Name: White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup); 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder); 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ small lime, juice from; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans; 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh); 2 heaping cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover chicken); Fresh cilantro; Shredded cheese; Tortilla chips; Green onions; Avocado

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 30 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a delightful twist to a classic favorite, this White Chicken Chili Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. Creamy, subtly spicy, and loaded with tender shredded chicken and creamy beans, it’s everything you want on a chilly evening or whenever you crave a bowl full of warmth and heartiness. This recipe balances bright lime juice, mild green chilies, and savory spices, creating a harmony of tastes that’s both comforting and exciting. Trust me, once you try this White Chicken Chili Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round pot filled with three visible layers of food sits on a white marbled surface: the bottom layer is a rich brown sauce with some texture, the middle layer is mixed yellow corn, and the top layer is shredded light beige chicken. On top of the chicken is a big dollop of white sour cream or cream, adding softness to the scene. A wooden spoon with a worn handle sticks out from the left side of the pot, partially resting in the food showing a mix of textures and colors. The pot itself is white on the outside and black inside with handles on each side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this White Chicken Chili Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, making this chili something truly special without complicated steps.

Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a subtle richness.
Yellow onion: Offers a sweet base that softens and blends beautifully with spices.
Garlic cloves: Deliver a punch of pungent warmth, boosting the overall flavor.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a savory, comforting liquid foundation for the soup.
Diced green chilies: Bring mild heat and a vibrant kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of smoky depth.
Cayenne pepper: Introduces a gentle heat that can be adjusted to taste.
Dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the spices.
Paprika: Lends color and a mild warmth.
Lime juice: Brightens the chili with a zesty tang.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Great northern beans: Give creaminess and wholesome texture.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Adds smooth creaminess and balances the spices.
Corn (frozen or fresh): Adds a hint of sweetness and a pleasant bite.
Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty protein star that makes this chili a satisfying meal.

How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté until it’s softened and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base that your chili will rest on.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Next, pour in the chicken broth, diced green chilies, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and lime juice. Season everything with salt and fresh black pepper to taste. This blend of spices and broth creates that signature warmth and complexity that make the White Chicken Chili Recipe so irresistible.

Step 3: Prepare the Beans

Drain and rinse your great northern beans under cold water. For an extra creamy texture, take a ladleful of the beans along with a splash of broth and puree them in a food processor or blender until smooth. This simple trick transforms the chili into a luxuriously thick comfort food, but you can skip it if pressed for time.

Step 4: Simmer with Corn and Beans

Add both the pureed beans and whole beans into the pot, along with the corn. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. This simmering lets the flavors mingle and deepen, producing that perfectly balanced chili body.

Step 5: Stir in Chicken and Creaminess

Once your chili has simmered, remove it from the heat and gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken and sour cream or Greek yogurt. This final touch gives the chili its velvety texture and makes every spoonful delightfully creamy without overpowering the spices.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe

A gray bowl filled with creamy orange soup topped with shredded light orange strips, small green avocado cubes, and sprinkled with green chopped herbs and black pepper directly in the center of the bowl. The surface beneath the bowl has a white marbled texture. Another similar bowl, blurred, is in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best part of serving this White Chicken Chili Recipe is customizing it to your liking with fresh, colorful garnishes. Brighten each bowl with chopped fresh cilantro, sprinkle with shredded cheese for gooey goodness, add creamy avocado slices for a cool contrast, and scatter some crunchy tortilla chips on top for texture that keeps every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

Though this chili is hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it with light, refreshing side dishes takes your meal to new heights. Think crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, warm cornbread brushed with butter, or even a side of steamed rice to soak up all that saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or simply enjoy your chili with flair? Serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. Or layer it in clear glasses for a chili parfait effect, alternating with dollops of sour cream and garnishes. These little twists turn a simple bowl of chili into a memorable dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This White Chicken Chili Recipe keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating for the best flavor and texture retention. It’s a perfect ready-to-go meal after a busy day.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, you can freeze the chili up to the simmering step, before adding the sour cream and cooked chicken. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Freeze cooked chicken separately for best texture. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your chilled or thawed chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add the shredded chicken and sour cream at the end to keep their flavors fresh and creamy. The chili tastes just as wonderful the next day, if not better!

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer starting with raw chicken, add about 1.5 pounds to the pot along with the broth and spices early in the cooking process. Let it cook thoroughly, then shred it right in the pot before stirring in your sour cream at the end.

What type of beans works best for White Chicken Chili Recipe?

Great northern beans are traditional and give a creamy texture, but you can also use cannellini or even pinto beans in a pinch. Rinsing and, optionally, pureeing some beans adds that lovely thickness everyone loves.

Is this chili spicy?

This White Chicken Chili Recipe is mildly spiced for most palates, but the cayenne and green chilies add a gentle heat. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the cayenne and use just one can of mild green chilies.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply leave out the chicken and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to keep it hearty and filling.

How can I thicken the chili if it feels too thin?

Pureeing a portion of the beans with some broth and stirring them back in creates a naturally creamy and thicker texture, no extra thickeners needed. Another quick option is to simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, delicious meal that’s both wholesome and easy to make, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this White Chicken Chili Recipe a try. It’s honestly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, with enough versatility to suit your taste. Whether cozying up on a weeknight or feeding a crowd, this recipe will be one of your favorites before long. Happy cooking and especially happy eating!