Cozy 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort meets simplicity in this creamy 5-ingredient white chicken chili that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier with this streamlined recipe.

Home cooks can whip up a hearty meal in no time, blending tender chicken with rich, velvety broth.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a deeply satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with protein and bursting with zesty southwestern notes, this chili transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Spoon into bowls and watch as everyone at the table falls in love with this effortless culinary creation.

FAQs

This chili is called “white” because it uses white beans instead of traditional red kidney beans and doesn’t include tomatoes, giving it a lighter color compared to classic red chili.

• Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook chicken breasts or thighs first in the pot, shred them, and then continue with the recipe. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

• Is this chili spicy?

The green chilies provide a mild heat, but the spice level is generally mild. If you prefer more heat, you can add extra green chilies or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Simplicity Wins: Five-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this delightful chili with minimal ingredients and quick preparation, perfect for busy families craving a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: Personalize the chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, tangy sour cream, or fresh cilantro, making each bowl uniquely delicious and tailored to individual tastes.
• Packed with Protein Power: Loaded with tender chicken and protein-rich white beans, this chili provides a nutritious and satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the evening.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Master this simple recipe even if you're new to cooking, with straightforward steps and basic seasonings that guarantee a flavorful result every single time.

Five Ingredient Chili – What to Pick Up at the Store

• Cooked Chicken: A tender and succulent protein that provides the hearty base for this white chili.

• White Beans, Chicken Broth: Creamy white beans add texture and richness, while chicken broth creates a flavorful and smooth liquid foundation for the chili.
• Green Chilies: These add a mild, tangy heat and authentic southwestern flavor to the dish.

• Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These spices work together to create a deep, warm, and aromatic flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the chili.

• Cheese, Sour Cream, Fresh Cilantro: These toppings provide additional layers of flavor, creaminess, and freshness to customize the chili to individual preferences.

How to Cook Five Ingredient White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare The Savory Base

In a spacious cooking pot, toss in the tender, pre-cooked chicken pieces.

Layer these with creamy white beans, vibrant green chilies, and a rich splash of chicken broth.

The combination will create a delightful foundation for your chili.

• Cooked chicken
• White beans
• Green chilies
• Chicken broth

Mix these ingredients gently to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Enhance With Aromatic Spices

Sprinkle in a generous dash of ground cumin for warmth, garlic powder for depth, and onion powder for a subtle, sweet undertone.

These spices will transform your simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Stir the spices thoroughly to coat every morsel.

Step 3: Bring To A Bubbling Simmer

Crank up the heat and let your chili reach a rolling boil.

Once it’s dancing with bubbles, dial back the temperature to a gentle, steady simmer.

This low and slow technique allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 4: Let The Flavors Develop

Allow the chili to simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding a pinch more spice if you desire a bolder profile.

Step 5: Serve With Delectable Toppings

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, or a handful of fresh, chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Full Flavor in Five Ingredient Chili

• Add a splash of lime juice at the end to brighten the chili's taste and cut through the richness.
• Replace chicken with shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy variation.
• Mash some beans partially to create a thicker, creamier chili consistency without adding extra ingredients.
• Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot green chilies based on personal preference or family tolerance.
• Prepare the chili in advance and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Five Ingredient Chili – Switch Ups for More Fun

• Spicy Southwest Swap: Replace green chilies with diced jalapeños and add chipotle powder for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Bean Boost: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or white beans and use vegetable broth.
• Creamy Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of traditional toppings and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace white beans with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative.

Serving Up Five Ingredient Chicken Chili

• Fresh Cilantro Sprinkle: Chop fresh cilantro leaves and generously scatter over the chili to add a bright, herbal freshness that complements the rich chicken flavor.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Grate sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top, letting it melt slightly into the warm chili for a creamy, indulgent touch.
• Crunch and Comfort: Serve with crispy tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side, allowing guests to dip or crumble them into the chili for added texture and satisfaction.
• Sour Cream Swirl: Add a dollop of cool sour cream that creates a tangy contrast and helps balance the chili's warm spices, making each bite more refreshing.

Keeping Five Ingredient White Chicken Chili Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture.
• Pour chili into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add small amount of chicken broth to prevent sticking and restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and temperature reaches 165°F.

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty 5-ingredient white chicken chili delivers comfort and warmth in one delicious bowl. Creamy, zesty flavors blend seamlessly, creating a quick weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken

Main Starches and Beans:

• 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans great northern beans

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 (4 ounces / 113 grams) can green chilies
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese

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Instructions

1. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture for even distribution throughout the chili.
2. Pour chicken broth into a large pot, creating a flavorful liquid base for the chili.
3. Add white beans and diced green chilies to the broth, creating a rich and hearty foundation.
4. Sprinkle cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly across the mixture, infusing deep, aromatic flavors.
5. Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine and prevent seasoning clumping.
6. Increase heat to high and bring the chili to a robust boil, allowing ingredients to meld together.
7. Reduce heat to low, creating a gentle simmer that allows flavors to develop for 15 minutes.
8. Periodically stir the chili to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding salt or additional spices as needed for balanced flavor profile.
10. Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls, maintaining its warm temperature.
11. Optional: Enhance presentation and taste by topping with shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Swap chicken for rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and make the dish healthier.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with extra white beans or plant-based protein like tofu.
• Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy green chilies based on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg