If you are craving a comforting bowl that brings warmth and a delightful twist to classic chili, this White Chicken Chili Recipe has got you covered. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a subtle hint of heat from green chiles, making it the perfect cozy meal any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is easy to make yet impressively satisfying, delivering that just-right blend of spice, creaminess, and fresh brightness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this White Chicken Chili Recipe’s magic. Each component plays an important role, building layers of flavor while adding texture and color to the dish.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and garlic to bring out their sweetness.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds a savory depth and soft texture to the chili base.
- Garlic, minced: Provides fragrant aroma and a subtle kick.
- White beans (2 cans, drained & rinsed): Creamy and hearty, these form the body of the chili.
- Diced green chiles (1 can): Brings gentle heat and a mild tangy flavor.
- Cooked shredded chicken (3 cups): The star protein powering this dish with tender, juicy bites.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups): Keeps the chili moist and flavorsome without overpowering saltiness.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy warmth and enhances depth.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Provides traditional chili flavor and a gentle smoky note.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle herbal touch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild sharpness.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Infuses creamy tang that smooths out the spices.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1/4 cup): Enriches the texture, making the chili luxuriously thick.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Brings a burst of sweetness and a satisfying pop.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds bright acidity to lift all the flavors.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): For fresh herbal garnish.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional): Melts on top adding a creamy, cheesy layer.
How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onion and cook it gently until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just 30 seconds until you can smell that wonderful fragrant hint warming up your kitchen.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Now it’s time to add the white beans, diced green chiles, and shredded chicken straight into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth next, then sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so those spices evenly coat the ingredients, then bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and Meld
Let the chili cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering step allows all those bright and savory flavors to mingle and deepen, while the chicken absorbs the spicy tomato and chile notes.
Step 4: Creamy Finish
After the simmer, stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and frozen corn. These additions will transform your chili into a rich and creamy delight while providing that sweet crunch from the corn. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes to fully heat through and thicken slightly.
Step 5: Brighten and Adjust
Finally, add a splash of lime juice to add brightness that cuts through the richness. Give it a taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Your White Chicken Chili Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh toppings is where you can really personalize your bowl. Consider sprinkling chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note, or melt some shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top for extra creaminess. A dollop of sour cream can also cool down any lingering heat and add richness.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm cornbread to soak up every last bit. A simple green salad or tortilla chips work great too for contrasting textures and to make the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your White Chicken Chili Recipe in a rustic ceramic bowl for that cozy vibe, and garnish with a wedge of lime and a few slices of fresh jalapeno if you like it spicy. Layering the toppings in colorful bowls allows everyone to customize their own serving, which is always a hit when entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chili into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or packed lunches.
Freezing
This White Chicken Chili Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the texture if it thickened too much in storage.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?
While canned chicken can work in a pinch, cooked shredded chicken, such as rotisserie or poached chicken, gives this White Chicken Chili Recipe much better flavor and texture. It’s worth the extra step for a tastier dish.
How spicy is this chili?
This chili has a gentle and approachable spice level from the green chiles and chili powder, but it’s not very hot. You can easily adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or extra chili powder if you prefer more kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this White Chicken Chili Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. Just be sure to check canned goods for any hidden gluten if you have a sensitivity.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You absolutely can! Just throw all ingredients except the sour cream, cream, corn, and lime juice into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the creamy ingredients and corn near the end, then stir well and cook another 15 minutes before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half works well to keep it creamy without being too rich. For a lighter option, you can use whole milk, though it won’t be as thick or decadent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a go-to comfort meal that’s easy to make but feels special, I can’t recommend this White Chicken Chili Recipe enough. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors that make every spoonful satisfying. Next time you want a delicious and cozy dinner, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This White Chicken Chili is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful soup perfect for cozy meals. It combines tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a blend of spices simmered to perfection with sour cream and cream for richness. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and packed with protein.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Chopped cilantro for topping (optional)
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Main Ingredients and Spices: To the pot, add the drained white beans, diced green chiles, shredded chicken, and low-sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Cream and Corn: Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream (or half-and-half), and frozen corn. Continue cooking the chili for an additional 5 minutes to warm through and blend the creamy textures.
- Finish and Adjust Flavors: Add the lime juice and stir well. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with chopped cilantro and shredded Monterey Jack cheese if using. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting white chicken chili.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, mash about 1/2 cup of the white beans before adding them to the pot.
- Using rotisserie chicken can make the preparation faster and easier.
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
