If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy, and savory meal that warms you up from the inside out, this White Chicken Chili Recipe is an absolute must-try. It blends tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a perfect balance of spices that come together to create a beautifully rich chili without the heaviness of red chili varieties. The subtle kick from green chilies combined with smooth cheese and a splash of lime juice makes every bite a delightful experience, perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients make this White Chicken Chili Recipe shine. Each component plays a key role, from the spices that layer flavor to the creamy dairy that adds richness, ensuring a harmonious texture and inviting taste every time.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics while adding a subtle fruity base.
- Medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant pungency that wakes up the palate.
- Can of diced green chilies (4 oz): Brings mild heat and a tangy layer of flavor.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Offers warm, earthy notes essential in chili.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Delivers herbaceous brightness and balance.
- Chili powder (½ tsp): Adds subtle smoky and spicy complexity.
- Ground coriander (½ tsp): Incorporates a lemony, floral hint to lift flavors.
- Salt (½ tsp) and black pepper (¼ tsp): Crucial for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
- White beans, two 15 oz cans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed: Create hearty texture and mild creaminess.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Adds protein and tenderness, making the chili satisfying.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Forms the flavorful base and keeps the chili luscious.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Infuses a velvety creaminess that softens spices.
- Half-and-half or whole milk (½ cup): Enhances the smooth texture and richness.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection for indulgence.
- Juice of ½ lime: Brightens the chili with a refreshing citrus pop.
- Chopped cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and tortilla chips (optional, for garnish): Add layers of freshness, creaminess, heat, and crunch as you like.
How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start off by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. This gentle caramelization lays a sweet, hearty foundation. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook just long enough for it to become fragrant, about 30 seconds. The aroma alone will have you ready for the next step!
Step 2: Spice It Up
Add the diced green chilies along with your cumin, oregano, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well so all those wonderful spices coat your aromatics evenly. This is where the chili starts building its complex character, offering layers of warmth and a subtle kick that tease your taste buds.
Step 3: Combine Beans, Chicken, and Broth
Next, pour in the drained white beans, shredded chicken, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow melding gives time for all the flavors to deepen and mingle beautifully. Pro tip: lightly mash some of the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon during simmering to thicken the chili and create a luscious texture.
Step 4: Add Creaminess and Cheese
Once your chili has thickened to your liking, stir in the sour cream, half-and-half or whole milk, and shredded cheese. Allow the chili to simmer for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely, weaving smooth creaminess through every spoonful. This step transforms your chili into a rich, velvety masterpiece.
Step 5: Brighten and Serve
The final touch is a squeeze of fresh lime juice, which adds a bright, fresh pop of citrus that lifts the dish nicely. Serve the chili hot with your favorite garnishes or sides for a welcoming bowl of comfort.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Chili is all about personalization. Fresh chopped cilantro adds herbal brightness, creamy avocado slices bring cool softness, jalapeños deliver an optional spicy bite, and crispy tortilla chips inject a fun crunch. Each garnish elevates the comforting bowl in its own way, letting you tailor every bite to your mood and craving.
Side Dishes
Pair your White Chicken Chili Recipe with simple sides like warm cornbread, crusty bread for dipping, or even a fresh green salad. These accompaniments contrast the chili’s creaminess and round out your meal with textural variety and ease.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this chili in mini bread bowls or over a bed of seasoned rice for a hearty twist. You can also spoon it into crispy tortilla scoops for a fun appetizer or put it alongside a baked potato as a crowd-pleasing loaded dish. The possibilities are endless with such a versatile chili base.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover white chicken chili stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not more, the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This White Chicken Chili Recipe freezes well, too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the smooth texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the chili gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving in a covered bowl with stirring halfway through also works great for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I make this White Chicken Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the shredded chicken for additional beans, or add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian while still enjoying all the hearty flavors.
How spicy is this chili, and can I adjust it?
This recipe offers a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the green chilies and spices. You can easily increase spiciness by adding diced jalapeños, using hot green chilies, or sprinkling in cayenne pepper to kick things up.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack are excellent choices for their mild flavor and superb melting quality. Pepper Jack adds a hint of spice, which complements the chili beautifully, but you can use whatever shredded cheese you prefer.
Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except the sour cream, milk, and cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, then stir in the dairy and cheese before serving for that creamy finish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the White Chicken Chili Recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming you check your broth and seasonings to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients. It’s a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of homemade chili, and this White Chicken Chili Recipe delivers that cozy goodness with creamy, savory layers that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to become a fast favorite. Give it a try and savor each delicious spoonful — I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy White Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish made with shredded chicken, white beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features tender onions, garlic, green chilies, and a mix of cumin, oregano, chili powder, and coriander, all simmered together to create a hearty, creamy chili garnished with fresh lime juice and optional toppings like avocado and jalapeños.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 3 cups chicken broth
Dairy Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
Garnishes (Optional)
- chopped cilantro
- avocado slices
- jalapeños
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the diced green chilies, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add Beans, Chicken, and Broth: Add the drained white beans, shredded chicken, and chicken broth to the pot. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Thicken the Chili: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to lightly mash some of the beans in the pot, giving the chili a thicker and creamier texture.
- Incorporate Dairy: Stir in the sour cream, half-and-half (or whole milk), and shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese. Continue simmering the chili for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese melts into a rich, creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and squeeze the juice of half a lime into the chili. Stir gently and serve hot with optional garnishes like chopped cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add a chopped jalapeño or use hot green chilies instead of mild.
- You can prepare this chili in a slow cooker by placing all ingredients except the dairy into the cooker and cooking on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir in sour cream, milk, and cheese near the end before serving.
- Rotisserie chicken works well for easy preparation and added flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or chili powder as preferred.
