There’s something about the first chill in the air that screams White Chicken Chili season. It’s been bubbling up on socials againPinterest’s favorite cozy bowl with a creamy spoonful you can’t stop thinking about. And hey, it’s not new. Just finally getting its shine.
This one’s creamy but light, zippy but mild. Made with rotisserie chicken, white beans, green chiles, and whatever’s already hiding in your pantry. It’s a cozy dish that cooks up like an easy recipe and fills your house with that comfort-smells-like-mama vibe. Full details in the blog!
I first made this as a clean-out-the-fridge experiment… and now it’s our winter go-to. My mom says it tastes like a hug with a jalapeño in it (sweet but sassy). I tested it four waysslow cooker, stove top, spicy versionyou’ll love the creamy twist!
Quick & easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe turns a hectic weeknight into a cozy win.
Family-approved: It’s mild enough for the kids but flavorful enough for the grown-ups. Win-win!
One pot wonder: Fewer dishes? Yes, please! Everything simmers together for that “made-from-scratch” feel without the stress.
Customizable: Whether you like it spicier or creamier, this recipe adapts beautifully to your tastes.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients & Tools
The stars of the show: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender bites and canned great Northern beans for creaminess.
Flavors that pop: Mild green chiles, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and onion team up for a cozy, savory base.
The creamy twist: Sour cream brings it all together with an irresistible creaminess.
Other essentials: Chicken broth for depth, corn kernels for a sweet pop, and just the right touch of salt and pepper.
Ingredient
Amount
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Onion, diced
1 large
Minced garlic
1 tablespoon (about 3 cloves)
Chicken broth
2 cups
Great Northern beans (drained)
2 (14-ounce) cans
Mild green chiles (with juices)
2 (4-ounce) cans
Chicken breasts, diced
1 pound
Corn kernels
1 cup
Chili powder
2 teaspoons
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Sour cream
2/3 cup
How to Make White Chicken Chili: Step-by-Step
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the base ingredients: Stir in the chicken broth, beans, green chiles, diced chicken, and spiceschili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer & cook: Let the mixture simmer on medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Stir in the finishing touches: Add corn and sour cream. Stir until everything is combined and creamy. Cook for just 2–3 more minutes to heat through.
Serve & enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime if you’re feeling fancy!
Step
Time
Sauté onion & garlic
2–3 minutes
Add base ingredients & simmer
10–12 minutes
Add corn & sour cream
2–3 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Customizations & Storage Tips
Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
Lighter option: Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier creamy white chili recipe.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing: This mild white chicken chili freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Storage Method
How Long
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Expert Insight: Crafting the Perfect White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili stands out by balancing creamy textures with subtle spice, relying on ingredients like white beans and green chilies for depth. Incorporating gentle simmering enhances flavor melding without toughening the chicken, making for a comforting yet nuanced dish ideal for any season.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
How I Finally Nailed My White Chicken Chili
Perfecting this White Chicken Chili wasn’t quickbetween confusing spices and timing the chicken just right, it took a handful of tries. Each mistake taught me what to tweak, and now this cozy, flavorful chili is a reliable hit for busy weeknights in my kitchen.
FAQs ( Easy White Chicken Chili )
What makes white chicken chili different from regular chili?
White chicken chili uses chicken instead of beef and features a creamy white base made with white beans, chicken broth, and often cream or cheese. Unlike traditional red chili that gets its color from tomatoes and chili peppers, this creamy white chili recipe relies on green chiles, onions, and spices for flavor. The result is a milder, creamier comfort food that’s perfect for those who prefer less heat but still want rich, satisfying flavors.
Can I make white chicken chili in one pot?
Absolutely! White chicken chili one pot meals are incredibly convenient and create less cleanup. Simply cook your chicken, add all ingredients to the same pot, and let everything simmer together. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping your kitchen mess to a minimum. Just make sure to brown the chicken first for maximum flavor before adding the other ingredients.
How long does it take to cook white chili on the stove top?
White chili stove top cooking typically takes about 30-45 minutes total. You’ll spend 10-15 minutes browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables, then another 20-30 minutes simmering everything together. The beauty of this white chili recipe easy approach is that most of the time is hands-off simmering. Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent sticking and stir occasionally for best results.
Is white chicken chili naturally mild, or can I make it spicier?
This mild white chicken chili is naturally gentler than traditional red chili, making it family-friendly and perfect for sensitive palates. However, you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference! Add diced jalapeños, extra green chiles, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to kick up the spice. Start with small amounts and taste as you go, since you can always add more heat but can’t take it away.
What beans work best in white chicken chili?
Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, and navy beans are the top choices for white chicken chili because they maintain their shape well and have a creamy texture. These white beans complement the overall color scheme while providing protein and fiber. You can use canned beans for convenience (just rinse and drain them first) or cook dried beans from scratch if you prefer. Some recipes even combine two types of white beans for extra texture variety.
Wrapping Up Your White Chicken Chili Adventure
That White Chicken Chiliquick, creamy, and bursting with cozy flavorsis your new weeknight MVP. You’ll love how the mild, tender chicken and just-right spices come together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, it’s a favorites-list keeper that feels like a warm, homemade hug.
Feel free to swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or add a dash of cayenne if you like a little zing. Leftovers freeze beautifully, making busy nights easierpro tip I picked up from a fellow home cook. This recipe’s as flexible as your kitchen mood!
Would love to see how your White Chicken Chili turns out or hear your favorite tweaks! Did this remind you of any family classics? Share your stories, pass it around, and make your kitchen smell like comfortbecause food this good deserves to be shared.
This White Chicken Chili is a healthier version of classic chili. Made with chicken breasts, canned beans, and chilies, it’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly quick to make. It’s a perfect mild white chicken chili and a creamy white chili recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion (diced)
1 tablespoons minced garlic (3 cloves)
2 cups chicken broth
2 (14-ounce cans) great Northern beans (drained)
2 (4-ounce cans) mild green chiles (with juices)
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced)
1 cup corn kernels
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
⅔ cup sour cream
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened and fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth, great Northern beans, mild green chiles, diced chicken breasts, corn kernels, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until creamy.
Serve hot and enjoy your mild white chicken chili.
Notes
For extra flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or shredded cheese
You can also substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
