Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Cooking up a pot of this white bean chicken chili is surprisingly simple. Keep scrolling for the complete detailed directions to make our best white chicken chili recipe, but here are the basic steps.

Cook the Chicken

With your chicken cut into bite size pieces, add it to your pot along with your chopped onion and garlic. Let it all sizzle and saute until your chicken is no longer pink—about 5-8 minutes. You can also use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe, just saute your onions and garlic until soft then add your chicken in the next step with the rest of your ingredients.

Add the Ingredients

When your chicken is ready, add your chicken broth, beans, green chiles, and spices to the pot. Crank up the heat until it all comes to a boil, then turn it down and let the savory mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will allow enough time for all those amazing flavors to come together.

Serve and Garnish

Now it’s almost time to eat! Spoon your finished chili into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.

It’s hard to believe that such a flavorful dish could be so simple to prepare, but this easy white chicken chili is really just that easy. Try it today and it’s bound to become one of your go-to weeknight faves. And if you’re looking for more meal time inspiration, check out our collection of the newest and best chicken recipes.

How to Thicken White Chicken Chili

This white chili recipe with chicken is so simple, it turns out perfectly every time. But if your finished white chicken chili has turned out a bit thinner than you’d like, there are a few quick fixes to help thicken it up and get that creamy, hearty texture you’re craving.

Cornstarch: One straightforward method is to use a cornstarch slurry. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth, then stir it into your simmering chili. Let it cook for a few more minutes, and you’ll see it start to thicken right up. Cornstarch is great because it doesn’t alter the flavor at all.

Mashed White Beans: Another popular option is to mash up some of the white beans already in your chili. Simply scoop out a cup of beans, mash them with a fork or potato masher, and stir them back in. This not only thickens the chili but also boosts the bean flavor.

Cream: If you want to add a bit of richness, here’s how to make creamy white chicken chili. Consider stirring in some cream or a dollop of sour cream. Both add a creamy texture and a tangy kick, which can really elevate the flavors.

Cook Longer: Lastly, letting your chili simmer uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes can reduce the liquid. The heat will evaporate some of the water, naturally thickening the broth.

So, if you find your chili’s a bit too thin, try one (or a combination) of these tricks. You’ll have a perfectly thick white chicken chili in no time with a unique twist to suit your tastes and preferred thickness!

What to Serve with White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is super versatile, making it perfect for both a light lunch or as part of a heartier dinner spread.

For lunch, keep it light and fresh. A simple side salad works wonders alongside a bowl of this chili. Think mixed greens, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and a quick vinaigrette. Or try some sliced avocado or a small portion of tortilla chips for dipping to add a nice touch without overpowering the meal. You could also go the soup and sandwich route. There are plenty of options for sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more in our collection of lunch recipes.

At dinner time, if you're serving white chicken chili as the main dish, you can liven up the sides a bit. Add some crusty bread and a green salad for a complete meal. Or if white chicken chili is playing a supporting role at dinner, it pairs beautifully with a light main dish like chicken or fish. The light flavors of the chili complement seafood especially well without overshadowing it. Take a look through our easy family dinner recipes to find your perfect pairing.

No matter how you serve it, white chicken chili is a crowd-pleaser, flexible enough to fit into any meal plan with ease!

Other Chili Recipes We Love

Can’t get enough chili? We can’t blame you. Hearty and filling, warm and wonderful, chili is the ultimate comfort food. It's hearty, packed with flavor, and super customizable. Plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd or just having leftovers for the week. Whether you spice it up or keep it mild, chili always hits the spot!

Check out our collection of top chili recipes for new variations to try. This chili con carne happens to be one of our favorites. Or if you’re a fan of ‘set it and forget it’ chili, you’ll want to check out these slow cooker family favorite chili recipes.