The Coziest Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Chilly Nights

Whipping up a delightful white chicken chili recipe can transform your weeknight dinner into a cozy culinary adventure.

Comforting spices dance through tender chicken and creamy broth, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Beans and green chiles add robust flavor and texture to this simple dish.

Home cooks adore how quickly this chili comes together with minimal ingredients.

Each spoonful promises a satisfying blend of hearty protein and zesty seasonings.

Southwestern-inspired ingredients make this chili a crowd-pleaser that disappears faster than you can ladle it into bowls.

Grab your favorite toppings and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming meal.

What Makes Easy White Chicken Chili So Tasty

• Customize with Ease: Jazz up this white chicken chili with your favorite toppings like extra cheese, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips for a personalized meal experience.
• Minimal Prep Magic: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, anyone can create a delicious, restaurant-quality chili that tastes like it simmered all day.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and a variety of spices, this chili delivers a wholesome and satisfying meal that keeps you full and happy.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or cozy weeknight meals, this adaptable recipe suits multiple occasions and pleases different taste preferences.

Everything You’ll Need For Easy White Chicken Chili

• Chicken: Shredded meat that provides the primary protein and hearty texture to the chili.

• Great Northern Beans: Creamy white beans that add thickness and protein to the chili.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide additional texture and mild flavor.
• Onion: Aromatic base vegetable that adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Green Chilies: Mild peppers that contribute a subtle heat and fresh flavor.

• Chicken Broth, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Cayenne: Spices and liquid that create a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds robust depth to the chili.
• Lime Juice: Bright acid that balances and lifts the overall flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of all ingredients.

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and tanginess.
• Cilantro, Shredded Cheese, Avocado, Tortilla Chips: Optional toppings that provide additional texture and freshness.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté vegetables and start the chili base.

How To Make Easy White Chicken Chili At Home

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften Onions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in chopped onions and let them dance and soften for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic magic into the pot.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Green chilies
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Transform the Beans

Prepare the great northern beans by draining and rinsing them thoroughly. For an extra creamy texture, scoop out a ladleful of beans and blend with a splash of broth until smooth. This secret trick adds incredible richness to the chili.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Add the whole beans, blended bean mixture, and corn to the pot. Let everything bubble and mingle together, simmering gently uncovered for 15-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Creamy Finale

• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• Shredded chicken

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

• Fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Diced avocado
• Crispy tortilla chips

Enjoy your comforting, flavor-packed white chicken chili!

Helpful Tips When Cooking Easy White Chicken Chili

• Boost Bean Creaminess: Blend a portion of beans with broth to create a velvety texture without adding extra thickeners, ensuring a rich and smooth consistency.
• Spice Control: Adjust cayenne pepper carefully to manage heat level, adding gradually and tasting to prevent overwhelming spiciness for different palate preferences.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with rotisserie, leftover, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for diverse dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream to maintain creaminess while accommodating lactose-sensitive diners.
• Storage Smart: Cool chili completely before refrigerating, storing in airtight containers for up to 4 days, and reheat gently to preserve texture and taste.

Tasty Twists On Easy White Chicken Chili

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Chili: Replace green chilies with diced jalapeños and chipotle peppers for extra heat. Add black beans and swap chicken broth with fire-roasted tomato broth for deeper flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower White Chili: Substitute beans with riced cauliflower and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Include more spices to enhance taste and maintain protein content with additional shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian Green Chili Alternative: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like white beans, tofu, or seitan. Use vegetable broth and add extra vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers for substantial texture.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Transfer all ingredients to pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Best Pairings With Easy White Chicken Chili

• Sip Southwestern Margarita: Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for a zesty cocktail that complements the chili's spicy green chilies and bright lime notes.
• Crunch Tortilla Chip Selection: Choose crisp corn tortilla chips with sea salt to add texture and provide a perfect dipping companion that echoes the chili's Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Fresh Herb Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with cilantro, lime vinaigrette, and radish slices to create a light, refreshing side that balances the chili's richness and adds vibrant color to the meal.
• Bake Cornbread Squares: Prepare jalapeño-cheddar cornbread with a crispy golden crust that provides a sweet and spicy counterpoint to the chili's creamy, tangy profile.

How To Store And Reheat Easy White Chicken Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chili stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safety.
• Pour chili into a pot. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Common Questions About Easy White Chicken Chili

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect. They’re pre-cooked, tender, and save you time shredding chicken from scratch.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! Increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for extra heat. You can also use hot green chilies instead of mild ones to boost the spice level.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and ensure no gluten-containing additives are in your spices.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Add an extra can of beans or increase the amount of chicken. Greek yogurt or sour cream also provides additional protein boost.

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white chicken chili promises comfort in a bowl, blending creamy textures with zesty Mexican-inspired flavors. Spicy jalapeños, tender chicken, and rich white beans create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Main Ingredients:

• 2 heaping cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
• 2 15 ounces (425 grams) cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
• 1 small yellow onion (chopped, about ½ cup)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• ½ small lime (juiced)

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 4 ounces (113 grams) cans diced green chilies
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
• Tortilla chips
• Green onions (chopped)
• Sliced avocado

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until shimmering.
2. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, approximately 4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook rapidly for 45 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
4. Pour chicken broth and incorporate green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, lime juice, salt, and pepper, creating a flavor-rich base.
5. Prepare great northern beans by draining and rinsing thoroughly under cold water.
6. Create a creamy texture by blending one portion of beans with broth in a food processor until smooth and silky.
7. Integrate whole beans, pureed bean mixture, and corn into the simmering liquid.
8. Allow chili to gently simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
9. Eliminate heat and fold in sour cream and shredded chicken, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
10. Transfer chili into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, diced avocado, and crispy tortilla chips.
11. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a comforting and robust meal.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper, allowing everyone’s spice tolerance to shine through.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving protein boost that adds rich, pre-seasoned flavor.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and increase protein content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Make this chili gluten-free by ensuring chicken broth and all ingredients are certified gluten-free certified, perfect for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 275 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg