The Creamiest White Chicken Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crafting a hearty white chicken chili delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Fragrant spices dance through tender chicken and creamy beans, creating a soul-warming meal.

Peppers and green chilies add unexpected zest to this classic dish.

Perfectly balanced ingredients merge into a delightful blend that satisfies deep hunger.

Home cooks adore how simple yet spectacular this recipe becomes with minimal effort.

Smooth and rich, the chili promises a delectable experience you won’t soon forget.

Dive in and savor each incredible bite of this remarkable southwestern-inspired comfort food.

All About White Chicken Chili FAQs

• What makes white chicken chili different from traditional red chili?

White chicken chili uses white meat chicken and white beans instead of ground beef and red beans. It has a lighter, creamier base with different spices like cumin and oregano, giving it a unique, milder flavor profile.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by changing the amount of jalapeños or adding hot sauce for more spice. To make it milder, remove the jalapeño seeds or use less spicy peppers like poblano.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and other added ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

What Makes White Chicken Chili So Satisfying

• Savor Speedy Comfort: This white chicken chili delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like milk instead of cream or adjust spice levels to suit personal preferences without compromising the dish's delicious character.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required as everything cooks beautifully in a single pot, making this recipe a dream for busy home cooks who want delectable meals without extensive kitchen work.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein, vegetables, and gentle spices, this chili appeals to both adults and kids, transforming mealtime into a crowd-pleasing experience that satisfies diverse taste buds.

White Chicken Chili Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts: The star protein that provides a tender and juicy base for the chili.
• White Beans: A creamy legume that adds texture and extra protein to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the chicken and creates the chili's base.

• Onion, Garlic, Jalapeños: A classic flavor trio that builds a robust and spicy foundation for the chili.
• Corn: A sweet vegetable that adds color and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, Dried Oregano: A spice blend that provides depth and traditional chili flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chili.
• Fresh Cilantro, Green Onions: Bright garnishes that add freshness and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating a flavorful base.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds a creamy texture and richness to the chili.
• Lime Wedges: A zesty finishing touch that brightens the flavors.

How To Cook White Chicken Chili With Ease

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The foundation of your flavor journey begins here.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

• Minced garlic
• Diced jalapeños

• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Dried oregano

Stir and let spices bloom for an additional minute.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Place whole chicken breasts into the pot with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Shred Chicken Goodness

Remove chicken from pot. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

• Rinsed white beans
• Corn
• Heavy cream

Gently simmer for 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through and combined.

Step 6: Season And Finish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Lime wedges

Squeeze lime over top for a bright, zesty finish.

Enjoy your comforting white chicken chili!

Helpful Hints For White Chicken Chili Success

• Modify Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeño quantity to control heat – use less for mild or remove seeds for extra gentle flavor.
• Swap Protein Wisely: Replace chicken with shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and varied taste.
• Boost Creaminess Perfectly: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to create a healthier, protein-packed alternative with similar texture.
• Make Ahead Strategically: Prepare chili a day in advance to let flavors meld and intensify, resulting in even more delicious results when reheated.
• Store Smartly: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for convenient future meals that maintain exceptional taste.

Fresh Ways To Serve White Chicken Chili

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a meat-free protein-packed chili.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Boost heat by adding diced green chiles, increasing jalapeño quantity, or incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smokier, more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Eliminate corn and beans, replace with cauliflower rice or additional vegetables like zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the chili hearty and satisfying.

Sides That Match White Chicken Chili Perfectly

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Complement the chili's spicy profile with a classic lime margarita that echoes the bright citrus notes and cuts through the creamy richness.
• Rustic Cornbread Companion: Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread alongside the chili to soak up the flavorful broth and provide a perfect textural contrast with its crumbly texture.
• Cool Crisp Slaw Sidekick: Create a tangy green cabbage slaw with lime and cilantro dressing that offers a refreshing crunch and balances the chili's warm, hearty elements.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a light Mexican lager or wheat beer with subtle citrus undertones that harmonizes with the chili's spices and provides a crisp, clean palate cleanser.

Best Storage Tips For 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 or heavy-duty freezer bags. Will maintain quality for up to 3 months when frozen properly.
• Place chili in microwave-safe dish, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when heated through.
• Pour chili into saucepan, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until completely heated. Add extra liquid if needed to maintain creamy consistency.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting white chicken chili brings Mexican-inspired warmth to dinner tables with its creamy blend of tender chicken, hearty beans, and aromatic spices. Rich flavor and easy preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 jalapeño peppers, diced
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can white beans (like cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk

Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, then sauté diced onions for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
2. Add minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Incorporate ground cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano, stirring to develop deep flavors for an additional minute.
3. Place whole chicken breasts into the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from pot and shred using two forks, then return shredded meat back into the simmering broth.
5. Introduce rinsed white beans and corn to the pot. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine, and allow chili to gently simmer for 5-10 minutes until thoroughly heated.
6. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Serve hot in individual bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and providing lime wedges on the side for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing jalapeños for personal heat preference.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative to cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
• Choose low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a healthier version.
• Replace chicken with shredded turkey for a different protein option during holidays or meal prep.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg