White Chicken Chili Recipe

Introduction

There are dinners that feed the body and dinners that feed the heart — this White Chicken Chili Recipe is one of the latter. Imagine a rainy evening, the house smelling of cumin and garlic, the steam blurring the kitchen window while laughter bounces from the living room. That warm bowl in your hands, creamy with tender chicken and bright with lime, feels like a hug you can eat. If you love a flavorful, comforting food with a hint of spice (or want a quick dinner idea after a long day), this recipe will become a family favorite. If you crave a spicier twist, try a related take like the spicy white bean chili with shredded chicken for an extra kick.

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili Recipe

• It is comforting and cozy — perfect for chilly nights and festive meals.
• It is an easy recipe that comes together faster than takeout but tastes like you simmered it all afternoon.
• It is versatile and family friendly — mild for kids, easy to spice up for adults.
• It is a healthy option when made with lean chicken, beans, and lots of aromatics.
• It stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead crowd pleaser.

Save

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil — for a silky base and light flavor.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced — sweetness that balances the heat.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — aromatic depth.
• 1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced (optional) — adjust for heat.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin — earthy warmth.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander — citrusy, subtle lift.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano — classic chili note.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika — adds gentle smokiness.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth — creates the cozy, soup-like texture.
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works beautifully) — protein and comfort.
• 3 cans (15 ounces each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed — creamy body.
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles — gentle brightness.
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) — sweet pops of texture.
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt — makes it creamy without heaviness.
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese (optional) — melty richness.
• Juice of 1 lime — brightens everything.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• Fresh cilantro and sliced avocado, for serving.

Substitutions:

• Swap great northern beans for cannellini or navy beans.
• Use vegetable broth and omit chicken to make this a vegetarian comforting food.
• Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a dairy-free cheesy note.

Save

Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes.
• Cook time: 25 minutes.
• Total time: 40 minutes.

This White Chicken Chili Recipe is a quick dinner idea that feels worth every minute — ready faster than takeout and with memories attached.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt, stirring until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
2. Add the minced garlic and jalapeno; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
3. Stir in the cumin, coriander, oregano, and smoked paprika. Toast the spices for 30 seconds to bloom their flavors.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add the shredded chicken, rinsed beans, green chiles, and corn. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes to allow flavors to marry.
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream and cheese until melted and silky. Do not boil after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
7. Squeeze in lime juice, then taste and season with salt and pepper. If you want more heat, stir in extra chopped jalapeno or a dash of cayenne.
8. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and more cheese if desired. Serve warm and invite everyone to dig in.

Tips and Variations

• For a lighter version, replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and omit the shredded cheese.
• Make it heartier: add diced sweet potato at step 4 and simmer longer until tender.
• For a smoky, meaty twist, stir in chopped cooked bacon or swap the chicken for a beef chili recipe style filling in another meal.
• Turn it into a festive meal by topping with tortilla strips, pickled red onions, and a squeeze of lime for a celebration-ready bowl.
• To make it vegan, use vegetable broth, omit chicken, and add extra beans, tofu, or tempeh; replace dairy with blended cashews or coconut yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this White Chicken Chili Recipe with warm cornbread that takes on the chili’s creaminess, or scoop it into baked potatoes for a filling weeknight supper. Picture a table with a steaming pot in the center, bowls rimmed with cilantro, and chilled margaritas or a crisp lager nearby — it’s equally great for a casual family dinner or a festive meal with friends. A lightly dressed green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the richness, and a scoop of rice on the side makes it even more comforting.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened.
• Make ahead: Prepare the base (onions, spices, broth, beans) and refrigerate; add chicken and dairy when ready to serve for fresher texture.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

• Use rotisserie chicken for an effortless shortcut that adds great flavor.
• Toast spices in the pot before adding liquid to unlock deeper, brighter flavors.
• Add dairy last and warm gently to maintain a velvety texture.
• Taste for salt at the end — beans can mute seasoning, and a final adjustment makes all the difference.
• Reserve some beans to mash slightly and stir back in for an extra creamy body.

Save

FAQs

Q: Can I make this White Chicken Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Sauté the aromatics and spices first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours and stir in dairy at the end.

Q: Is this chili spicy?
A: It is customizable. Use fewer jalapenos or mild green chiles for a family-friendly version, or add serrano peppers and cayenne for more heat.

Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: You can, though shredded rotisserie or poached chicken offers better texture. If using canned, rinse and add just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Q: How can I thicken the chili?
A: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or simmer a bit longer. A small slurry of cornstarch and water works too.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This White Chicken Chili Recipe isn’t just food — it’s a way to slow down, gather people, and create a moment that feels both simple and special. Whether you serve it as a quick dinner idea on a weeknight or as the centerpiece for a cozy gathering, its creamy texture, bright lime, and warming spices invite comfort and conversation. For another beloved variation and inspiration, check out White Chicken Chili (BEST EVER!) – Cooking Classy. Try it tonight, share a bowl, and make a new family favorite.

White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for families. Creamy with tender chicken and brightened with lime, it's a hug in a bowl for chilly evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil for a silky base and light flavor.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced sweetness that balances the heat.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced aromatic depth.
• 1 to 2 pieces jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced (optional) adjust for heat.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin earthy warmth.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander citrusy, subtle lift.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano classic chili note.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika adds gentle smokiness.

For the chili

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth creates the cozy, soup-like texture.
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works beautifully) protein and comfort.
• 3 cans (15 ounces each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed creamy body.
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles gentle brightness.
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) sweet pops of texture.
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt makes it creamy without heaviness.
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese (optional) melty richness.
• Juice of 1 lime brightens everything.
• to taste Salt and black pepper

For serving

• Fresh cilantro and sliced avocado for serving.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt, stirring until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and jalapeno; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
• Stir in the cumin, coriander, oregano, and smoked paprika. Toast the spices for 30 seconds to bloom their flavors.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
• Add the shredded chicken, rinsed beans, green chiles, and corn. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes to allow flavors to marry.
• Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream and cheese until melted and silky. Do not boil after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
• Squeeze in lime juice, then taste and season with salt and pepper. If you want more heat, stir in extra chopped jalapeno or a dash of cayenne.
• Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and more cheese if desired. Serve warm and invite everyone to dig in.

Notes

For a lighter version, replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and omit the shredded cheese. Adapt to make it heartier with diced sweet potato or for vegetarian options by substituting with vegetable broth and extra beans.

Keyword Chili Recipe, Comfort Food, Family-Friendly, Quick Dinner, White Chicken Chili

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest