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Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili

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By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Updated Oct 23, 2024
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White chicken chili is the cozy, comforting cousin of a more traditional red chili, so prepare to be wowed! Instead of relying on tomatoes for its base, this white chili recipe with chicken uses a blend of chicken broth and mild green chiles, which results in a lighter dish that’s still positively packed with amazing flavor.

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

How Long Does White Chicken Chili Stay Good in the Fridge?

White chicken chili is just as good on the second (or even third) day as it is fresh out of the pot, making it a fantastic meal prep choice. When stored properly in the fridge, it can last up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to let it cool down a bit before you pop it into an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. This helps maintain its freshness and flavor.

Reheating white chicken chili is a breeze whether you're using a stove or a microwave. For the stovetop, pour the chili into a pot and warm it over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to avoid sticking and to make sure it heats evenly. If it seems a bit thick after chilling, just splash in a little broth or water to thin it out to your liking.

If you're in a rush, the microwave does the trick just fine. Scoop your chili into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely—this helps keep the moisture in while preventing splattering—and heat it on high for about two minutes. Give it a stir, then microwave in 30-second bursts until it's hot all the way through. You can gauge the temperature with a taste test, but take a very small bite to make sure you don’t accidentally burn your mouth.

Can You Freeze White Chicken Chili?

Got too much white chicken chili on your hands? No problem—this dish freezes beautifully! Stashing some in the freezer means you've got a hearty, delicious meal ready whenever you're too busy or just don't feel like cooking.

White chicken chili can last in the freezer for about 4 to 6 months. The key is to store it properly to maintain its best quality. Cool the chili completely after cooking. This prevents ice crystals from forming and helps maintain a nice texture. Next, portion the chili into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. If you're using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to avoid freezer burn. Labeling your containers with the date and contents is a super helpful tip so you can keep track of what’s what and how long it's been there.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen chili, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it's hot throughout. Just like that, you’ve got a quick and tasty meal ready to go!

Is White Chicken Chili Healthy?

White chicken chili is one of our favorite better-for-you comfort food options! With lean protein thanks to the chicken, and white beans loaded with fiber, this tasty dish can help you feel full and satisfied without the need for heavier, more calorie-dense ingredients.

Plus, the broth and spices, rather than something heavier like cream, keeps the calorie count relatively low while still delivering a rich, comforting flavor. And, depending on how you top it—think avocado, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt—you can add even more nutrients without compromising on health.

Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili

  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Total 30 min
  • Servings 9
  • Ingredients 12
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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

  • Step 
    1
    In 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.
  • Step 
    2
    Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese and cilantro. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 to 15 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
  • Step 
    3
    To serve, spoon chili into soup bowls. Top each serving with cheese and cilantro.

Nutrition

290 Calories
10g Total Fat
27g Protein
24g Total Carbohydrate
2g Sugars

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%
Exchanges:
1 1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 3 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
1 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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