This White Chicken Chili Recipe delivers everything you love about classic chili — but with a creamy, zesty twist that’s both comforting and surprisingly light. Shredded chicken, white beans, and green chiles come together in a luscious, flavor-packed broth, finished with a swirl of cream and a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s a cozy bowlful that never fails to draw a crowd, whether on a chilly weeknight or for your next gathering. If you’re craving a hearty meal that’s easy to pull off and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings, this is it!

White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines thanks to its handful of simple, powerhouse ingredients that each play a special role. The balance of spices, creamy touches, and pops of color makes this chili irresistibly inviting. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and spices right from the start.
Onion (diced): Builds a sweet, savory base that makes the whole chili taste homemade.
Garlic (minced): Intensifies the flavor, giving a delicious depth to every spoonful.
Ground cumin: Delivers that earthy, smoky undertone classic to chili.
Dried oregano: Brings a pop of herbiness and rounds out the spices beautifully.
Chili powder: Adds a gentle heat and classic chili flavor — don’t skip it!
Cayenne pepper (optional): Gives an extra kick for those who like it spicy; totally optional!
Chicken broth: Acts as a flavorful, savory base for all the goodness to simmer in.
White beans (drained and rinsed): Bring creaminess and body, making the chili heartier and more satisfying.
Diced green chiles: Provide a mild, tangy heat that really makes this white chili unique.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and soaks up the chili’s flavor perfectly.
Corn: Adds sweetness, color, and a little pop to each bite — use frozen or canned.
Sour cream: Makes the chili creamy and balances out any heat with a cool note.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Enriches the broth and brings everything together with a silky finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential to bring out all those wonderful flavors.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and ties together the spices and creaminess at the end.
Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, or jalapeños let everyone make their bowl just right.

How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Spices

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook until softened and fragrant — about 4 to 5 minutes. When the onion starts to turn golden around the edges, stir in the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne (if you’re using it). Let everything sizzle for 30 seconds, just enough for the spices to bloom and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Build the Base

Once your spices are smelling amazing, pour in the chicken broth. Add the drained white beans, diced green chiles, shredded chicken, and corn. Stir it all together to create the beautiful, hearty base of your White Chicken Chili Recipe. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, so all those flavors can blend perfectly.

Step 3: Make it Creamy

Now for the luscious finish: reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and heavy cream (or half-and-half). This step transforms your broth into something rich and velvety, so it’s important not to let it boil once the dairy goes in. Let it simmer gently for about 5 more minutes, just to warm through and let everything meld together.

Step 4: Season and Brighten

Right before serving, squeeze in the juice of one lime and season with salt and pepper to taste. That squeeze of lime really makes the flavors pop, giving your White Chicken Chili Recipe its signature fresh finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls while it’s piping hot, and set out any of your favorite toppings for everyone to build their ideal bowl. Whether you go simple or pile on the fixings, it’s always a hit!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe

Garnishes

This chili truly shines when finished with a handful of garnishes. Try shredded cheese for extra creaminess, sliced avocado for richness, fresh cilantro for a burst of green, crisp tortilla strips for crunch, or spicy jalapeños for a little heat. Each topping brings something special, so feel free to mix and match.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this White Chicken Chili Recipe is that it’s wonderful all on its own, but a few sides make it even more soul-satisfying. Warm cornbread, a simple green salad, or even some fluffy rice all pair beautifully and can stretch your meal further for a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to serve chili in unique ways! Try ladling it over baked potatoes for a hearty spin, spoon it into bread bowls for a fun presentation, or serve mini cups at a party for easy crowd-pleasing bites. This White Chicken Chili Recipe loves to take center stage however you serve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover White Chicken Chili Recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. Transfer cooled chili to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better as they sit!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your chili on the stovetop over low heat or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If it’s thickened up in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back to creamy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this White Chicken Chili Recipe, especially during the holidays. Just shred it and add it in place of the chicken — all the other steps stay the same.

What’s the best way to make the chili thicker?

If you love a creamier texture, blend one can of the white beans before adding to the pot. This will give the chili a thicker, more luscious base without any extra effort.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! For a dairy-free White Chicken Chili Recipe, simply substitute your favorite unsweetened dairy-free cream (like coconut or cashew) and use a non-dairy sour cream or omit it entirely. The results are still deliciously creamy.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Certainly! Sauté your onion, garlic, and spices first, then transfer everything (except the sour cream and cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir in the dairy at the very end before serving.

What are the best toppings for this chili?

Some of the best toppings for the White Chicken Chili Recipe include shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, jalapeños, or even a dollop of extra sour cream. Let everyone have fun customizing their bowl!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s both crowd-pleasing and easy to make, give this White Chicken Chili Recipe a try. Every spoonful is creamy, hearty, and loaded with flavor — the ultimate comfort in a bowl! Grab your favorite toppings and dive in; this is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful White Chicken Chili recipe that is creamy and satisfying. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
1 cup frozen or canned corn
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime

Optional Toppings:

Shredded cheese
Avocado
Cilantro
Tortilla strips
Jalapeños

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne (if using).
Add Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, white beans, green chiles, shredded chicken, and corn. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes.
Finish the Chili: Reduce heat, stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Simmer gently, then add lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Enjoy hot with optional toppings.