White Chicken Chili – The Ultimate Creamy and Hearty Recipe

Posted on February 2, 2025

Gramma Rosie

A steaming bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños

Lunch

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Introduction

White Chicken Chili is a creamy, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that brings a deliciously unique twist to traditional chili. Unlike its red chili counterpart, which features ground beef and tomato-based broth, White Chicken Chili is made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, and a blend of warm spices, all brought together with a rich and creamy broth.

This recipe is perfect for those looking for a comforting, one-pot meal that is both nutritious and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner, a meal prep option for the week, or a crowd-pleaser for game night, White Chicken Chili never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes with simple, wholesome ingredients.
✔️ Rich & Creamy: A perfect balance between savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors.
✔️ Healthy & Protein-Packed: Loaded with lean chicken and fiber-rich beans.
✔️ Versatile: Customize the spice level and add your favorite toppings!
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

What Makes White Chicken Chili Special?

White Chicken Chili is lighter yet just as satisfying as traditional chili. The combination of tender chicken, mild green chilies, and creamy broth creates a velvety texture that coats every spoonful with flavor. The best part? It’s a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!

Unlike beef chili, which relies on a tomato base for depth, this white chili has layers of flavor built through the use of onions, garlic, spices, and a creamy finish that sets it apart.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Making this chili is incredibly easy. You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic, then adding the chicken, white beans, and flavorful spices. Everything simmers together in a savory broth before finishing with cream cheese or heavy cream for a smooth and luxurious consistency.

This step-by-step guide will ensure your White Chicken Chili turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 cups of tender, shredded chicken, perfectly cooked and ready to infuse your chili with rich, savory flavor. Using rotisserie chicken adds an effortless depth, making the preparation even easier and more flavorful!
Two 15-ounce cans of creamy white beans, such as cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed to enhance their texture and seamlessly blend into the chili for a hearty and nutritious boost.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Optional Toppings:

Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
Sliced jalapeños
Chopped fresh cilantro
Avocado slices
Lime wedges
Tortilla chips

Step-by-Step Directions

1: Sauté the Aromatics

Warm a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat in a sturdy Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, creating the perfect base for building rich, aromatic flavors.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2: Build the Chili Base

Add the shredded chicken, white beans, and corn to the pot. Stir well.
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let cook for 15–20 minutes.

3: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and smoothly blend in the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt and create a luscious, creamy texture. Continue stirring until it fully melts into the broth.
Pour in the half-and-half (or heavy cream), stirring continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.

4: Let It Thicken

Let the chili simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5: Serve & Garnish

Ladle the White Chicken Chili into bowls.
Top with your favorite toppings like cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Serve warm with tortilla chips or cornbread for the ultimate meal!

Pro Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili

Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: It gives the chili its signature creamy consistency.
Control the Heat: Add extra green chilies or a dash of cayenne for more spice.
Simmer for More Flavor: Letting the chili cook longer allows the flavors to develop fully.

Variations & Customizations

Dairy-Free Version:

Swap cream cheese for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Use dairy-free shredded cheese as a topping.

Gluten-Free Option:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check store-bought ingredients like broth and canned beans to ensure no gluten additives.

Slow Cooker Method:

Add all ingredients except cream cheese and half-and-half to a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Stir in the cream cheese and half-and-half at the end and cook for another 30 minutes until creamy.

Instant Pot Method:

Use the Sauté function to cook onions, garlic, and spices.
Add the chicken, broth, beans, and chilies.
Cook on Manual (Pressure Cook) for 10 minutes.
Quick-release pressure, then stir in cream cheese and half-and-half.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serve in warm bowls with toppings like cheese, cilantro, and lime.
Pair with crusty bread, cornbread, or warm tortillas.
Garnish with avocado slices for a creamy contrast.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Refrigeration:

Keep any leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, preserving their flavor and quality for up to four days.

Freezing:

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore texture.

More Ways to Elevate Your White Chicken Chili

If you’re looking to take your White Chicken Chili to the next level, here are some additional tips and enhancements you can try. These will help you customize the dish to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, or even to add a unique twist!

