Description
This easy and creamy White Chicken Chili recipe is a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a perfect blend of spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or satisfying lunches with a rich, velvety texture and mild heat that’s family friendly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (breasts or thighs)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (or 1/2 cup sour cream)
Optional Garnishes and Extras
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for juice)
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Crunchy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
Optional Variations
- Diced jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper for spicy upgrade
- Additional beans, corn, or diced zucchini (for vegetarian version)
- Coconut milk or cashew cream (for dairy-free option)
- Spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra veggie boost
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant to build the aromatic base.
- Step 2: Add Spices and Green Chilies
Sprinkle in ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder. Stir to lightly toast the spices, then fold in the diced green chilies to infuse mild heat and smokiness.
- Step 3: Pour in Broth and Beans
Add the chicken broth followed by the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld and beans to soften further.
- Step 4: Add Chicken and Cream Cheese
Stir in shredded chicken to warm through. Add cubes of cream cheese and stir gently until melted completely, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced avocado if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time and add flavor.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese—it’s key to achieving creamy texture.
- Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve taste.
- Adjust chili thickness by adding more broth or simmering longer; mash some beans for thicker chili.
- Add fresh garnishes like cilantro, lime wedges, or jalapeño slices to brighten flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, easy chicken chili, quick dinner, healthy chili, weeknight meals, gluten free chili