White Chicken Chili Recipe With Easy Ingredients And Bold Flavor

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 onion, diced; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; – 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth; – 1 (7 oz) can diced mild green chilies; – 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin; – 1/2 teaspoon paprika; – 1/2 teaspoon oregano; – 1/2 teaspoon coriander; – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; – Salt and pepper to taste; – 1 (8 oz) package Neufchâtel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes; – 1 1/4 cups frozen corn (or use canned corn as an alternative); – 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed; – 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken; – 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; – 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, plus more for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. It combines simple ingredients like tender chicken, beans, and spices for a dish that’s perfect for busy days. Whether you’re a home cook looking for something quick or a busy parent needing a family-friendly option, this recipe delivers every time.

One of the best things about White Chicken Chili is its ease of preparation. This version comes together quickly with simple steps like sautéing aromatics, adding shredded chicken, beans, broth, and simmering for 20 to 25 minutes. The one-pot cooking makes it ideal for weeknight dinners, cutting down on hands-on time and cleanup. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftovers to get it ready in under 30 minutes, keeping things fast without losing that creamy texture and rich taste that everyone enjoys.

Health benefits make White Chicken Chili a smart choice too. It’s a lean, protein-rich stew featuring skinless chicken breast, fiber-packed white beans, and veggies that add nutrients. This recipe uses broth and optional Greek yogurt for creaminess, which helps lower saturated fat while boosting protein and gut-friendly elements. As a balanced meal, it supports energy and overall wellness, making it great for diet-conscious folks or anyone wanting a hearty yet healthy option.

The versatility of White Chicken Chili is another highlight. You can tweak it for different diets by swapping chicken for turkey or jackfruit to make it vegan, using low-sodium broth for heart health, or skipping beans for a keto-friendly version. Serve it as a soup, stew, or even over cauliflower rice to fit gluten-free needs. What really stands out is the distinctive flavor from warm spices like cumin and oregano, mixed with green chilies, fresh lime, and cilantro for a unique twist on traditional chilis.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili
2. Essential Ingredients for White Chicken Chili
3. How to Prepare the Perfect White Chicken Chili: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your White Chicken Chili
5. Mastering White Chicken Chili: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store White Chicken Chili: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About White Chicken Chili
8. White Chicken Chili

Essential Ingredients for White Chicken Chili

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious White Chicken Chili. This section lists everything you need, based on the core recipe, to ensure your dish turns out just right. Focus on fresh, quality items to enhance the flavors and make cooking straightforward.

Full Ingredient List

1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
1 (7 oz) can diced mild green chilies
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (8 oz) package Neufchâtel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
1 1/4 cups frozen corn (or use canned corn as an alternative)
2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
Optional toppings: tortilla chips or strips, Monterrey Jack cheese, sliced avocado

This structured list covers every item needed, with precise measurements to make shopping and prepping easy. For special dietary options, consider these swaps to customize your White Chicken Chili.

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Replace chicken with two cans (15 ounces each) of shredded jackfruit or 1.5 pounds of firm tofu, use vegetable broth, swap Neufchâtel cheese with 1/2 cup silken tofu or cashew cream, and skip cheese for nutritional yeast.
Gluten-free: Stick to certified gluten-free broth and canned goods; corn and beans are naturally gluten-free, so no worries there.
Low-calorie: Use skinless chicken breast, cut olive oil to 1 tablespoon, opt for low-fat versions of cheese or yogurt, and add more veggies like spinach or zucchini to bulk it up without extra calories.

For more on how certain ingredients benefit your health, check out this resource on chicken’s advantages. It ties into why White Chicken Chili can be a nutritious pick.

How to Prepare the Perfect White Chicken Chili: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting White Chicken Chili right involves a few key steps that build layers of flavor. Start by setting up your ingredients for smooth sailing. For a vegan twist, swap chicken with firm tofu or shredded jackfruit and use vegetable stock to keep things adaptable. For a similar chicken-based recipe on the blog, try our chicken taco casserole for another easy dinner idea.

First Steps: Prep and Sauté

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice 1 onion and mince 2 cloves garlic, then heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 4 minutes until it softens, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma. This base sets the flavor foundation for the whole dish.

Building the Broth

Add 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth, 1 (7 oz) can diced mild green chilies, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. This step lets the spices meld together beautifully.

Adding Beans and Creaminess

Drain and rinse 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans, setting them aside. Take 1 cup of the beans and blend them with 1/4 cup of broth until nearly smooth. Stir in 1 (8 oz) package Neufchâtel cheese (cut into cubes), 1 1/4 cups frozen corn, the whole beans, and the pureed mixture. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken it up. For details on bean nutrition, visit this helpful guide.

Finishing Touches

Finally, mix in 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro. Let it all heat through before serving with toppings like tortilla chips, Monterrey Jack cheese, or sliced avocado. The total time is about 50 minutes, with 15 minutes prep and 35 minutes cooking.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is flexible, allowing you to adjust it for various preferences. Whether you’re going vegan or watching calories, these swaps keep the dish delicious and inclusive.

Protein options: Swap chicken for 1.5 pounds of ground turkey, firm tofu, or two 15-ounce cans of jackfruit.
Vegetable adds: Include diced zucchini or spinach for extra fiber.
Broth choices: Use vegetable broth for vegan versions or low-sodium for heart-friendly meals.

Mastering White Chicken Chili: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your White Chicken Chili to the next level means experimenting with techniques and flavors. Brown your chicken first to add depth, or toast spices in the oil for extra punch. For variations, try a Southwestern style with ancho chili powder or a Mediterranean twist with coriander and fennel. Presentation matters too serve in bowls with colorful garnishes like cilantro and lime. Make-ahead tips include refrigerating overnight for better taste or freezing portions for up to 3 months.

How to Store White Chicken Chili: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your White Chicken Chili fresh and safe. Cool it quickly in shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, use airtight bags and store for up to 3 months, adding fresh dairy when reheating. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, ensuring it reaches 165°F.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About White Chicken Chili

What are the main ingredients needed to make White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili usually includes cooked chicken (such as rotisserie or leftover), garlic, onion, chicken broth, mild green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cannellini or great northern beans, corn (frozen or canned), and cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese. Fresh lime juice and cilantro are added for brightness, and common toppings include avocado, tortilla chips, and shredded cheese.

How do I make White Chicken Chili creamy without adding too much dairy?

To achieve a creamy texture without extra dairy, puree a portion of the cooked beans with some soup broth and stir this mixture back into the chili. This technique adds natural creaminess and thickens the chili, reducing the need for cream cheese or flour-based thickeners.

Can White Chicken Chili be prepared in a slow cooker, and if so, how?

Yes, White Chicken Chili can be made in a crockpot. Start by placing raw chicken breasts, broth, spices, and green chilies in the slow cooker. Sauté or mince onions and garlic before adding to prevent a raw taste. Cook on high for about 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken to shred it, then stir in softened cream cheese, pureed beans, corn, shredded chicken, lime juice, and cilantro before warming through.

What makes White Chicken Chili a good meal choice for cold weather?

White Chicken Chili is hearty and warming, making it ideal for fall and winter meals. It’s quick to prepare and packed with protein and fiber from chicken and beans, providing satisfying comfort food that’s easy to serve for weeknights, holidays like Halloween, or game day gatherings.

How can I customize White Chicken Chili to suit different spice preferences?

You can adjust the heat level by selecting mild, medium, or hot green chilies, and modify spices like cumin and paprika to your taste. For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce or omit spicy ingredients and balance flavors with more lime juice and fresh herbs.

White Chicken Chili Recipe with Simple Ingredients and Rich Flavor