White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili, bursting with flavor and warmth. Imagine tender chunks of chicken simmered in a creamy, zesty broth, infused with green chilies and a hint of lime. Each spoonful is a cozy hug, complemented by hearty white beans and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together. Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips or warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort food indulgence!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

White Chicken Chili
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For cooking the chili
- 1 Wooden spoon For stirring the ingredients
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups Cooked, shredded chicken Lean protein that keeps the chili hearty.
Legumes
- 1 can White beans Adds creaminess and fiber for a filling dish.
- 1 can Corn Adds sweetness and texture.
Vegetables
- 1 diced Onion Enhances the base flavor with sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cloves Garlic Adds aromatic depth and a savory kick.
Spices
- 1 can Diced green chilies Provides a mild heat and flavor boost.
- 4 cups Chicken broth The flavorful liquid base for the chili.
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Brings a warm, earthy flavor that complements the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder Adds heat and depth.
Seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
Garnishes
- to taste Cilantro Fresh herb garnish that adds a burst of flavor.
- to taste Cheddar cheese For topping, adds creaminess and richness.
- to taste Lime juice Brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, 1 can of white beans, 1 can of corn, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 can of diced green chilies, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Beans
- Stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, and corn. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
- Carefully add the chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all the ingredients to mingle beautifully.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
- Add the diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
- Give your chili a taste! Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your palate.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the warm chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes like cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Notes
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 10g | 25g | 30g |
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili
- It’s a cozy bowl of goodness that warms you from the inside out.
- Packed with lean protein, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Leftovers taste even better, making it a meal prep winner!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Soup |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-free |
| Serves: | 6 servings |
| Best Served: | With cornbread |
Ingredients White Chicken Chili
- Chicken Breast – lean protein that keeps the chili hearty.
- White Beans – adds creaminess and fiber for a filling dish.
- Green Chilies – provides a mild heat and flavor boost.
- Onion – enhances the base flavor with sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic – adds aromatic depth and a savory kick.
- Chicken Broth – the flavorful liquid base for the chili.
- Cumin – brings a warm, earthy flavor that complements the dish.
- Oregano – adds a hint of herbal freshness.
- Lime Juice – brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish.
- Cheddar Cheese – for topping, adds creaminess and richness.
- Cilantro – fresh herb garnish that adds a burst of flavor.

Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the White Chicken Chili
Get ready to whip up a bowl of delicious White Chicken Chili with these easy steps!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, 1 can of white beans, 1 can of corn, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 can of diced green chilies, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Beans
Stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, and corn. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Carefully add the chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all the ingredients to mingle beautifully.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Add the diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give your chili a taste! Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your palate.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the warm chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes like cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your cozy meal!

Pro Tips for Making the White Chicken Chili
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful base.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
- Experiment with different beans like white kidney or navy beans for varied texture.
- Don’t skip the toppings! Fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime juice elevate the dish.
- Let it simmer longer for deeper flavors; it’s even better the next day!
How to Serve White Chicken Chili
- Top with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Serve with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
- Pair with warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
- Offer lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese for extra indulgence.
- Include avocado slices for a creamy texture.
- Serve in bread bowls for a fun twist.
- Garnish with jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh garden salad for balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures your White Chicken Chili stays delicious for future meals.
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
• Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
FAQs
What can I use instead of heavy cream in White Chicken Chili?
You can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of milk and cornstarch for a lighter option. Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it up, giving you a creamy texture without the extra calories.
Can I make White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just add all your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?
Consider topping your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado. These toppings add a delightful creaminess and freshness that complements the chili perfectly.
Can I freeze White Chicken Chili?
Yes, White Chicken Chili freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, making it a great meal prep option.
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