The Best White Chicken Chili Recipe: Creamy & Flavorful Comfort

Crafting the best white chicken chili brings together comfort and excitement in one delightful bowl.

Hearty ingredients dance with robust flavors that promise warmth and satisfaction.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken and soft beans.

Spices whisper complex notes of comfort and excitement through each spoonful.

Weeknight dinners transform into memorable moments with this simple yet elegant recipe.

Aromatic and inviting, this chili will become your new go-to meal that sparks conversation and fills bellies with joy.

Dive in and savor every delicious bite.

Ingredients for Flavorful White Chicken Chili

• Chicken: The star of the dish, providing tender and flavorful meat for the chili.

• Onions, Garlic: Base ingredients that build a deep and rich flavor foundation for the chili.
• Cumin, Oregano, Cayenne, Salt, Pepper: Spices that add warmth, depth, and balanced seasoning to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base and adds savory chicken flavor to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Introduces a mild heat and tangy flavor to the recipe.
• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Provide a rich, creamy texture and smooth consistency to the chili.
• Beans: Add protein, texture, and hearty substance to the dish.
• Lime Juice: Brings a bright, fresh acidic note to balance the creamy elements.
• Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal garnish that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Corn (Optional): Adds a sweet, crisp element to the chili.

Easy Steps to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Poach and Shred Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a pot of water.

Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the chicken is completely white and tender.

Remove from water and use two forks to pull apart and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until the onions become translucent and release a mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• White beans
• Diced green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the chili simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and meld.

Step 4: Create Creamy Richness

Blend in cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

The cream will transform the chili into a luxurious, silky dish.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.

If desired, toss in some sweet corn kernels.

Let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes to marry all the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chili into bowls.

Sprinkle extra cilantro on top for a burst of fresh color and flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness.

Pro Tips for Creamy and Spicy Chili

• Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken into tender, uniform pieces for even texture and better flavor absorption.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your heat preference, adding gradually to prevent overwhelming the dish.
• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature before stirring to ensure smoother integration without lumps.
• Add lime juice and fresh cilantro just before serving to preserve bright, zesty notes and aromatic quality.
• This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, so consider preparing in advance for deeper, richer taste.

Variations to Personalize White Chicken Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Green Chili Soup: Eliminate beans and corn, add cauliflower rice or extra vegetables like zucchini to maintain volume while reducing carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Chili: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, keep all original spices and herbs for authentic flavor.
• Instant Pot Quick Chili: Combine all ingredients in pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to reduce total preparation time.

Serving Ideas for White Chicken Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, inviting presentation that feels like a hug in a meal.
• Toppings Fiesta: Sprinkle shredded monterey jack cheese, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and a dollop of extra sour cream to elevate flavor and texture.
• Mexican-Inspired Side Kick: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crispy quesadillas, or a fresh lime-dressed green salad to complete the meal with complementary flavors.
• Game Day Winner: Perfect for potlucks, football parties, or casual gatherings where guests can customize their bowl with an array of fresh toppings and garnishes.

Storage Tips for Leftover Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the chili cools completely before sealing.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling with the date.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Is white chicken chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the green chilies and cayenne pepper. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne or using mild green chilies.

• Can I make this chili dairy-free?

Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream to create a similar creamy texture.

• What type of beans work best?

Great Northern beans or cannellini beans are traditional, but you can also use navy beans or white kidney beans for a similar result.

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

Add extra shredded chicken, or include diced rotisserie chicken for more protein content without extra cooking time.

What Makes the Best White Chicken Chili

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in delicious, creamy goodness perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick adjustments like adding corn, adjusting spice levels, or swapping ingredients to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Speed Through Cooking: Simple one-pot preparation means minimal cleanup, with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master quickly without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Packed with zesty green chilies, creamy texture, and balanced spices that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.

The Best White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired white chicken chili delivers a hearty blend of tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices. Rich flavors combine with comforting ingredients you’ll savor in this satisfying one-pot meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 (15-ounce / 425 grams) cans cannellini beans or Great Northern beans
• 1 (4-ounce / 113 grams) can green chilies
• 1 cup diced onions
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Poach chicken breasts in simmering water until fully cooked and tender, approximately 15-20 minutes, then remove and shred using two forks.
2. In a large pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat until translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer shredded chicken into the pot with sautéed onions and garlic, then add white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper.
4. Reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly reduce.
5. Lower heat and incorporate softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring continuously until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili, sprinkle chopped cilantro, and optionally add corn kernels, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes to integrate final flavors.
7. Ladle hot chili into serving bowls, garnish with extra fresh cilantro, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken for rotisserie or pre-cooked options to save time and simplify preparation.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the chili.
• Opt for canned or fresh green chilies based on heat preference and ingredient availability.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra beans or incorporating quinoa for a vegetarian twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg