White Chicken Chilli Recipe: A Creamy Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This White Chicken Chili is creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, white beans, and green chilies. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights, and it comes together easily with simple pantry ingredients. With a rich broth flavored with garlic, cumin, and a hint of lime, this hearty chili is a delicious twist on the classic. Serve it with tortilla chips, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Juice of 1 lime
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the pot, along with white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in sour cream, heavy cream (if using), and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Serve warm with tortilla chips on the side.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut—just add it after simmering the broth and beans.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or extra green chilies.
- Prefer a thicker chili? Mash some of the beans before adding the chicken back in.
- This chili freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Protein: ~30g
White chicken chilli is a rich, comforting twist on traditional chili, beloved for its creamy texture, tender chicken, and the gentle warmth of green chilies. Although red chili is known for its bold, tomato-based flavor, this creamy version offers a fresh and versatile alternative. Whether you need a cozy family meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for game night, white chicken chilli delivers satisfaction in every spoonful.
As can be seen, this guide covers everything you need to know about mastering white chicken chilli—from understanding its origins to detailed instructions, common mistakes, expert tips, and creative variations. As a result, by the time you finish reading, you’ll have all the knowledge necessary to make a pot of white chicken chilli that is perfectly creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Best White Chicken Chilli Recipe
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 lb | Shredded or cubed |
| White beans | 2 cans | Cannellini or Great Northern |
| Green chilies | 1 small can | Diced |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Low sodium preferred |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz | Softened |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | Adds tang |
| Onion | 1 medium | Chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Cumin | 1 tsp | Essential spice |
| Oregano | 1 tsp | Dried |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp | Brightens flavor |
| Cilantro | For garnish | Optional |
Step-by-Step Instructions for White Chicken Chilli
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Initially, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Afterward, sauté the chopped onions until they soften—approximately 3 minutes. Following that, add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Spices
At this time, stir in the chicken breast, ensuring the pieces are evenly coated with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. As a result, this layering process builds flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Combine Broth, Beans, and Chilies
Afterward, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor. At this point, stir in drained white beans and diced green chilies. After that, bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Finish with Creamy Elements
Eventually, after 20 minutes of simmering, lower the heat. Furthermore, stir in softened cream cheese until melted. Following that, fold in sour cream and fresh lime juice.
What’s the Difference Between Chili and White Chicken Chilli?
At first glance, both dishes seem similar because they share the “chili” name. Nevertheless, there are striking differences between them:
| Feature | Traditional Chili | White Chicken Chilli |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Beef or pork | Chicken breast |
| Base | Tomatoes | Chicken broth and cream |
| Beans | Red or black beans | White beans |
| Spices | Chili powder | Cumin and oregano |
| Flavor | Bold & spicy | Mild & creamy |
Although red chili thrives on boldness, white chicken chilli thrives on balance. In contrast to spicy heat, it offers warmth from gentle spices. Furthermore, instead of bright tomato acidity, it provides richness from cream and cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Without a doubt, even simple recipes come with pitfalls. Accordingly, avoid these common white chicken chilli mistakes:
Overcooking Chicken
At this point, shredded chicken can easily dry out. Accordingly, simmer gently and remove from heat as soon as the chicken is cooked.
Skipping Cream Cheese or Sour Cream
Even though some recipes omit them, these two ingredients create the signature creamy texture. Consequently, skipping them leaves you with watery broth instead of luscious chili.
Forgetting to Taste and Adjust
Although it may seem obvious, seasoning is key. Following simmering, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice. By doing so, you’ll balance flavors perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Although white chicken chilli is undeniably satisfying on its own, serving it with complementary sides elevates the entire dining experience. In fact, pairing this creamy, hearty dish with contrasting textures and flavors creates a balanced, restaurant-worthy meal.
Cornbread: The Classic Sweet Companion
For that reason, warm, buttery cornbread is a natural partner for white chicken chilli. In particular, the slightly sweet flavor of cornbread complements the subtle spice of the chili, creating a perfect harmony. Furthermore, cornbread’s soft crumb absorbs the creamy broth beautifully, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
Tortilla Chips: Adding Crunch to Every Bite
At the same time, crispy tortilla chips offer an irresistible contrast to the velvety texture of white chicken chilli. Moreover, using chips to scoop up the chili adds a playful, interactive element to the meal. Consequently, this combo is perfect for casual gatherings or game nights.
