If you’ve ever wished for a bowl of pure comfort with a little bit of zing, White Chicken Chili is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and sweet corn swimming in a luscious, gently spiced broth. This is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal that never fails to warm you up from the inside out, whether you’re serving it to family on a chilly evening or impressing guests at a casual gathering. It’s my go-to when I want a soul-soothing dinner with a delicious twist and a bit of Southwest flair!

White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s astonishing how a handful of everyday essentials come together to create such irresistible flavor. Each ingredient in this White Chicken Chili works its magic to boost the taste, provide creamy texture, or add vibrant color.

Olive oil: Gives everything a rich, silky base and helps those aromatics soften beautifully.
Onion: Adds savory depth and a subtle sweetness once cooked down.
Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic flavor that lingers in every bite.
Diced green chilies: For a kick of gentle heat and unmistakable Southwest character.
Ground cumin: Delivers earthy warmth that rounds out every spoonful.
Dried oregano: Offers a hint of woodsy, herbal brightness.
Chili powder: Lends just the right amount of gentle spice.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds an extra punch for those who like a bit more heat!
Cooked, shredded chicken: The star of the show—use leftover or rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience.
White beans: Creamy and hearty, these make the chili satisfying and protein-packed.
Chicken broth: Simmering everything in broth makes each ingredient sing and meld together.
Frozen or canned corn: Pops of sweetness and little bursts of color in every bowl.
Salt: Pulls all the flavors together and keeps the seasoning on point.
Black pepper: Just enough to balance the warmth of the chili.
Sour cream: Ensures ultimate creaminess and tang at the finish.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Adds undeniable silkiness and richness.
Optional toppings (Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, cilantro, lime, tortilla chips): The finishing touch—each one offers a new layer of flavor and fun!

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it gently cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and a bit of cayenne pepper if you like things a little spicy. Allow these to bloom for a minute, filling your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aromas!

Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients

Once your aromatics smell heavenly, add the shredded chicken, white beans, chicken broth, corn, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so it’s well combined. As the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, you’ll notice the colors and textures coming alive, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Simmer and Blend for Creaminess

Let your White Chicken Chili simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors mingle and the chili to thicken just a bit. If you love your chili ultra-creamy, scoop out a cup, blend until silky smooth, and stir it back in before moving on to the final step.

Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Finish

Reduce the heat to low and swirl in the sour cream and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Give it a final stir and let it warm through gently for about 5 minutes. This is when the magic happens—it turns your chili into the creamy, dreamy dish everyone craves.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your steaming White Chicken Chili into big bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings. Get ready for oohs, aahs, and plenty of happy, satisfied faces at the table!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Garnishes

Top your bowls with a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, creamy avocado slices, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, or a bright squeeze of lime. Don’t forget crunchy tortilla chips for a little extra fun and texture!

Side Dishes

This chili is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can pair it with warm cornbread, a crisp green salad, or classic baked potatoes for an all-out cozy dinner. Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your White Chicken Chili in bread bowls or small mason jars at parties. You can also set up a chili bar with all the toppings so everyone can customize their bowl—perfect for family game nights or casual get-togethers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your chili cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavor only gets deeper and more delicious by day two. Just be sure to stir well before reheating, as the creamy broth may separate slightly in the fridge.

Freezing

If you’ve made a big batch, White Chicken Chili freezes beautifully. Skip adding the sour cream and cream before freezing—just stir them in after you thaw and reheat for the freshest, creamiest results. Freeze in individual portions for speedy lunches or cozy solo dinners.

Reheating

Gently reheat your chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed all the way through. If it looks a little thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Microwaving works too—just stop and stir halfway to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté your aromatics first, then add everything except the dairy to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Stir in the sour cream and cream right before serving for that signature velvety finish.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, but leftover roasted or poached chicken works perfectly. Even turkey can step in if that’s what you have on hand—this recipe is super flexible!

Is this chili spicy?

It has a gentle heat, but you control the spice! Leave out the cayenne for a milder version, or add extra chilies for a fiery kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

Can I make it dairy free?

Swap in your favorite plant-based sour cream and unsweetened non-dairy cream, and you’ll have a lovely dairy-free White Chicken Chili that’s just as satisfying!

Can I use other beans?

Definitely. While white beans (like cannellini or Great Northern) give the signature look, navy beans or even garbanzo beans will also taste delicious—feel free to mix things up based on what’s in your pantry.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a big, cozy hug, you absolutely have to try this White Chicken Chili. The combination of flavors and the creamy finish make it irresistibly comforting. Once you taste how easy and delicious it is, I bet you won’t want to save it just for special occasions!

White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of White Chicken Chili. This creamy and flavorful chili is packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy night in or to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

For the White Chicken Chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen or canned corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Optional Toppings:

Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Avocado
Cilantro
Lime wedges
Tortilla chips

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add shredded chicken, white beans, chicken broth, corn, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes until warmed through.
Serve hot with desired toppings.