1. Add More Depth of Flavor

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, you can add extra depth with these ingredients:

Roasted Garlic: Instead of regular minced garlic, use roasted garlic for a sweeter, richer taste.
Fire-Roasted Green Chilies: They add a subtle smokiness compared to regular canned green chilies.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the chili’s overall depth with a slightly smoky essence.
A Splash of Lime Juice: Stir in fresh lime juice at the end to brighten up the flavors.
A Touch of Honey: A tiny bit of honey or maple syrup can balance the heat and acidity.

2. Protein Variations – Beyond Chicken

While White Chicken Chili is traditionally made with chicken, there are plenty of ways to switch up the protein:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a slightly different texture while keeping it lean.
Shredded Turkey: A fantastic way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers!
Pulled Pork: If you love smoky flavors, try using slow-cooked pork shoulder instead.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for an extra can of white beans, lentils, or jackfruit for a hearty plant-based alternative.

3. Make It Even Creamier

This chili already has a creamy, velvety consistency, but if you want to make it even richer, try these:

Blend Some of the Beans: Before adding them to the pot, blend half the beans with some broth to create a thicker texture.
Use Greek Yogurt: Instead of cream cheese, stir in a few dollops of plain Greek yogurt for a tangy creaminess.
Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream.

4. Make It Spicier (or Milder!)

For more heat:
🔥 Add more diced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
🔥 Sprinkle in extra chili powder or cayenne pepper.
🔥 Stir in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.

For less heat:
🧊 Skip the jalapeños and use mild green chilies.
🧊 Use less chili powder and paprika.
🧊 Stir in extra cream to tone down the spice.

5. Fun Serving Ideas for Every Occasion

White Chicken Chili is super versatile and can be served in creative ways!

Game Day Chili Bar

Hosting a party? Set up a chili bar with a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their bowl! Some fun topping ideas:
✔️ Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
✔️ Sour cream or Greek yogurt
✔️ Chopped cilantro
✔️ Jalapeños
✔️ Lime wedges
✔️ Avocado slices
✔️ Crumbled tortilla chips

Taco-Style Chili

Use your chili as a taco filling! Spoon it into warm tortillas, top with cheese, and enjoy White Chicken Chili Tacos.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Pour a ladle of chili over baked potatoes, then top with shredded cheese and green onions.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Serve your White Chicken Chili over steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for an extra hearty meal.

6. Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about White Chicken Chili is that it’s even better the next day! The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

How to Store Leftovers

📦 Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or water.

💡 Meal Prep Idea: Divide chili into individual meal prep containers and pair it with sides like rice, cornbread, or salad for a grab-and-go lunch.

7. White Chicken Chili for Special Diets

If you’re following a specific diet, here’s how to adjust the recipe to fit your needs:

🟢 Keto & Low-Carb Version

Omit the beans and corn, and add more shredded chicken.
Use cauliflower rice instead of beans for extra texture.
Stir in heavy cream and extra cheese for more healthy fats.

🌱 Vegan & Dairy-Free Option

Replace the chicken with extra white beans, chickpeas, or jackfruit.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Swap cream cheese for coconut milk or dairy-free cream cheese.

8. Common Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make White Chicken Chili in advance?

Yes! The flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

2. What are the most effective methods to achieve a thicker, heartier consistency for the chili?

Mash some beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.
Allow it to gently simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, letting the excess liquid reduce and the flavors intensify.
Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).

3. What’s the difference between White Chicken Chili and traditional chili?

White Chicken Chili is lighter, creamy, and uses chicken instead of beef.
Regular chili is tomato-based and features ground beef, kidney beans, and red chili powder.

4. Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, but fresh or rotisserie chicken gives better texture and flavor.

5. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes! Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then stir in the cream cheese at the end.

Closing Thoughts – Reasons to Give This Recipe a Try

White Chicken Chili is one of the best comfort foods out there. It’s:
✔️ Creamy & Flavorful – A rich, velvety broth packed with warm spices.
✔️ Nutritious & Protein-Packed – Lean chicken + beans for a healthy meal.
✔️ Super Easy & Versatile – One-pot meal with endless customizations.
✔️ Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals – Great for leftovers and meal prep.

Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or meal prepping for the week, this chili is sure to be a huge hit!

🔥 Try it today and let me know how it turns out! 😍

Helpful Resources

Explore these related resources for more inspiration and information:

Sheet-Pan Roasted Chicken with Vegetables.

Chicken nugget.