White Chicken Chili

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of chili, especially when the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something hearty but light. White Chicken Chili is the perfect balance of cozy and fresh, with tender chicken, creamy beans, and just the right amount of spice to warm you up without overpowering your taste buds.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed a meal that would satisfy both my hunger and my family’s. It quickly became a staple in our household, with everyone (including my picky eaters) asking for seconds. What makes it special? The creamy base, a touch of heat from green chilies, and the fact that it’s made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s packed with lean protein and fiber, so it feels like a wholesome meal while still delivering on flavor.

White Chicken Chili is one of those dishes that gets better with time—it’s perfect for meal prep, a cozy dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish at a gathering. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or for a casual weekend get-together, this chili is sure to hit the spot. And the best part? You can easily customize it to your liking with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or cilantro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This White Chicken Chili isn’t just tasty—it’s got everything you need to make it a go-to recipe in your rotation. Here’s why:

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of only 15 minutes, you can have a filling meal ready in no time. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe, so cleanup is a breeze!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors meld beautifully after a few hours, so it’s great for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
• Healthy and Hearty: Packed with lean chicken, fiber-filled beans, and a rich, creamy broth, this chili is both nourishing and satisfying.
• Versatile: You can adjust the level of spice to suit your preferences, or swap out ingredients depending on what you have on hand. Want it spicier? Add more jalapeños! Prefer a milder version? Just leave them out.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party dish, this chili is sure to please everyone at the table, young and old.

Each bite of this chili feels like a warm hug, with the creaminess of the beans and chicken combining perfectly with the spices and herbs. It’s just one of those recipes that’s comforting and satisfying, yet not too heavy. Honestly, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (15 minutes prep + 45 minutes cook time)
• Servings: Makes 6-8 servings, perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for the next day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 6g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this creamy, flavorful White Chicken Chili:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless): Chicken is the heart of this dish, providing lean protein and a delicious base.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and chicken.
• 1 medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the chili.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is a must for flavor—don’t skip this one!
• 1-2 jalapeños (seeded and chopped, optional): Adds a mild to moderate heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed: The creamy base for your chili.
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies: Adds a tangy, mild heat that perfectly complements the beans and chicken.
• 1 cup chicken broth: For a flavorful base that keeps the chili hearty.
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: This creates a rich, creamy texture without being overly heavy.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A must-have spice that gives this chili its warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a mild heat and a touch of smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: For a subtle herby note.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Toppings (optional but highly recommended):

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Lime wedges
• Crushed tortilla chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To start, heat your olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. While the oil is heating up, season your chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and cook until golden brown on both sides (about 5-6 minutes per side). The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage because it will cook more later, but it should be browned and flavorful.

Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. Using two forks or tongs, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and jalapeños, and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your chili, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth
Now, add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot. Stir everything together, and then pour in the chicken broth. Add the green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Chicken
Once the chili has simmered, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Then, pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir to combine. Let the chili simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the cream to make everything rich and velvety. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the chili has thickened to your liking and all the flavors have melded together, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime will add an extra burst of flavor. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle on some crushed tortilla chips for texture.

How to Serve

This White Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with some tasty sides to elevate the meal:

• Toppings: Add shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime to take the chili to the next level.
• Sides: Serve with warm, buttered cornbread or a side of crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
• For the family: Pair with a simple arugula salad or roasted vegetables for added freshness.
• For guests: Serve with a side of rice or a big bowl of crunchy tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing combo.

Additional Tips

To make this White Chicken Chili a complete success, here are some extra tips:

1. Shredding Chicken: If you’re in a hurry, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken. It’s a huge time-saver and still tastes great in this recipe.
2. Thickening the Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans in the pot with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to blend a few of the beans for a creamier texture.
3. Spicy Kick: If you want more heat, add extra jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicy salsa or add a bit of hot sauce before serving.
4. Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
5. Meal Prep: Make a double batch of this chili and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It makes for great lunches and easy weeknight dinners.

Recipe Variations

This White Chicken Chili is incredibly versatile! Here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with more beans or even roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian-friendly chili. You could also use tofu for some added protein.
• Slow Cooker: You can easily adapt this recipe to the slow cooker. Add everything (except the cream) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in the cream at the end and allow it to cook for an additional 15 minutes.
• Extra Creamy: For an even creamier chili, add a block of cream cheese or a few tablespoons of sour cream when you stir in the heavy cream. It will make the chili richer and more indulgent.
• Spicy White Chicken Chili: If you’re a spice lover, you can add diced green chilies, fresh poblano peppers, or a bit of chipotle powder for an extra smoky heat.

FAQ: White Chicken Chili

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, and they shred just as well. Just be sure to remove the skin and bones before cooking, and follow the same steps as with chicken breasts.

2. Can I make White Chicken Chili in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make this chili in the slow cooker, add all the ingredients (except for the cream) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Once it’s done, stir in the heavy cream and let it cook on low for an additional 15 minutes to make everything nice and creamy. It’s an easy, hands-off way to make this chili!

3. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned chicken for a quicker version of this recipe. However, fresh or rotisserie chicken will give the dish a better flavor and texture. If you do use canned chicken, be sure to drain it well before adding it to the pot.

4. How can I make this chili spicier?

If you want to add more heat, there are several ways to do so:

• Use more jalapeños or add a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking.
• Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy kick.
• You could also add diced poblano peppers or use spicy green chilies instead of mild ones.

5. Can I make this chili dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this chili dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the toppings, use dairy-free cheese or simply skip the cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.

Print

Conclusion

White Chicken Chili is the ultimate cozy dish—perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or even as a meal prep option for the week ahead. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and flavorful spices, it’s a meal everyone can enjoy. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. You’ll have a comforting, hearty meal in no time!

I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your household like it has in mine. It’s versatile, customizable, and always a hit. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, everyone will be asking for the recipe.

And the best part? It only gets better with time. So go ahead, make a big pot of this White Chicken Chili, and enjoy the cozy comfort it brings. There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chili to warm you up and make you feel at home.