Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or seeking a cozy weeknight meal, this chili delivers on flavor and comfort. Featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, zesty green chiles, and a blend of spices, it creates a delightful experience with every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 25 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Make this creamy chili using your favorite method—stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot—making it adaptable to your cooking style.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from white beans, this chili is not only satisfying but also healthy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or serving guests at gatherings; everyone will love the rich flavors and creamy texture.
- Customizable Toppings: Top with shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or tortilla chips for added flavor and crunch.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following essential tools before starting. These tools will help you create the best creamy white chicken chili.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot (5-6 quart)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor (optional)
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and easy stirring of all ingredients.
- Food processor: While optional, it helps create a creamy texture by pureeing some of the beans for added thickness.
Ingredients
This creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food with shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and warming spices in every spoonful. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, this healthy chili recipe can be made on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
Main 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 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 4 oz cans diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 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)
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Tortilla chips
- Green onions
- Avocado
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until softened for about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add chicken broth, diced green chilies, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare the Beans
Drain and rinse the great northern beans in a strainer. Measure out one ladleful of these beans and place them in a food processor with a splash of broth from the soup. Puree until smooth; this step adds creaminess to your chili but is optional.
Step 4: Simmer the Chili
Add both pureed beans and whole beans along with corn to the soup pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Finish with Creaminess
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) along with shredded cooked chicken until well combined.
Step 6: Serve Your Chili
Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla chips if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Serving Creamy White Chicken Chili is a delightful experience that can be customized for everyone at the table. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, there are plenty of ways to present this comforting dish.
With Toppings
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: A creamy addition that melts beautifully into the chili.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the spices in the chili.
- Tortilla Chips: Perfect for crunch and scooping up every delicious bite.
As Part of a Meal
- Cornbread: This sweet and buttery bread pairs well with the savory flavors of the chili.
- Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for an extra filling meal.
- Salad: A light green salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
In Bread Bowls
- Bread Bowls: Hollow out a fresh loaf of bread for a fun and edible serving option.

How to Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
To make sure your Creamy White Chicken Chili comes out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices like cumin and cayenne. They elevate the flavors significantly.
- Use rotisserie chicken: This saves time and adds great flavor without cooking chicken from scratch.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker chili, puree more beans or let it simmer longer.
- Experiment with toppings: Try different toppings like jalapeños or lime wedges for added zest.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy White Chicken Chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to complement this delicious dish.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy bread with garlic butter is perfect for dipping into the chili.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the chili.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored rice can absorb some of the chili’s creaminess while adding its own flair.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection can provide a healthy contrast.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits smothered in cheese make for a decadent pairing.
- Potato Wedges: Oven-baked potato wedges offer extra texture and heartiness alongside the chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy White Chicken Chili can be simple, but avoiding a few common mistakes will ensure it turns out delicious every time.
- flavoring: Forgetting to season adequately can lead to bland chili. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Ignoring texture: Not blending some of the beans can result in an unappealing texture. Pureeing a portion helps create that creamy consistency.
- Overcooking the chicken: Adding chicken too early may dry it out. Stir it in at the end for tender, juicy bites.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Omitting fresh toppings like cilantro or avocado can make the dish less vibrant. Always include garnishes for added freshness and appeal.
- Rushing cooking time: Cooking for too little time might prevent flavors from developing. Allow adequate simmering to enhance taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make sure it cools down before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top as the chili will expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until evenly heated.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, stirring frequently until bubbling hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries about the creamy White Chicken Chili recipe.
How can I customize my Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?
You can add different types of beans or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variety. Adjust spices based on your heat preference too.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply combine all ingredients (except sour cream and chicken) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in chicken and sour cream before serving.
What are some great toppings for Creamy White Chicken Chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, green onions, and tortilla chips for crunch.
Is this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe healthy?
Absolutely! It features lean chicken and white beans, making it a protein-rich meal that’s also high in fiber.
How do I thicken my Creamy White Chicken Chili?
You can thicken it by pureeing some of the beans or adding more sour cream or Greek yogurt towards the end of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This creamy White Chicken Chili is not just comforting; it’s versatile too! You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a hearty side, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort dish that warms the soul, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or lively gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and zesty green chiles, all simmered in a rich broth infused with aromatic spices. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot, you’ll enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal in no time. Customize your chili with your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this delightful dish!
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 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 4 oz cans diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 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)
Instructions
- Sauté chopped onion in olive oil over medium-high heat until softened (3-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken broth, diced green chiles, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drain and rinse great northern beans; blend a portion with a splash of broth until smooth for added creaminess.
- Add pureed beans and whole beans along with corn to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and shredded chicken until well mixed.
- Serve hot with your choice of garnishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop/Slow Cooker/Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg







