Dinner

White Chicken Chili Recipe

Name: White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup corn (frozen or canned), drained; 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional); Fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges (optional)

Byluca Carter December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

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Introduction

White Chicken Chili is a comforting twist on traditional chili, featuring tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a touch of spice. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s easy to make and sure to please your family and friends.

A white bowl filled with a creamy soup that has several layers visible: the base layer is light orange broth with bits of shredded chicken and yellow corn kernels mixed in, a layer of plump white beans floating on top, and a dollop of white sour cream placed in the center of the soup. Fresh green chopped cilantro is sprinkled over the sour cream and throughout the soup. Two lime slices are placed on the edge of the bowl, adding a fresh touch. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion (chopped)

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed)
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)

1/2 cup heavy cream (or sour cream, optional)
Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the cooked chicken, white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Stir in the corn and heavy cream (if using). Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the spices.
Swap heavy cream for sour cream for a tangier finish.

Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Add chopped bell peppers with the onions for added crunch and color.
Serve with tortilla chips or warm cornbread to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This chili also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

This image shows a bowl of creamy soup with several layers visible. The base layer is a light yellow soup with small pieces of shredded chicken and corn kernels. Scattered on top are whole white beans and chopped green herbs, likely cilantro, adding a fresh green color. In the center sits a dollop of white sour cream with more chopped herbs sprinkled over it. On one side of the bowl, two thin slices of lime are placed neatly, showing their pale green interior. The soup is in a white bowl set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, but cooked fresh chicken or rotisserie chicken will provide better texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra beans or vegetables to keep it hearty.