Name: White Chicken Chili Recipe: The Cozy Dish You'll Crave!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great); 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option); Juice of 1 lime; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Shredded cheese, for topping (optional)

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There’s something about a bowl of White Chicken Chili that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s hearty, comforting, and comes together quickly—perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish always hits the spot. And the best part? You can make it in no time with this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe! With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili is sure to become a family favorite.

What is White Chicken Chili?

Unlike traditional red chili, White Chicken Chili skips the tomatoes and ground beef for a lighter, yet still rich, blend of chicken, white beans, green chilies, and creamy spices. The dish has a subtle yet bold flavor profile, with green chilies and cumin giving it just the right amount of heat. What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility—it can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe has a velvety texture thanks to the addition of sour cream or cream cheese, and it’s one of those comforting creamy chicken recipes you’ll return to time and time again.

Ingredients List for White Chicken Chili Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Easy White Chicken Chili:

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked chicken breasts)
2 cans white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream or cream cheese (for an extra creamy texture)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and tortilla chips

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can easily switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences:

Beans: If you prefer, you can swap out white beans for pinto beans or black beans for a slightly different texture.
Chicken: While rotisserie chicken saves time, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—just cook and shred them before adding to the chili.
Slow Cooker Version: For an easy hands-off meal, you can turn this into a White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker recipe by cooking the ingredients on low for 4-6 hours. This method is perfect if you’re looking for a Chili Crockpot option.
Dairy-free: To make this White Chicken Chili Healthy, skip the cream cheese and use a thickener like blended beans or a splash of coconut milk.
Spicier Version: Add a touch more chili powder or a dash of cayenne to turn this into a Chilli lovers’ dream.
Crockpot-Friendly: If you prefer a more hands-off cooking method, this can easily be turned into a White Chicken Chili Recipe Crockpot by cooking it on low for 4-6 hours, which is perfect for busy days.

White Chicken Chili Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Stir in the ground cumin, oregano, and chili powder (if using). Cook for another minute to deepen the flavor of the spices.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken and green chilies. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Add the Beans

Add the white beans, then let the chili simmer for 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Turn the heat to low and stir in the sour cream or cream cheese until it’s fully incorporated and the chili has a creamy, smooth texture.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once it’s warmed through, your chili is ready to serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing White Chicken Chili

Overcooking the chicken: If using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, avoid cooking it too long after adding it to the pot, as it can dry out.
Skipping the blending: Blending some of the beans helps thicken the chili naturally. Don’t skip this step if you want a creamy texture.
Not using cream cheese: If you’re going for a truly Creamy White Chicken Chili, don’t shy away from adding the cream cheese. It makes all the difference!

White Chicken Chili Serving and Presentation Tips

Top your Creamy White Chicken Chili with a variety of fresh toppings to elevate the dish:

Shredded Cheddar cheese
A dollop of sour cream
Crispy tortilla chips for added crunch
Chopped cilantro and jalapeños for a pop of color and heat

You can serve this chili in rustic bowls for a cozy feel, or get creative and serve it in bread bowls for a hearty, indulgent presentation.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili is a meal all on its own, but you can pair it with several sides for a more complete meal:

Cornbread: The slightly sweet flavor of cornbread complements the chili’s mild heat perfectly.
Rice: Serve the chili over white or brown rice to make it extra filling.
Salad: A simple green salad with a zesty lime dressing can balance the richness of the chili.

Extra Recipe Tips for White Chicken Chili

Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat and enjoy.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Healthy Option: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream cheese or sour cream and rely on the blended beans for creaminess. This way, you’ll have a Healthy White Chicken Chili option that’s still delicious!

FAQs

Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes! Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Is White Chicken Chili gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

How long can I store this in the fridge?
You can keep this White Chicken Chili in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, comforting, and satisfying. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough for when you want to impress guests. Whether you’re enjoying this on a cold winter day or bringing it to a potluck, the flavors of this dish will surely win you over. Give this Best White Chicken Chili Recipe a try, and it might just become a new staple in your recipe rotation!