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October 23, 2021 By Kathryn Donangelo 24 Comments

White Chicken Chili

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Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Kathryn Donangelo

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Flavorful White Chicken Chili is the definition of comfort food.  Loaded with hearty ingredients like tender shredded chicken, creamy cannellini beans, spicy diced green chilies, and a rich and velvety broth; this one pot 30-minute dish is sure to be a hit at your family’s table! 

PIN White Chicken Chili to try later!

Bowl of white chicken chili topped with tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, and slice jalapeno and avocado.

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI RECIPE

This chili is truly a one pot wonder!  If you’re looking for rich, velvety, stick-to-your bones delicious comfort meal, then you’ve found it!  This White Chicken Chili is one of my all-time favorite recipes and one I make year round, even when the days start to get warmer.  It’s easy-to-make, always delicious, and makes a ton to eat throughout the week or freeze for later.

Plus, you can bring on all your favorite chili toppings! I like mine with a dollop of tangy sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp shredded cheddar, and thin slices of creamy avocado and jalapeno!

And of course, you can’t have chili, traditional or white, without Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins or The Best Cornbread! This is my favorite recipe that I use over and over again. It’s super moist and goes perfectly with this chili.

Bowl of white chicken chili with all the fixings.

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

  • Olive oil: While this recipe calls for olive oil, however; you could substitute another light-tasting oil such as avocado oil.  Try to steer clear of using butter.
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic
  • Shredded chicken: Feel free to substitute ground chicken or ground turkey in the place of shredded chicken.
  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Oregano
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Low-sodium chicken broth
  • Cannellini beans: While this recipe calls for cannellini beans, you could use any other white bean such as navy or great northern.
  • Whole kernel corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned will work.  If using canned, be sure to drain and rinse prior to putting in pot.
  • Green chilies
  • Cream cheese: Milk, cream, or non-fat plain Greek yogurt can be used in place of cream cheese.

HOW TO MAKE WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

STEP ONE: In a large pot (more than 5 quarts), heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add the onion and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes.  Add garlic, and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant.

STEP TWO: Add shredded chicken, cannellini beans, green chilies, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and broth to the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, uncovered.

Picture steps 1-4 of how to make white chicken chili.

STEP THREE: Stir in cream cheese, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Pictures of steps 5-8 on how to make white chicken chili.

STEP FOUR: Serve warm with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, lime juice, chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, sliced jalapenos, and tortilla chips.

White chicken chili in blue Dutch oven.

TOPPING VARIATIONS

  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack, or Mexican
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Fresh guacamole
  • Homemade pico de gallo
  • Jalapeno slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Tortilla chips/strips

Ladle full of white chicken chili.

CAN WHITE CHICKEN CHILI BE MADE IN A CROCKPOT?

You sure can!  If making in the Crockpot, be sure to use chicken breast as rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken will dry out.

To make in the Crockpot, add chicken breast to the bottom of the slow cooker and top with spices.  Top with diced onion, minced garlic, beans, chilies, corn, and chicken broth.  Stir.  Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4.  Remove chicken and place in large bowl.  Shred.  Return to slow cooker.

Add in softened cream cheese, stir, cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes or until creamy and thickened.  Enjoy!

White chicken chili in bowl with toppings.

TIP FOR MAKING A CREAMY WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

This white chicken chili gets its luscious creaminess from the cream cheese and the cannellini beans.  To make this chili even more velvety, puree part of the beans.  To puree the beans, add 1 cup of cannellini beans and a bit of chicken broth to a food processor or blender.  Pulse until creamy and smooth, and set aside until ready to mix in.

White chicken chili in circular bowl.

STORING LEFTOVERS

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze cooled chili and a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.  When ready to reheat place chili in a large pot on the stove over medium-low heat and warmed-through.  Leftovers can also be warmed up in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Close up of chili in white circular bowl.

MORE COMFORTING SOUPS TO TRY:

  • Healthy Turkey Chili
  • Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
  • Chunky Beef Stew 
  • 30 Minute Taco Soup

CAN’T GET ENOUGH?

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White Chicken Chili

Flavorful White Chicken Chili is the definition of comfort food.  Loaded with hearty ingredients like tender shredded chicken, creamy cannellini beans, spicy diced green chiles, and a rich and velvety broth; this one pot 30-minute dish is sure to be a hit at your family’s table! 
5 from 22 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili, white chicken chili
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Kathryn Donangelo

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion; chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic; minced
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken)
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 15 oz. cans cannelloni beans (white beans) rinse and drain
  • 1 15 oz. can whole kernel corn rinse and drain
  • 2 4 oz. cans green chiles
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, milk, cream or non-fat plain Greek yogurt

White Chicken Chilli Toppings (optional)

  • sharp cheddar cheese; shredded
  • jalapeños; sliced
  • lime; sliced
  • cilantro; chopped

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in onion and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.  Add garlic, and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant.
  • To the pot, add shredded chicken, cannellini beans, green chilies, and corn.
  • Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and chicken broth to the pot.
  • Simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered.  Stir in cream cheese, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. If your cream cheese is not mixing in use a whisk and vigorously stir.
  • Take off the heat. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Find Kathryn's Kitchen Blog on Instagram!Mention @Kathryns.Kitchen.Blog or tag #kathrynskitchen!

Notes

  1. Store any leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container for 4 days in the refrigerator or in the freezer up to 3 months.
  2. You can substitute the shredded chicken for ground chicken or ground turkey, if you prefer.
  3. Feel free to substitute any other white bean such as navy or great northern in place of cannellini beans.
  4. If using canned corn, be sure to drain and rinse prior to putting into pot. 

Welcome to our 2021 Chili Cook-Off! 

October is Chili Cook-Off Month! We have delicious recipes from across the country to get your chili making to the next level of deliciousness!

#ChiliCookOff is an annual blogging event that is hosted by Ashley from Cheese Curd In Paradise

  • Venison Chili from Cheese Curd In Paradise
  • Colorado Green Chili fromThe Fresh Cooky
  • Leftover Roast Pork Chilifrom A Day in the Life on the Farm
  • Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili from Sweet Beginnings
  • Instant Pot Chili from Devour Dinner
  • Chili con Carne from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
  • Smoked Turkey Chili from Palatable Pastime
  • My Dad’s Contest Winning Chili from The Spiffy Cookie
  • Instant Pot Pork Green Chili from Hostess At Heart
  • Black Eyed Pea Chili from Leftovers Then Breakfast
  • Pork Chili from Art of Natural Living
  • Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili from Life Love and Good Food
  • Pumpkin Chili from Jen Around The World
  • Vegan Butternut Squash Chipotle Chili from Magical Ingredients
  • Cincinnati Chili from An Affair from the Heart
  • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Chilifrom The Freshman Cook
  • Texas Chili from SmartyPantsKitchen

Like this recipe? Then you'll love these:

  • Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
    Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
  • Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
    Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Spicy Tuna Bites
    Spicy Tuna Bites
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Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Lunch, Main Dishes, Soups

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. wendyklik1517@gmail.com'Wendy Klik says

    October 23, 2021 at 11:13 am

    This sounds amazing with the cream cheese and the corn added.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 24, 2021 at 5:48 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. hostessatheart@gmail.com'Julie Menghini says

    October 23, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    Oh heavens, this recipe is amazing. It’s cold today so once I saw this pot of deliciousness I put everything together. We just devoured it and I even have a couple bowls left for lunch!

    Reply
  3. rradhoo@gmail.com'Radha says

    October 23, 2021 at 3:58 pm

    White chili sounds amazing and love the addition of spicy green peppers in this chili!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 24, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  4. sheila@lifeloveandgoodfood.com'Sheila Thigpen says

    October 23, 2021 at 6:19 pm

    5 stars
    Genius adding cream cheese and corn to white chicken chili! Everyone loved it!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 24, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      The cream cheese adds just the right amount of creaminess. Thanks Sheila!

      Reply
  5. ingerjw@live.com'Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng says

    October 24, 2021 at 5:53 am

    This is stunningly beautiful! I lost my (very) old white chili recipe so can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 24, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      Thank you! I hope you enjoy this recipe just as much as we did 🙂

      Reply
  6. jennifer.sikora1@gmail.com'Jennifer says

    October 24, 2021 at 7:34 am

    I love white chicken chili. I am actually making it this weekend! Such a filling dinner recipe.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 24, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      Enjoy!!

      Reply
  7. jennifer@leftoversthenbreakfast.com'jennifer says

    October 24, 2021 at 10:42 am

    5 stars
    This is one of my favorite chili recipes ever! The corn and green chilies takes me straight to the Southwest!! I’ll take a big bowl with an avocado on top!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 24, 2021 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you Jennifer 🙂

      Reply
  8. karen.h.kerr@gmail.com'Karen says

    October 24, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    What a great way to use a rotisserie chicken! It looks gorgeous.

    Reply
  9. thefreshmancook@hotmail.com'Teri @ The Freshman Cook says

    October 24, 2021 at 10:45 pm

    What a beautiful chili! I love the ingredients you used, and your photos are gorgeous!

    Reply
  10. kathleen@thefreshcooky.com'Kathleen says

    October 25, 2021 at 10:09 am

    5 stars
    The house smells amazing, I have this in my crockpot now, and will add the cream cheese in the last hour. I love the flavors and ease of this chili recipe!

    Reply
  11. cheesecurdinparadise@gmail.com'Ashley Lecker says

    October 31, 2021 at 5:11 am

    5 stars
    I love white chicken chili! All the spices and flavors sound amazing. I also love how quick this recipe is!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 31, 2021 at 10:34 am

      Thanks so much Ashley!

      Reply
  12. maps@devourdinner.com'Rebecca says

    November 2, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    This is one of my favorite kinds of chili! And this recipe made it so easy and delicious! It’s a hearty meal that will you fill you up but leave you wanting more!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      November 3, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you Rebecca!

      Reply
  13. mimiprip@aol.com'Chef Mimi says

    November 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Wonderful! I think I would prefer this version over beef chili, but I’ve yet to make it! I have no idea why, but I love the look of this recipe. wonderful photos!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      November 5, 2021 at 3:18 pm

      5 stars
      🙂 Me too! Thank you so much.

      Reply
  14. kelliebern@comcast.net'Kellie says

    March 13, 2023 at 5:07 pm

    Should I drain and rinse the beans or add the juices right in? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      March 14, 2023 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Kellie, great question! It’s best if you drain the beans. I’ve also updated the recipe card. I hope you love this chili as much as we did 🙂

      Reply

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