White Chicken Chili Recipe

Prepare yourself for the coziest bowl of comfort food because White Chicken Chili is pure magic in a pot! With creamy white beans, tender chicken, gentle spice, and a tangy finish, it’s a delightful twist on classic chili—light, fresh, and just as satisfying. If you’re looking for a hearty, feel-good dinner that comes together in 45 minutes, this chili is about to become your weeknight go-to.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s round up the building blocks for the best White Chicken Chili ever! Each ingredient pulls its weight and brings something special to the party—flavorful, hearty, and so vibrant they give this chili mouthwatering depth and color.

• Olive Oil: A splash softens the onions and adds a lovely base flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Sautéed for sweetness and savory depth.
• Garlic (or Garlic Powder): For a subtle aroma and warmth—fresh or powdered both work!
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The backbone of the chili, letting you control the saltiness and keep it light.
• Diced Green Chilies: Bring that signature Southwestern flavor—use mild or spicy as you like.
• Ground Cumin: Classic chili flavor that anchors all the other spices.
• Cayenne Pepper: For just a touch of background heat; totally optional.
• Dried Oregano: Herbaceous and earthy, rounds out the flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
• Lime Juice: A pop of bright acidity that wakes everything up at the end.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoned exactly to your liking.
• Great Northern Beans: Creamy, buttery beans that make the chili thick and hearty—feel free to swap with other white beans if needed.
• Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: This is your creamy secret weapon; Greek yogurt also gives a light tang!
• Corn: For a little crunch and subtle sweetness; frozen, canned, or fresh are all great.
• Cooked Chicken (shredded): Rotisserie, leftover, or freshly poached chicken—just make sure it’s tender and in bite-sized pieces.
• Topping Suggestions: Think fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, green onions, and creamy avocado slices.

Variations

The beauty of White Chicken Chili is how easy it is to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to swap an ingredient or try a different protein—this recipe is the perfect blank canvas for your family’s favorites and special dietary needs.

• Vegetarian Twist: Just leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth—add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra heartiness.
• Swap the Beans: Any small white beans, like cannellini or navy beans, work beautifully—or even pinto beans in a pinch.
• Spicy Upgrade: Use hot green chiles, extra cayenne, or a splash of salsa verde for a chili with a real kick.
• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Toss everything in and let technology work its magic! Just stir in dairy and shredded chicken at the end.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

First, heat the olive oil in a big sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Add in your chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent and softened, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic (or garlic powder) and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant—this sets a flavorful foundation for the whole chili.

Step 2: Build the Broth and Season

Pour in your chicken broth, then add the green chilies, cumin, cayenne, paprika, oregano, lime juice, plus salt and pepper. This is where the magic starts bubbling! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let those flavors meld together for a few minutes.

Step 3: Prep and Add the Beans

Drain and rinse your beans well. For the creamiest chili, scoop out a ladleful of beans and blitz them with a splash of broth in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add both the pureed and whole beans (plus corn) into your pot, stirring everything to combine.

Step 4: Simmer for Flavor and Thickness

Let the chili gently simmer uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes. This gives it time to thicken and deepen in flavor—don’t rush it! Give it a stir every now and then, soaking up those dreamy aromas.

Step 5: Stir in Chicken and Creaminess

Turn off the heat and fold in your shredded chicken and a generous cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This finishes the chili off with irresistible creaminess and makes every spoonful silky smooth.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle your hot, hearty White Chicken Chili into bowls and let everyone top theirs as they like—cilantro, cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, you name it! A squeeze of lime on top takes it right over the edge.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Garnishes

The toppings are where the fun begins! Offer bowls of chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, green onions, slices of creamy avocado, and a fistful of crushed tortilla chips. Everyone can build their perfect bowl—just add a squeeze of lime for extra brightness!

Side Dishes

White Chicken Chili is a meal in itself, but it absolutely loves sidekicks like warm cornbread, crusty bread for dunking, or a crisp green salad. You can even add a scoop of rice underneath your chili for a super hearty twist!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chili in bread bowls for an unexpected presentation, or set up a chili bar and let everyone top their own with their favorite extras. Mini bowls or mugs make for fun appetizers or party bites at your next gathering, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for even tastier leftovers (if you have any!).

Freezing

This chili freezes like a dream—just freeze before adding the sour cream or yogurt (to avoid separation). Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add cooked chicken when reheating for best results!

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then reheat as above. Stir in your dairy at the very end, off heat, for that signature creamy finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s both nourishing and soul-soothing, give this White Chicken Chili a try! It’s a family favorite in my kitchen and I can’t wait for it to become a staple at your table, too. Cozy up with a bowl—it’s pure comfort in every bite.

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