Hola, my friends! 👋 It’s your girl Luna from RecipeOnFire.com, and I’m here to share a flavor explosion that’s about to make your taste buds do a happy dance – white chicken chili! 💃 This cozy, comforting dish is about to become your new favorite go-to for those chilly nights when you need a big hug in a bowl. 🤗 Grab your spoons and get ready for a culinary adventure that’s as easy as it is delicious! 😋🔥
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili
This white chicken chili is the ultimate comfort food with a twist! 🤩 Juicy shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and a symphony of warm spices come together to create a dish that’s both soothing and bold. 💥 It’s the perfect balance of rich, creamy goodness and a little kick to keep things interesting.
Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser — your family and friends will be begging for seconds (and thirds!). 😍 And if you’re curious about building deeper chili flavor with spices and slow simmering techniques, you might enjoy this guide to chili seasoning basics from Serious Eats.
Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure cozy bliss! 🤤
Key Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili
The biggest mistake to avoid when making this white chicken chili is not simmering the beans long enough. 🙅♀️ You want those white beans to get nice and creamy, so be sure to let them simmer until they’re velvety and tender. Trust me, it’s worth the extra time for that ultimate comfort food texture! 💯 The secret to taking this white chicken chili to the next level? 🤫 Toasting the spices before adding them to the pot! 🌶️ This simple step unleashes all the bold, fragrant flavors and creates a depth of taste that will have your taste buds doing cartwheels. 🤸♀️ Just a minute or two in a dry skillet is all it takes to take this dish from good to downright crave-worthy! 😋
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather up your gang of all-star ingredients – juicy chicken, creamy white beans, and a delicious medley of spices that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy hug. 🤗 With just a few simple items, you’re about to whip up a comforting masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. 🍲 Get ready to elevate your everyday cooking with this flavor-packed white chicken chili! ✨
- 2 lbs — Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped or shredded
- 2 (15 oz) cans — White beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large — Onion, diced
- 4 cloves — Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp — Chili powder
Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)
- Chicken → Shredded pork or turkey (still delicious, promise) ✅
- White beans → Cannellini or kidney beans (easy dietary swap) 👍
How to Make White Chicken Chili (Step-by-Step)
Let’s get this party started! 🎉 First, grab your chicken and give it a quick chop or shred into bite-sized pieces. 🐓 Then, drain and rinse those white beans – we want them nice and ready to soak up all that delicious flavor. 🥣 While you’re at it, dice up an onion and mince some garlic to kick things off with a flavorful base. 👌 Time to bring the heat! 🔥 Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven until they’re nice and fragrant. 💫 Then, add in your spices and let them toast for a minute or two to really amplify their flavor. 🌶️ Now, it’s time for the star of the show – the chicken! Toss it in and let it get all cozy with the spices before pouring in your broth and beans. 🍲 Bring that beauty to a simmer and let it work its magic for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alright, the hard part is done – now let’s put the finishing touches on this white chicken chili masterpiece! 🙌 Once the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together, it’s time to add a splash of heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative) to make it extra creamy and indulgent. 🤤 Give it a good stir, then grab your bowls and ladle up this cozy comfort food. 🥣 Top it off with all your favorite toppings, like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. 🥑🧀 Get ready to dive in and experience pure bliss in every bite! 😋
What to Serve With White Chicken Chili
Ladle the white chicken chili into big, cozy bowls and top with all the fixings – shredded cheese, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. 🥣 Serve with a side of warm cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.
- Cornbread — The perfect comforting accompaniment to soak up all that creamy, flavorful chili 🍽️
- Crisp Salad — A fresh, crunchy side salad provides a nice contrast to the rich chili 🥗
- Crusty Bread — Warm, crusty bread is ideal for dipping and mopping up every last bite 🥖
- Refreshing Drinks — Pair the chili with a cold beer, a crisp white wine, or a tall glass of iced tea 🥤
When to serve it: This white chicken chili is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, casual gatherings with friends, or chilly winter meals. 🎉
Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)
Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.
- Add Cheese — Stir in some shredded cheese for an extra creamy texture ✅
- Brighten it Up — Squeeze in a little lime juice for a zesty twist ✅
- Mix Up the Beans — Use a combination of white and kidney beans for variety 🎉
- Go Big on Toppings — Crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, chopped green onions – let your taste buds go wild 🚀
Warning: “Just one more bite” is basically guaranteed. 😅🍴
Print
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI BEST EASY RECIPE EVER ⭐
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty white chicken chili is a comforting dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a great way to start your day!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp oregano
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened.
2. Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and oregano, and stir for about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and corn.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat, stir in the sour cream and cilantro until well combined.
6. Serve hot with additional cilantro on top if desired.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can also top the chili with cheese or avocado for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch Favorites 🍳
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Serving & Storage
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best Serving Ideas | Ladle the white chicken chili into big, cozy bowls and top with all the fixings – shredded cheese, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. 🥣 Serve with a side of warm cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. |
| Fridge Storage | Store any leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container in the fridge. 🥤 It’ll keep for 3-4 days, so you can enjoy it all week long. |
| Freezer Storage | For longer-term storage, freeze the chili in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. 🧊 It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months, so you can always have a comforting meal on hand. |
| Reheating (Microwave) | When you’re ready to enjoy your white chicken chili, simply reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. 🔥 |
Nutrition Notes
Indulge in a bowl of this white chicken chili guilt-free! 😇 Each serving is packed with protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled beans, and a medley of wholesome veggies. 🥣 Plus, the creamy texture and bold flavors will have you feeling satisfied and energized, not weighted down. 💪 So go ahead, dig in and enjoy every bite of this cozy, comforting dish – your taste buds and your body will thank you! 🙌
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Quick Questions People Always Ask
How do I make this white chicken chili spicier?
If you’re a fan of the heat, you can easily kick up the spice level in this white chicken chili. 🌶️ Try adding an extra teaspoon or two of the chili powder, or swap in a spicier variety. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery twist. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of heat.
Can I make this white chicken chili in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! This white chicken chili is a total rock star in the slow cooker. 🐌 Just toss all the ingredients into your trusty Crock-Pot, give it a good stir, and let it work its magic on low for 6-8 hours. The low and slow cooking will make the chicken super tender and the beans extra creamy. 🤤 When you’re ready to serve, ladle it up and top with all your favorite fixings.
How can I make this white chicken chili dairy-free?
No problem! 👍 To make this white chicken chili dairy-free, simply swap out the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative, like unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. 🥥 You can also leave out the cream altogether and let the natural creaminess of the beans shine. 🤩 Just be sure to double-check that your chicken broth is also dairy-free, and you’re good to go!
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! 👌 If you have some leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken on hand, feel free to use that in this white chicken chili recipe. 🐓 Just skip the initial chicken cooking step and add the pre-cooked chicken along with the beans and broth. This is a great way to use up any extra chicken you have in the fridge and get dinner on the table even faster. 🙌
How can I make this white chicken chili in the Instant Pot?
No problem! 👍 The Instant Pot is the perfect tool for whipping up this white chicken chili in a flash. 🔥 Simply add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes. 🍲 Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining steam. 🙌 Stir in the heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative), and you’re ready to serve up a steaming bowl of cozy comfort food. 😋