White chicken chili is a great choice if you're looking for a lighter alternative to traditional chili. For starters, our best white chicken chili recipe swaps out the red meat for chicken, which is leaner and lower in fat. Plus, the base of chicken broth and white beans lightens the dish without skimping on flavor. Overall, this chili is a nutritious, comforting bowl that warms you up without weighing you down.
This easy White Chicken Chili recipe hits the spot whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting, even if you’re short on time—it only takes 30 minutes to make. This no-fuss dish combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and just the right amount of heat from green chiles to create a deliciously hearty meal. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether it's a chilly night and you need something to warm you up or you're just in the mood for a bowl of something deliciously different, white chicken chili is definitely worth a try. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and best of all, it’s super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. We hope you enjoy it!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili
- Prep Time 15 min
- Total 30 min
- Servings 9
- Ingredients 12
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 cans (14 oz each) chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained
- 2 cans (4 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Dash ground red pepper (cayenne), if desired
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (6 oz)
- Chopped fresh cilantro, if desired
Instructions
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Step1In 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, garlic and chicken; cook and stir until chicken is no longer pink.
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Step2Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese and cilantro. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 to 15 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
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Step3To serve, spoon chili into soup bowls. Top each serving with cheese and cilantro.
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Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving (1 Cup)
- Calories
- 290
- Calories from Fat
- 90
- Total Fat
- 10g
- 16%
- Saturated Fat
- 4 1/2g
- 23%
- Trans Fat
- 0g
- Cholesterol
- 45mg
- 16%
- Sodium
- 1410mg
- 59%
- Potassium
- 750mg
- 21%
- Total Carbohydrate
- 24g
- 8%
- Dietary Fiber
- 6g
- 24%
- Sugars
- 2g
- Protein
- 27g
% Daily Value*:
- Vitamin A
- 15%
- 15%
- Vitamin C
- 4%
- 4%
- Calcium
- 25%
- 25%
- Iron
- 25%
- 25%
