The Best White Chicken Chili Recipe

Let’s face it, on those CHAOTIC weeknights when homework, laundry, and a phone call from your mother-in-law hit all at once, a dinner that practically cooks itself is a blessing.

White chicken chili is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, creamy hug in a bowl.

We appreciate it for its straightforward ingredients, forgiving prep time, and the fact that it’s customizable enough to make everyone at the table happy.

Plus, if you’ve got some leftover rotisserie chicken staring at you every time you open the fridge, it’s the hero that saves you from another round of boring sandwiches.

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or that trusty leftover rotisserie chicken (saving both time and sanity).
• White beans: Cannellini or great northern beans work wonders.
• Green chilies: Just the right amount of mild heat to keep things interesting.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base of our cozy bowl.
• Garlic and onion: Essential for that mouthwatering aroma that makes everyone ask, “What’s for dinner?”
• Spices: Cumin, oregano, and chili powder for a warm, savory kick.
• Cream cheese or heavy cream: The game-changer that makes it rich and velvety.
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado slices, cilantro, and lime wedges (a.k.a. the fun part).

How to Make White Chicken Chili:

Step 1: Build That Flavor Foundation

• Sauté the garlic and onion in a large pot over medium heat until they’re soft and just a little golden. This is the part where everyone suddenly drifts into the kitchen because it smells like magic.
• Mom Tip: Hand your toddler a wooden spoon to “stir” an empty bowl. It’s the little things that keep them entertained (and feeling important).

Step 2: Add the Big Players

• Pour in the chicken broth and add your chicken breasts, beans, and green chilies. Let everything simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
• Busy Day Hack: Already have cooked chicken? Throw it in during the last 10 minutes—less cooking, more eating.

Step 3: The Creamy Finale

• Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks (or let your stand mixer do the shredding—game changer!), and return it to the pot.
• Stir in the cream cheese or heavy cream and watch as your chili transforms into a luscious, creamy dream.
• Kid-Friendly Twist: Tone down the heat by swapping out the green chilies for mild salsa verde if your kids are spice-sensitive.

Step 4: Serve and Customize

• Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Tortilla chips for crunch, shredded cheese for that extra cheesy pull, and avocado slices to make it feel fancy.
• Optional Add-In: Want more veggies? Toss in some corn or spinach—it’s a sneaky way to add nutrition without complaints.

Real-Life Hacks:

• Make It Ahead: Double the batch and freeze half for a future “did we really forget soccer practice starts at 5?” moment.
• Picky Eater Tip: Let your kids customize their bowls. Some might go for just a sprinkle of cheese, others might build a leaning tower of tortilla chips. Everyone wins.
• Thick or Thin?: For a thicker chili, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in. For a lighter version, use less cream and more broth.

Recipe FAQ:

Can we freeze it? Absolutely. White chicken chili freezes like a champ. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and you’ve got a ready-to-go meal for up to three months.

What are the best toppings? Anything goes! From classic shredded cheese to a dollop of sour cream or even jalapeño slices for a little extra spice, the toppings are where you can really personalize this dish.

Give us your feedback!

We’re all in this mom-life juggle together, so tell us how your white chicken chili turned out! Did the kids love it? Did you add your own twist?

Leave a comment below, share this recipe with your friends who need an easy win, and follow us on Pinterest for more recipes that make life simpler (and tastier).

Make weeknight dinners easy and delicious with this go-to white chicken chili recipe!

White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, creamy hug in a bowl.

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked chicken)
• 2 cans white beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can green chilies
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream
• Optional: Shredded cheese tortilla chips, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

 

• Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until fragrant.
• Add chicken broth, chicken, beans, and green chilies. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
• Remove, shred chicken, return to the pot, and stir in cream cheese or heavy cream.
• Serve with desired toppings.

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per serving):

• Calories: Approx. 350
• Carbs: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g