If there’s ever a time to crave something hearty, comforting, and just a little bit different from the classic tomato-based stew, it’s now. This White Chicken Chili Recipe is creamy, full of flavor, and packed with tender chicken, velvety beans, and Southwest-inspired spices that will warm you right up from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or a game-day crowd, this dish is bound to become the one everyone requests again and again.

White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Every single item plays an important role, building layers of flavor, creaminess, and color that make this White Chicken Chili Recipe so irresistible from the very first spoonful.

Olive oil: This healthy fat is the perfect base for sautéing your aromatics and infusing richness.
Yellow onion: Diced onion creates a sweet, savory backbone while adding natural sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings irresistible depth and a punchy aroma to wake up the chili.
Ground cumin: Cumin’s earthy notes tie together all the Southwest flavors beautifully.
Dried oregano: A sprinkle of oregano offers herbaceous brightness to the finish.
Chili powder: This relatively mild spice gives chili its signature warmth and color.
Ground coriander: Offering a hint of citrus, coriander lifts and balances the dish.
Salt: Just the right amount brings out the flavors in every ingredient.
Black pepper: A touch adds the perfect subtle heat.
Diced green chilies: These mild peppers add gentle warmth and distinctive flavor.
White beans: Creamy beans add body, protein, and help thicken the base naturally.
Shredded chicken: Tender, juicy chicken soaks up all the chili goodness—rotisserie works great!
Chicken broth: Low-sodium broth creates a savory base that’s not too salty.
Frozen corn: Sweet pops of corn provide color and a touch of sweetness.
Sour cream: The key to making this chili luxuriously creamy and tangy.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Adds silkiness without overpowering the chili.
Lime juice: A burst of fresh citrus brightens and lifts every bite.
Fresh cilantro: A signature finishing touch for that pop of green and herbaceous flair.

How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced onion and let it sauté for 4–5 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the onion turns soft and translucent; this creates a flavorful foundation and lightly sweetens the whole dish. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute until everything smells amazing.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Now sprinkle in your cumin, oregano, chili powder, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the onions, letting the spices fry briefly in the oil for a deeper and more fragrant chili profile. This step is where the magic starts to happen—the aromas will make your kitchen feel instantly cozy.

Step 3: Build the Chili

Toss in the diced green chilies, both cans of white beans (drained and rinsed), shredded chicken, chicken broth, and frozen corn. Give it all a big stir to combine. The colors alone are a delight! Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This gives every ingredient time to meld and makes the White Chicken Chili Recipe truly special.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess

After the chili has simmered and your kitchen smells incredible, stir in the sour cream, heavy cream or half-and-half, and fresh lime juice. Let it continue to simmer for another five minutes, stirring occasionally—this is the secret behind the signature creaminess and tang that sets this chili apart.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove your pot from the heat and sprinkle in chopped fresh cilantro for that finishing aromatic pop. Ladle the White Chicken Chili Recipe into bowls, and serve warm with all your favorite toppings. Get ready for compliments!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe

Garnishes

The true joy of chili is customizing it in your bowl! Pile on freshly chopped cilantro, slices of creamy avocado, crunchy tortilla strips, a dollop of extra sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Each garnish not only adds color, but can also transform the chili into your perfect version.

Side Dishes

This White Chicken Chili Recipe is satisfying all on its own, but it pairs fabulously with warm, buttery cornbread, tortilla chips for scooping, or a simple green salad. The fresh, crisp veggies contrast beautifully with the creamy chili.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chili in a bread bowl, or offer it as a hearty topping over baked potatoes. Mini chili cups or individual ramekins are perfect for parties—let guests add their own favorite toppings for a build-your-own chili bar experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best parts about this White Chicken Chili Recipe is how well it stores. Let leftovers cool, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to four days—the flavors just get better as they meld.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to three months. Tip: leave out the sour cream and heavy cream if freezing, and stir them in after reheating for the best creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the chili into a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring often. Add a splash of extra broth or milk if it’s too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, just stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this White Chicken Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken not only saves you time but also adds extra savory flavor and tenderness. Just shred or chop it up before adding to your chili.

How do I make the chili thicker?

If you prefer a heartier, thicker chili, mash some of the white beans with a fork before adding the sour cream in Step 4. This releases starches that thicken the broth naturally, making for a rich, velvety texture.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

You can swap the sour cream and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives, like coconut milk creamer or unsweetened cashew cream, and add an extra squeeze of lime juice. The flavors will still shine and the chili stays creamy!

Can the White Chicken Chili Recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, simply sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients except for the sour cream, cream, and lime juice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in the final creamy elements just before serving.

What beans work best in this recipe?

Cannellini beans and Great Northern beans both work beautifully in the White Chicken Chili Recipe for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Feel free to mix or use whichever you have in your pantry.

Final Thoughts

There’s a wonderful coziness to sharing a homemade pot of White Chicken Chili Recipe with family and friends. With its creamy broth, bold spices, and comforting flavors, this dish is always a hit. Give it a try and make it your own—it just might become your new weeknight favorite!

White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a bowl of comforting White Chicken Chili. This hearty and creamy chili is packed with tender shredded chicken, white beans, and flavorful spices for a delicious meal that’s perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (drained and rinsed)
2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup frozen corn
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cumin, oregano, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat the onions.
Add the green chilies, white beans, shredded chicken, chicken broth, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and lime juice. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.