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 slices

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 76 reviews

If you are craving a cozy, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out, this White Chicken Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on traditional chili, bringing together tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, and a medley of spices that create a rich, comforting bowl perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe effortlessly combines ease and heartiness, turning simple ingredients into something truly special.

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

Each ingredient in this White Chicken Chili Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish stand out. From smoky spices to creamy beans and fresh lime juice, the combination is surprisingly simple but transformative.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness that gently sautés the onions and garlic to create a flavorful base.
Small yellow onion: Provides natural sweetness and aroma, softening the spicy bite of the chilies.
Garlic cloves: Infuse a warm, pungent depth that complements the spices perfectly.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid foundation that ties every ingredient together.
Diced green chilies: Bring mild heat and a subtle tang, elevating the chili’s character.
Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth and a gentle smokiness essential for classic chili flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Gives a kick of heat—adjustable to your spice preference.
Dried oregano: Offers an herbal note that brightens the soup’s richness.
Paprika: Adds a hint of sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the broth.
Lime juice: Injects a fresh, zesty contrast that balances the creamy textures.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and enhance all flavors evenly.
Great northern beans: Create the chili’s creamy body and protein-packed substance.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Stirred in at the end for luscious creaminess without overpowering the other elements.
Corn (frozen or fresh): Adds a sweet pop and textural contrast in every spoonful.
Cooked chicken (shredded): The star protein that makes this chili satisfying and hearty.
Toppings like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, green onions, and avocado: Optional but highly recommended to personalize each bowl.

How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor and sets the tone for the entire chili.

Step 2: Build the Broth with Spices and Chilies

Add the chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, and lime juice to the pot. Season everything with salt and pepper. This flavorful mixture simmers together to marry the spices and create that beloved chili warmth.

Step 3: Prepare the Beans

Drain and rinse the beans carefully to reduce excess sodium and starch. For a luxuriously creamy texture, puree a ladleful of the beans with a splash of the broth until smooth. Though optional, this puree step transforms the soup’s mouthfeel into something luscious and thick.

Step 4: Simmer with Corn and Beans

Introduce both the pureed beans and whole beans along with the corn into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes. This simmering lets flavors meld fully and the chili to thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Creaminess

Once your chili has simmered, remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and shredded cooked chicken. The dairy adds soothing creaminess while the chicken makes each spoonful filling and comforting.

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

Choosing the right garnishes can elevate this White Chicken Chili Recipe from great to unforgettable. Fresh cilantro adds a bright herbaceous touch, shredded cheese brings melty decadence, crunchy tortilla chips create satisfying texture, sliced avocado lends buttery richness, and green onions provide a fresh bite. These toppings allow everyone to customize their bowl just how they like it.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread or crusty bread, helping soak up every last bit of its delicious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the chili’s comforting richness beautifully. For a Tex-Mex vibe, serve with a side of Mexican rice or a crisp cucumber salsa.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this White Chicken Chili Recipe in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic and inviting presentation. For a casual gathering, offer an array of toppings in small bowls so guests can build their perfect bowl. You can even ladle it over baked potatoes or nachos to give it a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers of white chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day as the flavors fully marry.

Freezing

You can freeze this chili up to step 5 before adding the sour cream and chicken. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Freeze the cooked chicken separately to keep the textures optimal. This way, you’ll have an easy, hearty meal ready to thaw and enjoy whenever you want.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding shredded chicken and sour cream at the end. Microwave reheating also works for quick meals, just be sure to stir well for even heat.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken in this White Chicken Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer to start with raw chicken, add about 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts along with the broth in step 2. Let it cook thoroughly during the simmering stage before shredding and adding the sour cream at the end. This gives you even more control over the chicken’s texture and flavor.

Is this chili spicy? How can I adjust the heat?

This recipe uses mild green chilies and a small amount of cayenne pepper for balanced heat, but you can easily control the spice level. Use just one can of green chilies or omit the cayenne pepper to keep it very mild. For more heat, add extra cayenne or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the chicken. You can bulk up the chili with extra beans, corn, and even sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to keep it hearty and delicious.

What’s the best bean to use in this recipe?

Great northern beans are traditional for white chili for their creamy texture and mild flavor, but you can use any small white beans like cannellini or navy beans. Pinto beans can even work in a pinch, adding a slightly different but tasty twist.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, both methods work well! For the slow cooker, add all ingredients except the sour cream and cooked chicken, cooking low for about five hours. For Instant Pot, use the sauté function for aromatics then pressure cook everything else for 8 minutes, followed by natural release. Add chicken and sour cream after cooking. Both options offer easy set-it-and-forget-it convenience.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. I hope you give it a try soon and find it becomes a treasured staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!