The Best 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe For Cold Days

Whipping up a delectable white chicken chili can transform your weeknight dinner routine in minutes.

Minimal ingredients don’t mean compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

Rich, creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken and hearty beans.

Comfort meets convenience in this streamlined recipe that promises maximum taste with minimal effort.

Spices dance through each spoonful, creating a warm and inviting meal.

Craving something simple yet spectacular?

Let’s dive into a culinary adventure that will become your new go-to comfort meal.

Why 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Is So Simple

• Customize with Ease: Flexible toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro let you personalize the dish to match your taste preferences and mood.
• Perfect for Busy Families: Simple one-pot cooking method means less cleanup and more quality time around the dinner table, ideal for hectic weeknights.
• Nutrition in a Bowl: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, this hearty chili delivers a satisfying and balanced meal that keeps everyone full and happy.

Ingredients for 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and lean protein that provides hearty substance to the chili.

• Chicken Stock: Creates a rich and flavorful foundation for the chili.

• Salsa Verde, Ground Cumin: Adds a zesty and warm southwestern-style seasoning to the dish.

• Beans: Provides extra protein, texture, and a creamy element to the chili.

• Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and highlight the overall flavor profile of the chili.

How to Make 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Vessel

Grab a large pot and get ready to create a delicious white chicken chili that’ll warm your soul.

This recipe is a quick and easy meal that comes together in no time.

Step 2: Combine Flavor Powerhouses

• Chicken stock
• Shredded chicken
• Beans
• Salsa verde
• Ground cumin

Step 3: Bring The Chili To Life

Set your pot over medium heat and coax the ingredients into a gentle simmer.

Watch as the liquid starts to bubble softly around the edges.

Step 4: Let The Magic Happen

Allow the chili to cook for 20 minutes, giving it an occasional stir.

This is when all the flavors start to dance and mingle, creating a rich and comforting dish.

Step 5: Taste And Adjust

Take a moment to sample your creation.

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper if you feel the chili needs an extra flavor boost.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the steaming hot chili into bowls.

Feel free to dress it up with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or shredded cheese for an extra special touch.

Tips for Easy White Chicken Chili

• Add a splash of lime juice at the end to brighten the chili and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Replace shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken or canned chicken for faster preparation.
• Control spiciness by choosing mild or hot salsa verde, adjusting to personal preference.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors develop overnight.
• For a lower-carb version, reduce bean quantity or substitute with cauliflower chunks for added nutrition.

Variations to Customize 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable stock for a complete meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap salsa verde for spicier red salsa to increase heat intensity.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium chicken stock, reduced-sodium beans, and homemade salsa to control salt content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Creamy Protein Boost: Stir in Greek yogurt or light cream cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, more luxurious texture and added protein.

Serving Suggestions for White Chicken Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, inviting meal that hugs your soul on chilly evenings.
• Garnish Galore: Top with fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, crumbled queso fresco, and a dollop of tangy sour cream to elevate flavor and texture.
• Side Kick Companions: Pair with warm cornbread, crisp green salad, or Mexican-style rice to transform this simple chili into a complete, satisfying dinner experience.
• Quick Meal Hack: Pack leftovers in thermoses for lunch or freeze individual portions for fast weeknight meals that taste like they've been simmering all day.

How to Store 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

• Store the chili in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What makes this chili different from traditional red chili?

This white chili uses salsa verde and cumin for a tangy, lighter flavor profile compared to tomato-based red chilis, creating a unique southwestern-style dish.

• Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute white beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans depending on your preference and what you have available in your pantry.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This white chicken chili can be easily prepared in advance and stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or lunch preparations.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Consider adding extra shredded chicken, or stirring in some cooked quinoa or additional beans to boost the protein content of the chili.

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting 5-ingredient white chicken chili delivers hearty southwestern warmth with minimal effort. Quick preparation meets rich flavor, inviting home cooks to savor a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups (16 ounces) salsa verde

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped red onions
• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Crumbled tortilla chips
• Fresh jalapeno slices

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Instructions

1. Pour chicken stock into a spacious pot, creating the foundational liquid for the chili.
2. Add shredded chicken, white beans, and salsa verde to the stock, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Sprinkle ground cumin across the mixture to infuse robust, warming flavor throughout the dish.
4. Activate medium heat, allowing the liquid to gradually warm and transition into a gentle simmer.
5. Maintain consistent low bubbling for approximately 20 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent ingredient settling.
6. Assess the chili’s flavor profile, cautiously introducing salt and black pepper to enhance overall taste complexity.
7. Verify the chicken is thoroughly heated and ingredients have harmoniously blended.
8. Transfer the steaming chili into serving bowls, preparing for presentation with optional garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado.
9. Serve immediately while the chili maintains optimal temperature and robust flavor characteristics.

Notes

• Swap canned beans for freshly cooked ones to control sodium levels and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra richness to the chili.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy salsa verde depending on personal preference.
• Boost nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or spinach during the simmering process for extra vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 217 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg