White chicken chili is the kind of meal that delivers big flavor fast. It’s cozy, hearty, and comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or whenever you need a comforting meal in a hurry. This easy white chicken chili recipe uses pantry staples and cooked chicken to save time without sacrificing taste.
Unlike traditional red chili, white chicken chili features tender chicken, white beans, and a creamy broth with mild green chiles and warm spices. It’s light but filling, with just the right balance of heat and creaminess. If you’re looking for a chili that’s satisfying but not too heavy, this one hits the mark.
This recipe works great with leftover shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken breasts. It’s flexible, freezer-friendly, and makes fantastic leftovers.
You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a pot on the stove. It’s a one-pot wonder that simmers in under half an hour and fills your kitchen with comforting, savory aromas.
What sets this chili apart is its creamy texture from the added cream cheese or sour cream stirred in at the end. It adds richness without overwhelming the fresh, tangy flavors of lime and green chiles.
You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or cayenne. It’s also a great base for toppings: crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime.
This chili is also naturally gluten-free and high in protein. It’s a solid choice for a crowd-pleasing dinner or meal prep for the week.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a game day crowd, white chicken chili is a reliable go-to. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to customize.
Servings: 4 servings
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup sour cream or 2 oz cream cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic, green chiles, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken, white beans, and broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream or cream cheese until fully incorporated. Add lime juice.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Blend half the beans for a thicker texture.
- Adjust heat level with more or less cayenne.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep
- Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor
- Customizable toppings and spice level
- Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
This easy white chicken chili recipe is a weeknight winner—quick, creamy, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, white beans, and warm spices, it’s a comforting meal that comes together fast and feeds a hungry crowd.
