White Chicken Chili is pure comfort, creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, hearty beans, and just the right amount of spice. In contrast to classic chili, it’s a lighter twist that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home. Moreover, the rich, creamy broth pairs beautifully with the mild heat of green chiles, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet satisfying. Ultimately, it’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out and, without fail, leaves everyone at the table asking for seconds.
What makes this dish a favorite? First of all, it’s incredibly easy to whip up pantry staples, no need for fancy ingredients or multiple trips to the store. Furthermore, it comes together effortlessly, making it a true lifesaver on those hectic nights when time is tight. On top of that, it’s incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your mood or the preferences of everyone at the table.
For me, this chili quickly becomes my go-to as soon as the weather starts to cool down, or anytime I’m craving something hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or even a quiet night with a good movie. I love how versatile it is, you can add your favorite toppings and make it your own. Fresh avocado, crunchy tortilla chips, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro are my must-haves, but the possibilities are endless.
Trust me, once you try this creamy white chicken chili, it’ll quickly become your ultimate comfort food. In fact, it’s the kind of meal that not only makes everyone at the table happy but also keeps you coming back for seconds. So, go ahead, dig in, and enjoy every cozy, flavorful bite!
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⭐Why You'll Love This White Chicken Chili
- Simple to Make: You can make this with just a few everyday ingredients and super simple steps.
- Pure Comfort: It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, white beans, and cozy spices.
- Totally Customizable: Keep it mild or turn up the heat, it’s up to you! You can add fun toppings like avocado and cheese, or even swap the chicken for turkey.
- Leftovers Taste Better: It tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prepping or quick lunches. Win-win!
🧾White Chicken Chili Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this White Chicken Chili:
Main Ingredients:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like starting with extra virgin olive oil to sauté the veggies, as it adds a smooth, rich flavor and helps create a tasty base for the spices and vegetables. Plus, if you don’t have it on hand, you can easily swap it with vegetable or sunflower oil without missing a beat!
- Onion and Garlic: These are my go-to aromatics for adding big flavor.
- Diced Green Chilies: Canned green chilies are my secret weapon here. They bring just the right amount of mild heat and a tangy, smoky kick that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Salt brings out all the flavors, making the chili taste balanced, while black pepper adds a gentle heat and sharpness.
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Chili Powder, Parsley): This spice mix is what truly makes the chili extra flavorful. First, cumin adds a warm, nutty base, while paprika brings a subtle smokiness and rich color. Additionally, oregano contributes a hint of herbiness, and chili powder provides a warm kick. Finally, dried parsley ties it all together with just the right touch of brightness.
- Chicken Broth: I like using good-quality chicken broth for a savory, rich base.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice is a must, it adds a bright, tangy finish that balances the richness of the chili perfectly.
- Chicken Breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean, hearty protein.
- White Beans: Cannellini beans are my favorite, they’re creamy, hearty, and help thicken the chili naturally. Any white beans will do, though, so feel free to use Navy, Great Northern, or whatever you have on hand. Dried beans are great too if you’ve got the time to soak and cook them.
- Frozen Corn: Frozen corn adds a touch of sweetness and a nice crunch to balance the chili’s warmth. Canned or fresh corn works too, just use what you have!
- Sour Cream: Sour cream is the magic ingredient that makes the chili extra creamy while also adding a little tang to balance out the spices.
For Garnish:
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of citrusy brightness and a vibrant green finish.
- Tortilla Chips: I love adding tortilla chips for that salty crunch, it’s so satisfying with the creamy chili.
- Avocado: Creamy avocado slices are the perfect cool topping to balance the chili’s warmth and spices.
- Green Chili (or Jalapeños): If you want a little more heat, add some sliced jalapeños, they bring a fresh, tangy kick that works so well with the flavors.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make White Chicken Chili
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. In a big pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until clear, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until it smells good.
2. Stir in diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to toast the spices.
3. Add chicken broth, lime juice, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then cover, simmer on medium-low for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, shred them with two forks, and set aside.
5. Blend half a can of beans with a little water until smooth, then add them to the soup.
6. Add the drained white beans and corn, then simmer for 10 minutes until heated and flavorful.
7. Lower the heat, then mix in the shredded chicken, parsley, and sour cream. Let it heat for about a minute, stirring occasionally. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot with fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and avocado for the perfect finishing touch. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your tasty white chicken chili!
🍽 What to Serve with White Chicken Chili
This white chicken chili is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with sides can make it even better. Crusty ciabatta bread, cornbread, or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. For a traditional pairing, serve it with healthy cornbread.
Make it a fiesta night with guacamole and pico de gallo, or keep it simple with sides like tomato salad, or pasta salad. And for dessert? End on a sweet note with chocoflan or arroz con leche, pure bliss!
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Start with Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro really make the flavors pop. If you can, skip the bottled substitutes, they don’t compare!
Sauté for Flavor: Take a few minutes to sauté the onions, garlic, and spices in olive oil before adding any liquids. It creates a rich, aromatic base that takes your chili to the next level.
Toast the Spices: Let your spices cook with the onions and garlic for about a minute. This little step releases their oils and makes the flavors so much bolder.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until it’s tender enough to shred. Overcooking can make it dry, and nobody wants that!
Blend for Creaminess: For that dreamy, creamy texture, blend a portion of the white beans and stir it back into the pot. Trust me, it’s a game-changer and takes the chili to a whole new level.
Taste as You Go: Before serving, give your chili a taste. Need a pinch of salt? A squeeze of lime? A little more spice? Adjust until it’s just right for you.
Get the Perfect Consistency: If your chili feels too thick, add a little more chicken broth. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a bit to thicken up.
Don’t Skimp on Garnishes: Avocado, tortilla chips, and cilantro aren’t just for looks, they add crunch, creaminess, and brightness that make every bite better.
Make it Ahead: This chili only gets better with time. The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s perfect to make in advance.
Reheat with Care: If it thickens up too much when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Warm it over low heat to keep everything tender and flavorful.
🍛More Bean Recipes to Try!
If you love using beans when you are cooking, then check out the following recipes for inspiration:
- Black Eyed Peas
- Cowboy Caviar
- Fabada Asturiana (White Bean Soup)
- Spanish Bean Soup with Clam (Alubias Blancas con Almejas)
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dinner recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
For White Chili:
- 3 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Onion
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Can Diced Green Chilies
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ¾ teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 tps Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 700 ml Chicken Broth
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
- 400 g Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 2 cans White Beans
- 200 g Frozen or Fresh Corn
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 250 g Sour Cream
For Garnish:
- Fresh Cilantro
- Tortilla Chips
- Avocado
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices, stirring constantly.
- Pour in chicken broth, and fresh lime juice, and add chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Shred the meat with two forks. Set aside.
- Put half a can of beans in a food processor, add a little water, and blend until smooth. Pour the blended beans into the soup.
- Stir in drained and rinsed white beans and corn. Simmer for another 10 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded chicken, dried parsley, and sour cream and heat for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and sliced avocado. Enjoy your delicious white chicken chili!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
This white chicken chili looks amazing! Can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing!