White Chicken Chili Recipe – Quick, Creamy & Comforting Dinner

White Chicken Chili Recipe is the cozy, flavorful comfort food your weeknight dinners have been waiting for. It’s creamy, hearty, and comes together in just 25 minutes — yes, faster than an episode of your favorite show. This chili skips the heavy beef and tomato base and instead stars tender chunks of chicken breast, mild green chilies, and creamy white beans. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like it’s been simmering all day but takes less time than a grocery run. Perfect for chilly nights, game days, or when you just need a warm hug in a bowl.

The best part? You can easily make it ahead or freeze it for later. Plus, the mix of textures — creamy broth, juicy chicken, and tender beans — makes it both filling and light. So grab your pot, because White Chicken Chili Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal.

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What is White Chicken Chili Recipe?

White Chicken Chili Recipe is a lighter, creamier twist on traditional chili. Instead of the usual beef and red sauce, it’s made with shredded or diced chicken, white beans, and mild green chilies that give it a subtle kick without the fire. The creamy texture comes from a bit of sour cream stirred in at the end — creating that irresistible silky finish everyone loves. This version has all the heartiness of a classic chili but feels fresh and balanced. It’s especially great for anyone who prefers a milder flavor or wants a protein-packed meal without feeling overly full.

Think of it as the cozy cousin of chicken soup — comforting, satisfying, and just the right amount of spice. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table, whether it’s a cold winter evening or just a busy weeknight when dinner needs to happen fast.

Reasons to Try White Chicken Chili Recipe

If you’ve ever needed a fast, family-friendly dinner that tastes restaurant-quality, this White Chicken Chili Recipe is your answer. First off, it’s incredibly easy — everything cooks in one pot, and dinner’s ready in under 30 minutes. Second, it’s healthy-ish comfort food: packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and lots of cozy spices like cumin and oregano. It’s creamy but not heavy, so you get that indulgent feel without the guilt. Third, it’s versatile.

Want it spicy? Add jalapeños. Dairy-free? Skip the sour cream. You can even toss in leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. And let’s be honest — it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds. Pair it with a side of cornbread or a salad, and you’ve got yourself a wholesome, balanced meal that warms your soul.

Ingredients Needed to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14-ounce) cans great Northern beans, drained
• 2 (4-ounce) cans mild green chilies, with juices
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅔ cup sour cream

Instructions to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe

Let’s walk through this White Chicken Chili Recipe Step by Step so you can create a cozy, creamy pot of goodness that’ll make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen (your secret’s safe with me).

Step 1: Warm the Base and Build Flavor

Start this Step by Step White Chicken Chili Recipe by placing a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drizzle in one tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm until it shimmers — that’s how you know it’s ready. Add your diced onion and stir it around for about 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. You’ll start to smell that irresistible aroma that says, “something good’s cooking.” Next, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it for just 30 seconds, long enough to release its flavor but not long enough to burn (because nobody likes burnt garlic). This is the flavor foundation for your chili — think of it as your culinary canvas.

Pro tip: If you love building flavor bases, you might enjoy my Hearty Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, which starts the same way — sautéing aromatics until golden perfection.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Create the Broth

Now, for the exciting part of this White Chicken Chili Recipe Step by Step process — it’s time to build the body of your chili. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and stir to loosen any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom (those bits = pure flavor gold). Add your drained white beans, green chilies (with their juices for extra punch), diced chicken, and corn kernels. Then sprinkle in the spices — chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and your pot looks like a colorful mosaic of deliciousness.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to blend beautifully. If your kitchen starts smelling like a Tex-Mex dream, you’re doing it right.

If you’re into quick, one-pot meals, check out my One-Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta — it’s another lifesaver for busy weeknights.

Step 3: Thicken and Make It Creamy

Here’s where your Step by Step White Chicken Chili Recipe turns from simple to spectacular. In a small bowl, add your sour cream. Ladle about ½ cup of the hot chili broth from the pot into that bowl and whisk until smooth. This is called “tempering,” and it keeps the sour cream from curdling when you add it back into the hot chili. Once it’s blended, pour the mixture back into the pot, stirring slowly until the chili turns creamy and luscious.

Want your chili a little thicker? Sprinkle in ¼ cup of cornmeal, stir well, and simmer for 2–3 more minutes. The cornmeal will naturally thicken the chili and add a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the mild heat from the green chilies.

Chef’s Note: If you’re trying to make this recipe dairy-free, swap the sour cream for coconut milk or a plain non-dairy yogurt — the result is still velvety and delicious. You can read more about smart swaps like this in my Healthy Turkey Rice Soup article, where I share my favorite ingredient substitutions for lighter meals.

Step 4: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

The final Step by Step move in your White Chicken Chili Recipe journey is all about tasting and adjusting. Give it a try — you may want to add more salt, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, or an extra pinch of cumin for warmth. Remember, seasoning is personal, so trust your taste buds.

Once the flavors are spot on, ladle the chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. If you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of sour cream and a few jalapeño slices for garnish. Serve it hot alongside warm cornbread or try pairing it with my Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a hearty dinner combo.

Step 5: Enjoy and Store for Later

Congratulations — you’ve just made a comforting, creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe Step by Step like a pro! Now, grab a spoon and dig in while it’s piping hot. If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens), store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months — it reheats beautifully.

This chili is even better the next day because the flavors continue to deepen overnight. It’s the gift that keeps on giving — perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, or cozy reheat-and-eat nights.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love my Turkey Corn Chowder — it has a similar creamy, comforting vibe and is another reader favorite for fall and winter.

What to Serve with White Chicken Chili Recipe

This White Chicken Chili Recipe pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a classic Southern combo, serve it with warm Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese or buttery Easy Glazed Carrots for a touch of sweetness. If you’re keeping things light, a crisp green salad or cornbread muffins work perfectly. On colder nights, I like to top my bowl with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. And if you’re feeling fancy, make it a cozy trio dinner with a dessert like No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecake for the perfect sweet ending.

Key Tips for Making White Chicken Chili Recipe

1. Use cooked chicken for a shortcut: Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Toss it in during the last 5 minutes. It’s a total lifesaver on busy nights.
2. Adjust the heat: Love spice? Swap mild green chilies for hot ones or toss in a jalapeño.
3. Thicken it your way: Add a bit of cornmeal or mash some beans for a thicker chili.
4. Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream — still creamy, still delicious.
5. Make it ahead: The flavors deepen as it sits, so it tastes even better the next day.

Storage and Reheating Tips for White Chicken Chili Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the texture. Microwave reheating also works — just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each round. The chili actually gets creamier as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better on day two. If you added sour cream before freezing, whisk it again after thawing to restore its smooth texture.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine everything except the sour cream and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in the sour cream right before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw?
Yes — just add it during the last few minutes of simmering to keep it juicy.

What if I don’t have green chilies?
Use salsa verde or diced jalapeños for a similar flavor kick.

How can I make it thicker without cornmeal?
Mash a few beans before adding them to the pot — it thickens naturally.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili Recipe is one of those rare dishes that checks all the boxes: comforting, wholesome, quick, and kid-approved. It’s a simple one-pot wonder that makes dinner feel effortless and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or hosting friends for game night, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. If you loved this recipe, try my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup next — another comforting favorite perfect for soup season.

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