What ingredients do I need to make white chicken chili?

To make white chicken chili, you will need cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover works well), garlic, onion, chicken broth, mild green chilies, spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and coriander, cannellini or great northern beans, frozen corn, cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese, fresh lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Common toppings include avocado, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.

How can I make white chicken chili creamy without using too much dairy?

A simple way to make white chicken chili creamy is to puree a portion of the cannellini beans with some chicken broth and add this mixture back into the pot. This thickens the chili naturally without relying heavily on dairy or flour, providing a rich, smooth texture while keeping the flavor balanced and wholesome.

Can white chicken chili be prepared in a slow cooker?

Yes, white chicken chili works well in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add raw chicken breasts, broth, spices, and green chilies to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for about 3 hours. Before serving, shred the chicken, stir in softened cream cheese, pureed beans, corn, lime juice, and cilantro. Heat through to combine flavors smoothly.

Should I use cooked chicken or raw chicken breasts for white chicken chili?

Using cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover chicken, is often preferred because it’s quicker, adds extra flavor, and helps prevent the chicken from drying out. Raw chicken breasts can also be used, especially in slow cooker recipes, but they require longer cooking times and careful handling to avoid a dry texture.

When is the best time to serve white chicken chili?

White chicken chili is ideal for cooler weather, making it a great choice for fall and winter dinners. It comes together quickly, which is perfect for busy weeknights, and offers a comforting meal during gatherings like football games or casual holiday parties. Its warm, mildly spiced flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser during cold seasons.

White Chicken Chili Recipe With Creamy Spicy Flavors

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken shredded Provides a tender, flavorful protein base that saves time and adds depth to the white chicken chili.; 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing to enhance the aroma of onions and garlic without adding heavy fats.; 1 medium onion diced Adds a sweet, foundational flavor that builds the base of this chicken chili recipe.; 2 cloves garlic finely minced Infuses a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the overall taste of the white chicken chili.; 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth Forms the liquid base, helping to simmer and blend the flavors for a rich, creamy consistency.; 1 (7 oz) can diced mild green chilies Brings in subtle heat and brightness, making this a go-to for a chicken chili with spicy flavors.; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin Offers an earthy warmth that is essential for the distinctive spice profile in white chicken chili.; 1/2 teaspoon paprika Adds a mild smokiness and color, enhancing the visual appeal and subtle heat of the dish.; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Contributes herbal notes that complement the other spices in this chicken chili recipe.; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander Provides a citrusy undertone that balances the creaminess and spice in white chicken chili.; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Delivers an adjustable kick for those who enjoy a chicken chili with spicy flavors, but use less if preferred.; Salt and black pepper to taste Seasons the dish perfectly, ensuring all flavors are balanced in your white chicken chili.; 1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese (Neufchatel type) cut into small cubes Creates creaminess without overwhelming dairy, ideal for a recipe with creamy flavors.; 1 1/4 cups frozen corn (or canned corn if preferred) Adds sweetness and texture, making the chili more hearty and nutritious.; 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed Supplies fiber and thickness; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors and adds a fresh zing at the end, enhancing the overall taste of white chicken chili.; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro Brings a fresh, herbaceous finish; reserve some for garnish to elevate presentation.

Description

🍗 White Chicken Chili Recipe with Creamy and Spicy Flavors offers a deliciously comforting meal packed with protein and warm spices.
🌶️ This creamy chili balances mild heat and rich texture, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 rotisserie chicken shredded Provides a tender, flavorful protein base that saves time and adds depth to the white chicken chili.

1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing to enhance the aroma of onions and garlic without adding heavy fats.

1 medium onion diced Adds a sweet, foundational flavor that builds the base of this chicken chili recipe.

2 cloves garlic finely minced Infuses a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the overall taste of the white chicken chili.

2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth Forms the liquid base, helping to simmer and blend the flavors for a rich, creamy consistency.

1 (7 oz) can diced mild green chilies Brings in subtle heat and brightness, making this a go-to for a chicken chili with spicy flavors.

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin Offers an earthy warmth that is essential for the distinctive spice profile in white chicken chili.

1/2 teaspoon paprika Adds a mild smokiness and color, enhancing the visual appeal and subtle heat of the dish.

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Contributes herbal notes that complement the other spices in this chicken chili recipe.

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander Provides a citrusy undertone that balances the creaminess and spice in white chicken chili.

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Delivers an adjustable kick for those who enjoy a chicken chili with spicy flavors, but use less if preferred.

Salt and black pepper to taste Seasons the dish perfectly, ensuring all flavors are balanced in your white chicken chili.

1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese (Neufchatel type) cut into small cubes Creates creaminess without overwhelming dairy, ideal for a recipe with creamy flavors.

1 1/4 cups frozen corn (or canned corn if preferred) Adds sweetness and texture, making the chili more hearty and nutritious.

2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed Supplies fiber and thickness

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors and adds a fresh zing at the end, enhancing the overall taste of white chicken chili.

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro Brings a fresh, herbaceous finish; reserve some for garnish to elevate presentation.

Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by shredding your rotisserie chicken and dicing the onion while mincing the garlic. This mise en place helps everything move quickly once you start cooking. Measure out all spices and open cans ahead of time to keep the flow steady, adapting for dietary needs like using low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake.

2-Second Step: Heat the Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your white chicken chili, and you can add extra veggies here if you want to boost nutrition.

3-Third Step: Add Aromatics and Broth: Once the onion is ready, stir in the 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another 30 seconds to release their aroma. Pour in the 2 (14.5 oz) cans of chicken broth, then add the 1 (7 oz) can of diced mild green chilies, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, which helps infuse the spices into the broth for that signature chicken chili taste.

4-Fourth Step: Simmer and Puree Beans: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors. Meanwhile, drain and rinse the 2 (15 oz) cans of cannellini beans, reserving 1 cup of beans. Puree the reserved beans with 1/4 cup of the soup broth until nearly smooth this step is key for achieving creaminess without extra dairy, and it’s easy to skip if you don’t have a blender, though it will change the texture slightly. This technique works well for a white chicken chili recipe with creamy flavors, and you can adapt it for vegan versions by using a plant-based thickener.

5-Fifth Step: Incorporate Creamy Elements: Add the 1 (8 oz) package of light cream cheese cut into cubes, 1 1/4 cups frozen corn, the whole beans, and the pureed beans to the pot. Stir everything well and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. This is where the magic happens for that rich, creamy profile, and if you’re making a chicken chili with spicy flavors, taste and adjust the cayenne here.

6-Sixth Step: Final Touches and Serving: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes to heat through and blend the flavors. Serve hot with optional toppings like cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla strips. For similar twists on chicken dishes, check out our taco casserole recipe for another easy family favorite. This white chicken chili is ready in about 50 minutes total, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Notes

🍴 Use cooked chicken like rotisserie or leftovers for moist, flavorful meat.
🥄 Pureeing some beans with broth thickens chili without extra dairy or flour.
🌿 Fresh lime juice and mild green chilies provide the best balanced flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 383
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 525 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 33 g
Cholesterol: 77 mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, spicy chicken chili, healthy chicken chili