Fresh Toppings: Avocado, Lime, and More
Of course, adding fresh toppings enhances both flavor and visual appeal. For example, creamy avocado slices contribute richness, while a squeeze of lime juice adds a burst of brightness. Additionally, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro provides a pop of color and herbaceous freshness, further balancing the dish.
For another filling option, you might also love this delicious chicken and black beans and rice recipe, which blends lean protein with hearty beans and rice.
Pro Tips & Variations for the Best Chicken Chilli
Even though the base recipe is fantastic, customizing your white chicken chilli allows you to tailor it to your exact taste preferences. Accordingly, these expert tips and creative variations help you elevate the dish to match any occasion.
Spice Lovers’ Upgrade
At the same time, if you crave heat, there are plenty of ways to add it without overwhelming the creamy base. For example, diced jalapeños or serrano peppers can be added alongside the green chilies. Similarly, stirring in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce provides a customizable heat level.
Lighter, Dairy-Free Version
In contrast, if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free version, coconut milk makes an excellent substitute for the cream cheese and sour cream. Because coconut milk adds a slightly sweet note, it creates a unique flavor twist that’s surprisingly delicious.
Vegetarian Adaptation
In another case, you can easily make white chicken chilli vegetarian by replacing the chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, cauliflower, or zucchini. Since white beans still provide plenty of protein, this meatless version remains filling and satisfying.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About White Chicken Chilli
What is in white chicken chilli?
At its core, white chicken chilli contains shredded chicken breast, white beans, green chilies, and a creamy broth made with chicken stock, cream cheese, and sour cream. Additionally, onions, garlic, cumin, oregano, and lime juice add depth and balance. Finally, optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, and cheese enhance the final dish.
What’s the difference between chili and white chicken chilli?
As has been noted, traditional chili features a tomato-based broth with beef and bold spices, while white chicken chilli skips the tomatoes entirely. Instead, it uses chicken broth and cream, creating a milder, creamier, and altogether lighter experience. Also, white beans replace red beans, and chicken stands in for beef, further differentiating the two.
Why is it called white chicken chilli?
Because the chili’s primary ingredients — chicken, white beans, and dairy — all have light colors, the dish appears pale compared to its red counterpart. Therefore, the name “white chicken chilli” reflects both its color and its defining ingredients.
Is white chicken chilli watery?
In general, properly made white chicken chilli has a rich, creamy consistency, thicker than soup but not quite as dense as stew. Even so, if your chili turns out too watery, you can fix it by mashing some beans directly into the pot to release their natural starches. Additionally, a quick cornstarch slurry (a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of water) thickens it quickly without altering the flavor.
Can I make white chicken chilli in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! In fact, white chicken chilli adapts beautifully to slow cooking. To illustrate, combine all ingredients except the cream cheese, sour cream, and lime juice in the slow cooker. After that, cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Before serving, stir in the dairy and lime for a perfectly creamy finish.
Is white chicken chilli spicy?
Actually, white chicken chilli is typically milder than traditional chili, although green chilies add gentle heat. Nevertheless, you can easily adjust the spice level by adding fresh jalapeños, chili flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.
Conclusion: Why White Chicken Chilli Belongs in Your Recipe Collection
In summary, white chicken chilli stands out as a comforting, customizable, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s equally suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests. Furthermore, its creamy texture, gentle warmth, and versatility make it one of the most beloved modern chili variations.
At the same time, the ease of preparation — especially with shortcuts like rotisserie chicken or slow cooker adaptations — makes white chicken chilli an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Overall, whether you prefer it mild and creamy or loaded with spice, this dish delivers satisfaction every time.
Therefore, the next time you crave comfort in a bowl, white chicken chilli is your answer. Because it’s endlessly adaptable, you can always make it your own, ensuring it remains a staple in your kitchen for years to come.