The Best Spicy White Chicken Chili Recipe For Cold Evenings

Whipping up a hearty white chicken chili can transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Comfort meets excitement in this zesty dish that promises bold flavors and warmth.

Peppers and tender chicken create a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Aromatic spices weave through each spoonful, inviting you to savor every delicious bite.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels both familiar and adventurous.

Layers of complex seasonings build depth and character, making this chili more than just another meal.

FAQs

• What makes this chili different from traditional red chili?

This white chicken chili uses chicken instead of beef and has a lighter, creamy base with white beans, creating a unique flavor profile that’s less tomato-heavy and more herb-forward.

• Is this recipe spicy?

Yes, it has a moderate heat level from jalapenos, Tabasco sauce, and chili powder. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I use canned or dried beans for this recipe?

Canned beans are recommended for convenience and faster cooking. If using dried beans, you’ll need to pre-soak and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What Makes Spicy White Chicken Chili So Zesty

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold, zesty flavors from jalapeños, chili powder, and Tabasco sauce, this recipe delivers a punch of excitement that will wake up your taste buds.
• Quick and Hearty Comfort: Designed for busy home cooks, this one-pot wonder comes together effortlessly, providing a satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customize Your Bowl: Versatile toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese let everyone personalize their chili, making it a crowd-pleasing option for family and friends with different preferences.
• Nutrition in Every Bite: Lean chicken breasts and protein-rich beans create a balanced dish that's both filling and nutritious, offering a wholesome meal without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients for Spicy White Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides the base for this hearty chili.

• Jalapenos, Onions, Garlic: Flavorful combination that creates a spicy and robust foundation for the chili.

• Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Coriander: Warm and complex spice blend that adds depth and traditional Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich chicken flavor to the chili.
• Tabasco Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds extra heat and tangy complexity to the dish.

• Beans: Hearty legume that adds texture and protein to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes, Green Chilies: Provide additional moisture, acidity, and subtle heat.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and deepens the tomato flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and traditional Mexican garnish flavor.

How to Cook Spicy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat up your favorite large pot and toss in diced jalapenos, onions, and garlic.

Saute these flavor-packed ingredients until they become soft and translucent, releasing their incredible fragrant essence.

• Jalapenos
• Onions
• Garlic

Cook until vegetables are tender and slightly golden.

Step 2: Build Robust Spice Foundation

Introduce a medley of spices to create a deep, complex flavor profile.

• Cumin
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Coriander
• Salt
• Pepper
• Tomato paste

Stir and toast the spices for about 2 minutes to awaken their rich aromatics.

Step 3: Create Liquid Flavor Base

• Beans
• Chicken broth
• Tabasco sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chilies

Mix everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Poach Tender Chicken

Gently submerge whole chicken breasts into the bubbling mixture.

Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer quietly for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb all the incredible flavors.

Step 5: Shred and Enhance Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.

Return the shredded meat back into the pot and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes to meld all flavors together.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro into the chili just before serving.

Add optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions to customize your bowl.

Pro Tips for Spicy White Chicken Chili

• Adjust jalapeno quantities to control heat level, removing seeds for milder chili or adding extra for more kick.
• Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to reduce total cooking time and add extra flavor.
• Swap chicken broth with low-sodium vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or enhance depth by using homemade stock.
• Mash some beans against pot sides to naturally thicken chili without adding extra ingredients.
• Replace Tabasco with chipotle sauce or fresh green chilies for different smoky or fresh flavor profiles.

Variations on Spicy White Chicken Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Green Chile Chicken Stew: Increase green chilies, add roasted poblano peppers, and swap some broth with salsa verde for a more intense southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Chili: Reduce salt, use low-sodium chicken broth, replace Worcestershire sauce with apple cider vinegar, and add extra herbs for seasoning complexity.
• Creamy White Chicken Chili: Stir in Greek yogurt or cream cheese at the end for a richer, smoother texture that adds subtle tanginess and increases protein content.

Serving Ideas for Spicy White Chicken Chili

• Flavor Boost Plate: Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro on top for extra zesty warmth and color.
• Comfort Crunch Corner: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips or warm cornbread to add delightful texture and soak up the rich broth.
• Cool Contrast Companion: Add a dollop of sour cream or fresh chopped avocado to balance the spicy chili's heat and provide creamy contrast.
• Hearty Meal Maker: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette to create a complete, balanced meal that satisfies hunger and taste buds.

How to Store Spicy White Chicken Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

Spicy White Chicken Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm Mexican-inspired spicy white chicken chili delivers comfort and zest in one hearty bowl. Creamy white beans, tender chicken, and bold spices create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly nights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast

Beans and Tomatoes:

• 3 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) cans Great Northern beans
• 2 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) cans black beans
• 28 ounces/794 grams can diced tomatoes
• 4 small cans green chilies

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 – 2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup jalapenos, diced
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Chopped jalapenos
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, sautéing diced jalapeños, onions, and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, coriander, salt, and black pepper into the vegetable mixture. Incorporate tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to develop deep, rich flavors.
3. Pour in white beans, chicken broth, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, and roasted green chilies. Thoroughly blend all ingredients, creating a harmonious base for the chili.
4. Gently place whole chicken breasts into the liquid mixture, ensuring they are completely submerged. Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering and simmering for 30 minutes.
5. Carefully extract chicken breasts from the pot, using two forks to shred the meat into tender, bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken to the simmering chili and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips.

Notes

• Dial down the heat by removing jalapeno seeds or using milder green chilies for a family-friendly version.
• Create a low-sodium alternative by using reduced-sodium chicken broth and limiting added salt.
• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or shredded turkey for a quicker preparation method.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra beans or incorporating quinoa for a more nutritious meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg