White Chicken Chili recipe

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 can white kidney beans (19oz); 1 can sweet corn (12oz); 1 can green chiles (4oz); 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 teaspoon green hot sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional); 1 tablespoon water (optional); Toppings: avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, jalapenos

Published: January 31, 2026

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep Time: With just 5 minutes to prep, you can have this chili simmering in no time.
Freezer Friendly: Make a batch and freeze it for quick meals on busy days.
Versatile Toppings: Customize your serving with chips, avocado, lime wedges, or your favorite salsas.
Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives this chili a thick and luscious feel.
Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from chicken and beans, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious White Chicken Chili recipe, having the right tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or large soup pot
Cutting board
Forks (for shredding chicken)
Measuring spoons
Small bowl (optional for cornstarch)

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for evenly cooking your chili while allowing ample space for stirring.
Cutting board: Provides a sturdy surface for shredding chicken safely and easily.
Measuring spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements that enhance flavor balance.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.

Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19oz or 591ml)
– 1 can sweet corn, drained (12oz or 341ml)
– 1 can green chiles (4oz or 113ml)
– 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (125g)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
– 1 tablespoon water (optional)
– Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos, for serving)

How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

To a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
* Reduce the heat to medium-low after boiling.
* Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot to a large cutting board.
* Shred the chicken using two forks.
* Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the beans, corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt into the pot.
* Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into cubes.
* Stir it into the chili mixture.
* Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until melted.

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you prefer a thicker chili:
* In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth.
* Add this mixture to your simmering chili to thicken further.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your delicious White Chicken Chili with optional toppings like additional hot sauce, chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos—whatever your favorites are!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that pairs well with various toppings and sides. You can customize your bowl to suit your taste or the occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Toppings

Avocado – Creamy avocado slices add richness and texture.
Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors and adds zest.
Salsa – Fresh salsa offers a burst of flavor and a hint of spice.
Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
Jalapenos – For those who love heat, sliced jalapenos provide a fiery kick.
Chips – Serve with tortilla chips for crunch and dipping.

Bread Options

Cornbread – Sweet cornbread complements the chili’s flavors perfectly.
Crusty Bread – Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

To achieve the best White Chicken Chili possible, consider these helpful tips. With minor adjustments, you can enhance the flavor and texture of this comforting dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and spices elevate the overall taste.
Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the heat by adding more or less chili powder or hot sauce.
Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing the chili to simmer enhances the flavors as they meld together.
Experiment with Beans – Combine different beans like navy or great northern for variety in texture.
Add Vegetables – Mix in diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Make Ahead – This chili freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice flavored with spices complements the chili nicely.
Guacamole – Creamy guacamole adds richness and balances spiciness.
Salad – A light green salad provides freshness and crunch alongside the warm chili.
Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer a hearty addition to the meal.
Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies bring smoky flavors that pair well with chili.
Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas make for a satisfying side that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your White Chicken Chili recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can impact the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Boldly skip seasoning: Not seasoning your dish can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Boldly overcook chicken: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Cook until just done, then shred it to keep it moist.
Boldly ignore ingredient quality: Low-quality ingredients can affect taste. Choose fresh, high-quality broth and beans for the best results.
Boldly rush the simmering process: Simmering helps meld flavors. Allow sufficient time for the chili to develop its rich taste before serving.
Boldly forget toppings: Toppings add flavor and texture. Don’t skip adding garnishes like avocado, lime, or jalapenos for an enhanced experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow the chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Consider portioning into smaller containers for easy reheating.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about this White Chicken Chili recipe:

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just thaw them first or increase the cooking time.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use a plant-based cream cheese or a thick cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili recipe?

The spice level is mild; however, you can adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or jalapenos.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This White Chicken Chili recipe is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only thick and creamy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Try it out and enjoy the comforting flavors that will warm you from the inside out!