White Chicken Chili Recipe (Easy & Delicious)

This white chicken chili recipe delivers comfort in a bowl with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and perfectly balanced spices. I’ve made this dish countless times for family gatherings and weeknight dinners, and it never disappoints.

Jump to Recipe

What makes this the best white chicken chili is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques. Just wholesome ingredients, one pot, and about 30 minutes of your time.

This recipe works beautifully whether you make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this chicken chili recipe easy version:

For the Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium works best)

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

• 1 cup frozen corn (optional but recommended)

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Creaminess:

• 1 cup sour cream

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for extra richness)

Toppings:

• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Lime wedges

• Tortilla chips or strips

• Diced avocado

Instructions

White Chicken Chili Stove Top Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple prep makes cooking smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove and set aside on a cutting board.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This creates the aromatic foundation for your chili.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add incredible flavor. Stir in cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Simmer with Beans

Add all three cans of beans, green chiles, and corn to the pot. Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 6: Shred and Finish

Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in sour cream and cream cheese until fully melted and combined. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Your white chicken chili stove top version is ready to serve.

White Chicken Chili Recipe Crockpot Version

For a slow cooker chicken chili, follow this method:

Step 1: Place raw chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.

Step 2: Add onion, garlic, all beans, green chiles, corn, and all seasonings. Pour chicken broth over everything.

Step 3: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Step 4: Remove chicken and shred it. Return to the crockpot.

Step 5: Stir in sour cream and cream cheese. Let it sit on warm for 10-15 minutes until creamy.

This chicken chili recipe crockpot method is perfect for busy days. You come home to a house that smells amazing and dinner ready to serve.

Pro Tips and Variations

Making It Creamier with Cheese

Want to know the secret to white chicken chili with cream cheese that’s extra luxurious? Add the cream cheese in small chunks during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir frequently until it melts completely into the broth.

You can also add a cup of heavy cream for an even richer texture. This creates a velvety base that coats every bean and piece of chicken.

Shredded Chicken vs Ground Chicken

Both work beautifully in this recipe. Traditional shredded chicken recipes give you tender, pull-apart pieces that soak up all the flavors.

For ground chicken recipes, brown 2 pounds of ground chicken with the onions at the start. This saves time since you skip the shredding step. Ground chicken creates a different texture but tastes just as delicious.

I prefer shredded chicken for a more authentic chili experience, but ground chicken works great for weeknight speed.

Spice Level Adjustments

Start with less cayenne if you’re sensitive to heat. You can always add more at the end. For a milder version, skip the cayenne entirely and use just one can of green chiles.

Want more kick? Add diced jalapeños with the onions or stir in a tablespoon of hot sauce at the end.

Bean Variations

Can’t find great northern beans? Use all cannellini beans or try navy beans. Some people even add black beans for color contrast, though this technically makes it less “white.”

Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut

Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save even more time. Shred about 4 cups of meat and add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This turns a 30-minute recipe into a 15-minute meal.

Making It Ahead

This chili tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Make it on Sunday for easy lunches all week.

Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your white chicken chilli in deep bowls with plenty of toppings. The toppings make this dish special.

Essential Toppings:

• A generous handful of shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese

• Fresh cilantro adds brightness

• A squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness

• Crunchy tortilla strips add texture

On the Side:

• Warm cornbread or corn muffins

• Mexican rice

• Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette

• Warm flour tortillas

For a Crowd: Set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their bowl. Include sour cream, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, and different hot sauces.

This white chicken chili stove top easy recipe feeds 6-8 people generously. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or family dinners.

Conclusion

This white chicken chili recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you create something truly special.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Make it on the stovetop when you want dinner fast. Use the crockpot method when you need a hands-off approach. Add cream cheese for extra richness or keep it lighter with just sour cream.

I’ve shared this recipe with dozens of friends, and it always becomes a household favorite. The combination of tender chicken, creamy beans, and warming spices hits the spot every single time.

Try this recipe once, and it’ll become your go-to comfort meal. Your family will ask for it again and again.

FAQs

Can I make this white chicken chili in a crock pot?

Yes. Place raw chicken, beans, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, then stir in sour cream and cream cheese before serving. This white chicken chilli in crock pot method works perfectly for busy schedules.

What’s the difference between using shredded or ground chicken?

Shredded chicken creates the traditional texture with tender, pull-apart pieces. Ground chicken cooks faster and creates a more uniform texture throughout. Both taste delicious. Choose shredded for classic chili texture or ground for quick weeknight cooking.

How do I make white chicken chili creamier?

Add 8 oz of softened cream cheese along with the sour cream. You can also stir in half a cup of heavy cream. For an even thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the dairy. This releases starches that naturally thicken the chili.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add more flavor and stay moist during cooking. Use the same amount and follow the same cooking method. Thighs are especially good in the slow cooker version since they hold up well to longer cooking times.

What beans work best in white chicken chili?

Great northern beans, cannellini beans, and navy beans all work beautifully. These white beans are traditional and keep the chili “white.” You can use any combination of these three. Each 15 oz can contains about 1.5 cups of beans if you prefer using dried beans that you cook yourself.

How can I thicken my white chicken chili?

If your chili is too thin, simmer it uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash about a cup of the beans and stir them back in. You can also make a slurry with 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the simmering chili.

Is white chicken chili healthy?

This recipe provides lean protein from chicken and fiber from beans. To make it lighter, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce or skip the cream cheese. The beans add important nutrients like iron and folate. One serving contains approximately 350-400 calories depending on toppings.