fat version, swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess.
  • Add extra heat by including diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier chili.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star