If you’re in the mood for a cozy one-pot meal that brings everyone running to the table, White Chicken Chili is your new go-to recipe. Creamy, hearty, and dotted with tender chicken, mellow white beans, and just enough gentle heat, this dish takes classic chili in a whole new direction. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite, perfect for game days, potlucks, or any night you’re craving soul-soothing comfort without a lot of fuss. Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible bowl of goodness right at home!

White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of White Chicken Chili lies in its simplicity—each ingredient delivers its own punch of flavor, texture, or color, and together, they create a surprisingly layered dish that feels both light and deeply satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love each addition):

Olive oil: Gives you a silky start, coaxing out all the flavor from your onions and garlic.
Onion: Brings sweetness and depth as the veggie backbone of your chili.
Garlic: A must for rich aromatics; it brightens the entire pot with its unmistakable savoriness.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Offers lean, tender bites that soak up all the chili goodness.
Diced green chilies: These add both tang and a gentle heat, keeping things lively but family-friendly.
Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, it’s the flavor anchor for that signature chili taste.
Dried oregano: Adds herby brightness and a hint of the Southwest.
Chili powder: For a subtle nudge of spice and a gorgeous golden tint.
Ground coriander: Infuses a citrusy undertone that elevates every bite.
Salt and black pepper: Balances and intensifies all the other seasonings.
White beans: Hearty, creamy, and filling—they’re the chili’s soul.
Chicken broth: Melds all the components together into a luscious base.
Sour cream: Lends tangy creaminess for that irresistible richness.
Heavy cream: Brings ultimate silkiness—think comfort in a spoonful.
Lime juice: Wakes everything up with its zippy freshness.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Ties flavors together with a fresh, herby finish.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by warming the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or sturdy soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, and let it cook until it turns soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and let it sizzle for just another minute; you’ll smell its wonderful aroma as it mingles with the onions. This step builds a flavorful base for your White Chicken Chili.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add your bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pot. Stir and let them cook until they start to brown and are cooked through, usually 6 to 8 minutes. This locks in the chicken’s juices, so each morsel stays deliciously tender in your chili.

Step 3: Stir in Seasonings and Chilies

Now sprinkle in the green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix so your chicken and onion get evenly coated with all those aromatic spices and chilies. This step is where your kitchen really starts to smell like something special is on the way!

Step 4: Add Beans and Broth

Pour in the drained and rinsed white beans, then add the chicken broth. Stir everything together and crank up the heat until it starts to simmer. Let it gently bubble for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally as the flavors meld and the broth takes on a creamy body—no heavy lifting required.

Step 5: Finish with Creaminess

Turn the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream and heavy cream. Let the chili simmer gently for another 5 minutes, which gives it that signature creamy texture without boiling out any of the dairy’s richness. Right before serving, take it off the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. For a final touch, sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you’re so inclined!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you get to add a personal touch and dial up the flavor. Sprinkle on fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal note, or add thinly sliced jalapeños for bolder heat. A dollop of extra sour cream, shredded cheese, or a handful of crunchy tortilla strips brings both color and texture to your bowl. Don’t forget a wedge of lime for an extra burst of freshness!

Side Dishes

For the ultimate cozy meal, pair your White Chicken Chili with warm tortilla chips for scooping, classic cornbread, or fluffy rice on the side. A crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette is a great lighter option to balance all the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your chili into a show-stopping entrée by serving it in homemade bread bowls, or load it up nacho-style over baked tortilla chips and smother with melty cheese. If you’re packing leftovers, try ladling it into a thermos for a comforting work lunch. This chili also makes amazing filling for burritos or tacos if you’re feeling adventurous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

White Chicken Chili is just as lovable the next day! Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making that second bowl even more irresistible.

Freezing

This chili is freezer-friendly, so don’t hesitate to double the batch. Ladle cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Creamy soups can sometimes separate a bit after thawing, but a good stir will bring everything back together.

Reheating

To reheat, place chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water. For microwave reheating, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I make White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Simply sauté the onions and garlic separately, then add all ingredients except the sour cream, heavy cream, and lime juice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and lime juice just before serving for the creamiest results.

Is this recipe spicy?

White Chicken Chili has a gentle heat level thanks to mild green chilies and a modest dash of chili powder. For extra spice, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne. Taste as you go and adjust to your heat preference.

Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you sure can! Shred or chop your pre-cooked chicken and add it after the onions have softened, letting it warm through before moving forward with the recipe. It’s a fantastic time-saver for busy nights.

What’s the best type Main Course

Cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans are all excellent choices for White Chicken Chili. They turn creamy when simmered and soak up all the tasty flavors in the pot.

How can I make this chili dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap out the sour cream and heavy cream for canned coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy cream alternative. The chili will still turn out velvety and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you enough how much I adore this White Chicken Chili—it’s a warm hug in a bowl that always gets rave reviews. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, give this recipe a try. You’re just one pot away from comfort food bliss, so go ahead and grab those ingredients—you won’t regret it!

White Chicken Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Warm up with a bowl of hearty White Chicken Chili, a creamy and flavorful twist on traditional chili. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. Packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onion until soft, then add garlic.
Cook Chicken: Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned.
Add Seasonings: Stir in green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Add white beans and broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Finish: Stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes, then add lime juice.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro and enjoy with tortilla chips or cornbread.