White chicken chili is like a warm hug on a chilly day, with its creamy texture and hearty flavors wrapping you in comfort. Imagine spoonfuls of tender chicken mingling with spices, beans, and perhaps the faintest hint of lime, all mingling together like old friends at a reunion. savory chicken linguine Every bite promises an explosion of flavor that dances on your palate, inviting you to savor more.
This dish has been my go-to for countless gatherings, from cozy family dinners to holiday parties. I remember one fateful evening when my friends proclaimed it the “best chili ever,” leading to an impromptu dance party in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that delivers on taste and warmth, white chicken chili is your answer! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This white chicken chili recipe combines ease of preparation with mouthwatering flavors that will impress your guests
- Its creamy texture and vibrant colors make it visually appealing in any bowl
- Super versatile, you can add your favorite toppings or adjust spice levels to suit everyone’s tastes
- Perfect for chilly nights or game-day gatherings!
I once made this dish for a friend’s potluck, and let’s just say I barely had any leftovers to take home!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; they should be fresh for the best flavor and tenderness.
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White Beans: Canned or cooked from scratch; these are essential for that creamy texture!
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Green Chiles: Opt for canned diced green chiles to add just the right amount of heat.
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Onion: A medium onion adds depth—go for yellow or white varieties.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings robust flavor; don’t skimp on it!
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
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Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices give your chili that signature warmth and depth of flavor.
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Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For serving, this adds creaminess that complements the chili perfectly.
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Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice brightens up the entire dish—trust me on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Get your chicken ready by cutting it into bite-sized pieces; this helps it cook faster.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until they’re translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do it.
Add Chicken & Spices: Toss in the diced chicken along with cumin and chili powder. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and slightly browned—about 7-10 minutes will suffice.
Mix in Beans & Broth: Stir in those lovely white beans and pour in your chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so those flavors meld together beautifully.
Add Green Chiles & Lime Juice: Fold in the green chiles followed by a generous squeeze of lime juice. Let simmer for about 15 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve It Up!: Ladle your delightful white chicken chili into bowls, topping each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and extra lime wedges if desired! For more inspiration, check out this street corn chicken bowl recipe.
Now you have yourself a bowl of comforting white chicken chili that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters! Enjoy every flavorful bite! taco stuffed shells.
You Must Know
- White chicken chili is a delightful twist on the classic chili, bringing warmth and comfort to your table
- The creamy texture combined with tender chicken and vibrant spices makes it a crowd-pleaser
- Perfect for cozy evenings or game day gatherings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken and spices. Next, stir in beans and broth, simmering until flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out white beans for black beans or add corn for sweetness. Spice lovers can throw in jalapeños for a kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When using cooked chicken, shred it finely for better flavor absorption
- Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning as necessary
- Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor contrast!
The first time I made white chicken chili, my friends devoured it so fast I wondered if I’d accidentally served them soup-flavored air! stuffed pepper soup. delicious stuffed pepper soup.

FAQ
Can I use canned beans for white chicken chili?
Yes, canned beans save time and still provide great flavor!
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.
Is white chicken chili gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free broth and check all ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten.
White Chicken Chili
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- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
White chicken chili is a comforting and creamy dish that warms the soul on chilly days. Tender pieces of chicken, hearty white beans, and a blend of spices come together in this crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or game day. With a splash of lime juice and your choice of toppings, every bowl promises a delightful explosion of flavor.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups canned white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add oil and sauté the onions until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the chicken pieces along with cumin and chili powder. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink (approximately 7–10 minutes).
- Add white beans and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer for flavors to meld.
- Mix in green chiles and lime juice; simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot in bowls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and extra lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg






