There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of chili, but this White Chicken Chili Recipe really takes it to a whole new level. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken and hearty white beans, it’s the perfect twist on a classic dish that’s ideal for cozy dinners any night of the week. With a gentle kick of spices and the brightness of lime, this chili is rich without being heavy, delivering a deliciously balanced meal full of textures and aromas that will make you want to come back for seconds, or even thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Chicken Chili Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender onion and aromatic garlic to the creamy beans and shredded chicken, every element works together to create a dish that’s both hearty and nourishing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a subtle fruity base.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the chili as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a spicy aroma and rich flavor.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies: Offers mild heat and a fresh vegetal zing.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives warm, earthy notes essential to a great chili.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an herbal brightness that complements the spices perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a gentle smoky heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional): Offers a citrusy undertone if you want a bit more complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a punch of heat to suit your spice preference.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect here for tenderness and convenience.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed: Provide creaminess and protein, making the chili filling.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base for the chili.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tanginess to balance the spices.
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk: Lightens up the creaminess while adding smoothness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning that brings all the flavors together.
- Juice of 1/2 lime (optional): Adds a bright, fresh zip to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook it until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it forms the flavorful foundation of your chili. After that, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to unlock all its wonderful aroma.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Next up, add the diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, along with optional coriander and cayenne pepper if you’re using them. Stir everything together and let the spices toast for 1 to 2 minutes. This roasting step intensifies their flavors and fills your kitchen with that irresistible chili scent.
Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients
Now it’s time to pour in the shredded chicken, the drained white beans, and the chicken broth. Mix everything gently to combine, then bring the pot to a simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chili to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Elements
Turn the heat down to low, and slowly stir in the sour cream and half-and-half (or milk). Let the chili simmer for another 5 minutes to warm through without boiling, which keeps the cream from curdling. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice if you like a touch of brightness.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
A bowl of White Chicken Chili Recipe is a canvas for a variety of delicious toppings. Try shredded cheese for gooey richness, fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness, creamy avocado slices that add luscious texture, crunchy tortilla strips for a fun contrast, or some sliced jalapeños if you want to boost the heat. Each topping adds personality and makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with simple but satisfying sides. Cornbread, whether sweet or savory, is a classic companion that helps soak up that creamy chili broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance, and warm flour or corn tortillas work perfectly to scoop up every last bite. Even a side of rice can turn your chili into a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow guests or family, serve your White Chicken Chili Recipe in rustic stoneware bowls or mason jars for individual portions. Layer it over baked potatoes or inside stuffed peppers for a fun twist. You can even turn it into a chili dip by reducing the broth slightly and serving with tortilla chips. Presentation is a great way to elevate this cozy favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Chicken Chili Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Because the flavors deepen over time, you might find it even tastier the day after cooking. Just be sure to cool it down before storing to maintain the best quality.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this chili freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly and doesn’t stick. If it looks too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving too aggressively, as you want to preserve the creamy texture and avoid curdling the dairy.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the shredded chicken with extra beans, diced potatoes, or your favorite veggies. The hearty spices will still shine, making it a delicious plant-based option.
What can I use if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
If rotisserie chicken isn’t handy, cooked chicken breasts or thighs work just fine. You can boil, bake, or pan-cook them and then shred them up before adding to the chili. Leftover cooked chicken from any meal is also a great shortcut.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This White Chicken Chili Recipe has mild to moderate heat by default, especially since the cayenne and coriander are optional. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding or skipping the cayenne pepper and using mild or hot green chilies depending on your preference.
Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
While fresh or rotisserie chicken provides the best texture and flavor, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Just drain and rinse it well, then add it at the same stage. The chili might be a bit less juicy but still tasty.
How can I make my chili thicker?
To thicken the chili, mash a portion of the white beans before adding them to the pot. Alternatively, let the chili simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Adding a bit of cream cheese instead of sour cream can also add richness and thickness.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s wonderfully creamy, packed with flavor, and adaptable to just about any pantry or taste preference. I encourage you to dive in and make it your own — whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection!
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 White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful stew perfect for any night of the week. It features tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a blend of aromatic spices simmered together to create a comforting dish. Enhanced with a touch of lime juice and optional toppings like shredded cheese and avocado, this chili balances mild heat with rich creaminess, making it a delicious twist on classic chili recipes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lime (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado
- Tortilla strips
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat the aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its fragrance.
- Toast the spices: Add the diced green chilies, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, optional ground coriander, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly and cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices, enhancing their flavors.
- Add main ingredients and simmer: Stir in the shredded chicken, drained white beans, and chicken broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add creaminess and season: Stir in the sour cream and half-and-half or milk. Maintain a low simmer for 5 more minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and the optional lime juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of optional toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, tortilla strips, or jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the white beans before adding them to the pot.
- Add corn kernels for a hint of sweetness and extra texture.
- To create an even richer flavor, substitute cream cheese for sour cream.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut for shredded chicken.
