If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor, this White Chicken Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a creamy, soul-warming bowl packed with tender shredded chicken, tender white beans, and a perfect blend of spices that create a deliciously inviting dinner. The combination of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a touch of heat make this chili stand out — you’ll want to make it again and again, especially when you crave something that’s both satisfying and soulful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Chicken Chili Recipe calls for simple but purposeful ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element is essential, from the creamy sour cream that adds richness to the bright lime juice that lifts the entire dish. Let’s dive into what you’ll want to gather before you start cooking.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic to develop that perfect flavor base.
- Medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses a rich aroma and savory punch.
- Ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy warmth to the chili that’s simply irresistible.
- Dried oregano: Adds herbal brightness to balance the spices.
- Chili powder: Provides subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
- Ground coriander: Contributes citrusy notes that brighten the chili.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Gives an extra kick for those who love a bit more spice.
- White beans (canned, drained and rinsed): Offer a creamy texture and wholesome protein.
- Diced green chiles (canned): Infuse mild heat and a smoky flavor.
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded): The star protein delivering tender bites throughout.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, light base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Sour cream: Adds luscious creaminess and slight tanginess.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Makes the chili rich and silky smooth.
- Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all flavors.
- Lime juice: Brightens the entire dish with zesty freshness.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: The perfect herbal garnish for a hint of freshness and color.
How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook it gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This step is vital because a well-cooked onion brings out the natural sweetness that will balance the chili’s spices.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper if you want extra heat. Allow the spices to cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, which helps release their full flavors and gives the chili its signature aromatic quality.
Step 3: Add Main Ingredients and Simmer
Now it’s time to add the white beans, diced green chiles, shredded chicken, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This mellow simmering melds the flavors beautifully and thickens the chili slightly.
Step 4: Stir in Creaminess and Brightness
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream, half-and-half (or heavy cream), and fresh lime juice. This final step is where the chili transforms into a creamy, tangy masterpiece. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to bring out all the layers of flavor.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Topping this White Chicken Chili Recipe with fresh chopped cilantro adds a pop of vibrant color and refreshing herbal notes. Feel free to add shredded cheese, creamy avocado slices, or crunchy tortilla strips to elevate the texture and layers of flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. These accompaniments balance the rich, creamy texture of the chili without overpowering its comforting essence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family-style presentation, serve the chili in a big rustic pot with an array of toppings on the side, letting everyone customize their bowls. Alternatively, use bread bowls for a cozy, fun way to enjoy every last drop of this delicious White Chicken Chili Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover White Chicken Chili Recipe to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly and doesn’t scorch. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves a ton of prep time; just shred it and toss it in as directed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check the labels on canned ingredients.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño when cooking the aromatics for an extra spicy kick.
What can I substitute for half-and-half if I don’t have any?
You can use heavy cream, whole milk, or even a non-dairy creamer, though half-and-half strikes the best balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
How can I make the chili thicker?
For a thicker chili, blend a cup of the white beans with some broth before adding them back to the pot; this creates a lovely creamy texture without extra flour or starch.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s so comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. I encourage you to give it a try — whether for your family dinner or to impress friends at your next gathering, this chili promises warm smiles and full bellies!
Print
White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and comforting White Chicken Chili is a flavorful twist on traditional chili, featuring tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and is rich with subtle heat and fresh lime and cilantro accents.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Spices: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper if using, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Beans, Chicken, and Broth: Mix in the drained white beans, diced green chiles, shredded cooked chicken, and low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Chili: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish with Cream and Lime: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream, half-and-half or heavy cream, and lime juice. Adjust the chili’s salt and black pepper seasoning to your taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Optionally, top with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, blend 1 cup of the white beans with a little broth before adding to the chili.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save prep time and adds flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat preference or omit for a milder version.
- This chili is naturally gluten-free but always check labels if using pre-packaged ingredients.
