Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering white chicken chili recipe that promises warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant spices, this dish will become your new go-to meal.

Home cooks adore how simple it is to whip up this crowd-pleasing chili that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Fragrant herbs and robust seasonings dance together, creating a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The combination of white beans, succulent chicken, and rich broth transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of protein and comfort, making this chili a guaranteed winner at your table.

Looking for Speed? Try Quick White Chicken Chili

• Boost Weeknight Cooking: Whip up this chili in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner solution.
• Customize Your Comfort: Personalize the chili with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips to match everyone's taste preferences and create a fun, interactive meal.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack a protein-rich, balanced meal into a single pot with lean chicken, fiber-filled white beans, and flavorful spices that provide a wholesome dinner without extensive cleanup or complicated cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Mild enough for kids but tasty enough for adults, this chili offers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies different palates while delivering a comforting, hearty dining experience.

Ingredients for a Fast White Chicken Chili Batch

• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides the protein base for this hearty chili.
• White Beans: Creamy white beans add texture and additional protein to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base and enhances the overall flavor of the chili.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients build a flavor foundation for the chili.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Oregano: Classic spices that give the chili its signature southwestern flavor profile.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and bright pepper flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and creating a flavorful base.

Quick and Creamy White Chicken Chili Steps

Step 1: Sizzle The Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and let them dance until they become soft and see-through, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

The kitchen will start smelling amazing.

Step 2: Wake Up The Garlic

Drop in minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute.

The fragrance will become super intense and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

Step 3: Sprinkle In The Spice Magic

Shake in cumin, chili powder, and oregano.

Stir these spices around and let them toast for another minute.

This step builds incredible depth of flavor for your chili.

Step 4: Build The Chili Base

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

Stir everything together so all the flavors start mingling.

Step 5: Simmer And Develop Flavors

Crank up the heat until the mixture boils, then dial it back to a gentle simmer.

Let everything bubble softly for 15-20 minutes.

This allows all the ingredients to get to know each other and create a rich, comforting dish.

Step 6: Perfect The Seasoning

Sprinkle in salt and pepper.

Taste and adjust until the flavors make your taste buds dance with joy.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

Top with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Dive in and savor every delicious spoonful!

Tips for Quick White Chicken Chili Perfection

• Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut or shred leftover grilled chicken for added smoky flavor.
• Adjust chili powder and green chilies to match your heat preference, using mild or hot varieties as desired.
• Incorporate additional white beans or quinoa for extra protein and a more filling meal.
• Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving to add richness and smooth consistency.
• Prepare the chili in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

White Chicken Chili – Fun Twists for Weeknight Meals

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth for a completely meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and mix in smoked paprika for a more intense heat profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute white beans with riced cauliflower and use Greek yogurt instead of traditional toppings to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Green Protein Boost: Incorporate chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and vibrant green color.

Ways to Serve Quick White Chicken Chili Bowls

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this warm chili into deep ceramic bowls for a hearty, soul-warming meal that hugs you from the inside out.
• Garnish Galore: Top with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, shredded monterey jack cheese, and crispy tortilla strips for incredible texture and flavor bursts.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair with warm cornbread, crisp green salad, or buttery flour tortillas to complete this delicious white chicken chili experience and soak up every last drop of deliciousness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making this chili perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners that taste even better the next day.

Storage Tips for Quick White Chicken Chili

• Store leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.

FAQs

• What gives this white chicken chili its unique flavor?

The combination of cumin, chili powder, and oregano creates a warm, aromatic base that enhances the chicken and bean flavors without using traditional red chili ingredients.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less green chilies, or using mild or hot varieties depending on your preference.

• Can I use canned or fresh chicken for this recipe?

Both work great! You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or shred fresh chicken breasts. Canned chicken is also a convenient option for a quick meal.

Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty White Chicken Chili brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen with creamy, spicy goodness. Generous portions of tender chicken, white beans, and green chilies create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped fresh cilantro

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Tortilla strips
• Jalapeño slices

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a substantial pot over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and toast until aromatic, releasing its vibrant flavor profile, about 45-60 seconds.
3. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, and oregano into the pot, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allow spices to bloom intensely.
4. Gently fold shredded chicken, white beans, and roasted green chilies into the spiced mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, creating a rich and hearty liquid base for the chili.
6. Increase heat to generate a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop complexity.
7. Taste and calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal preference.
8. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls and embellish with preferred garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version of this hearty chili.
• Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and customize the dish’s flavor profile.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach during the simmering process.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream just before serving to enhance richness without overwhelming the chili’s core flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 394 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg