If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out any time of year, it’s a piping hot bowl of One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe. Creamy, hearty, and downright comforting, this chili brings together tender chicken, buttery white beans, sweet corn, and a splash of zesty lime, all simmered in a single pot for a fuss-free meal. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or looking for something that feels a touch special, this recipe is sheer magic—packed with flavor, a slight kick, and a velvety texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe lies in its simple lineup of ingredients—you likely have most in your kitchen already! Each ingredient brings something special: the chicken for protein, the beans for creaminess, and all those warming spices for depth and flair.
- Olive Oil: Use a tablespoon to start things off; it helps sauté the onion and keeps everything silky.
- Yellow Onion: Just one small onion, diced—this sweetens and flavors the base.
- Garlic: Go for three cloves, minced, to deliver that mouthwatering aroma.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken: One pound, bite-sized—thighs give richness, breasts keep it lean.
- Diced Green Chiles (4 oz can): Adds gentle heat and subtle tang; don’t skip these!
- Ground Cumin: One teaspoon gives the chili its signature earthy spice.
- Chili Powder: Also a teaspoon for warmth without overpowering heat.
- Dried Oregano: Just half a teaspoon to round out the flavors with herby notes.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon to bring everything into balance.
- Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon is plenty for bite.
- White Beans: Two cans, drained and rinsed—think cannellini or Great Northern for creaminess.
- Frozen Corn: One cup bumps up the color and brings a lovely pop of sweetness.
- Chicken Broth: Three cups add depth and keep your chili brothy and flavorful.
- Sour Cream: Half a cup stirred in at the end for unbeatable creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: Another half cup ensures that velvety, restaurant-quality finish.
- Lime Juice: The juice of one lime brightens and sharpens the whole dish.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro (optional): A sprinkle over the top brings fresh color and a fragrant finish.
How to Make One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it go for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion looks soft and a bit translucent. This step is key to building sweet, savory flavor in the chili base. Once the onion is softened, stir in the minced garlic and let it bloom for another minute—it’ll smell heavenly!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken right into the pot. Give them a good stir and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. The goal here isn’t to cook the chicken through, but to get a bit of color, locking in flavor and keeping things juicy and tender as the chili simmers later.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Makers
Next up, toss in the diced green chiles, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the chicken is coated with all those delightful spices—this step infuses every bite with flavor, not just the broth!
Step 4: Build the Chili
Time to add the heart of our One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe: pour in the white beans, frozen corn, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pot for even more flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking, the flavors will meld together, and the soup will thicken ever so slightly.
Step 5: Finish with Creaminess
Lower the heat to low and gently stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and fresh lime juice. Let it all warm through together for 3 to 5 minutes. The broth will turn deliciously creamy and take on a pale golden hue—absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with a little chopped cilantro, if you like. At this point, you’ve got a cozy, satisfying dinner that begs for toppings (think avocado, cheese, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips). Enjoy every spoonful!
How to Serve One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to serving the One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe, the garnishes are where the fun (and flavor!) really take off. Try shredded cheese for melty richness, diced avocado for cool creaminess, sliced jalapeños if you crave a hit of spice, or a crumbling of tortilla chips for crunch. Fresh cilantro ties everything together with a burst of green and herbal freshness.
Side Dishes
This chili truly holds its own as a full meal, but it pairs beautifully with tender cornbread, a simple crisp salad, or even warm, crusty bread for dipping. For a hearty spread, you could add a side of roasted vegetables or a tangy slaw—the possibilities are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve your chili in big mugs—perfect for curling up by the fire or watching your favorite game. Or, ladle it over rice or quinoa for a more filling spin. If you’re hosting, set up a chili bar with all the toppings and let everyone build their own bowl. No matter how you serve it, this dish is a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe is a meal prep superstar. Let your leftover chili cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making quick lunches or easy dinners a breeze.
Freezing
If you want to freeze extra chili, let it cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Just keep in mind that the creaminess may separate ever so slightly when thawed, but a good stir will bring it back together.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently to ensure the creamy broth doesn’t scorch. You can also microwave, pausing to stir frequently. If it’s a bit too thick after chilling or freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and revive its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Stir in shredded rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken during the final 10 minutes of simmering—just long enough to heat through and soak up the chili flavors. This is a great time-saver.
Is the One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe spicy?
As written, this chili is creamy with gentle warmth from chiles and spices—not overly spicy. If you love heat, add cayenne pepper or extra diced chiles to kick things up!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Swap the sour cream and heavy cream for your favorite dairy-free alternatives, like coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream, for a version that’s still silky smooth.
What type Main Course
Cannellini or Great Northern beans are both excellent choices for their creamy texture and mild flavor, but navy beans work too. Use what’s on hand!
How can I thicken my white chicken chili?
If you’d like a thicker chili, mash up a half cup of the beans before adding to the pot, or let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce the liquid. The result will be wonderfully hearty.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish you make once and crave forever after. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this cozy bowl brings big comfort with minimal effort. Give it a try, and don’t forget to load up your bowl with your favorite toppings for a little extra magic!
Print
One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot White Chicken Chili is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a flavorful blend of spices, this hearty chili is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- juice of 1 lime
- chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, sauté until soft. Stir in garlic.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Add green chiles, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add white beans, corn, and broth. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked.
- Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and lime juice. Simmer until creamy. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
- Top with shredded cheese, avocado, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.
- To make it spicier, add cayenne or extra green chiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
