Amazing Best White Chicken Chili Recipe 5 Stars

Name: Amazing Best White Chicken Chili Recipe 5 Stars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chiles, with juices; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Juice of 1/2 lime; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping

By anna Boncoeur On November 11, 2025

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Looking for the absolute best white chicken chili recipe? You’ve come to the right place! I’m Anna, a total food lover who adores sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking feel like a joy, not a chore. Life gets busy, right? That’s why I’m all about creating dishes that are big on taste but super easy to whip up. This creamy, hearty, and downright delicious white chicken chili is a perfect example – it’s packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a hint of spice, and you can have it on the table in under an hour. Seriously, it’s a weeknight game-changer!

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Why This Best White Chicken Chili Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

Honestly, this white chicken chili recipe is a lifesaver! It’s the kind of meal that just makes everything feel better. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something truly satisfying. Plus, it’s so wonderfully creamy and packed with flavor. Whether you need a comforting bowl after a long day or something special to share with friends, this chili truly delivers. It’s seriously the best white chicken chili you’ll ever make!

Quick and Easy Preparation

Forget spending hours in the kitchen! This recipe is designed for busy home cooks. With just about 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour. The steps are super straightforward, so you can confidently whip it up even on your busiest nights.

Creamy, Hearty, and Flavorful

Get ready for a taste sensation! This chili is wonderfully creamy thanks to softened cream cheese and a touch of heavy cream. It’s loaded with tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty green chiles, all seasoned to perfection. Each spoonful is pure comfort and flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This chili is incredibly versatile. It’s ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, perfect for game days, and impressive enough for a casual gathering. It’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients for the Best White Chicken Chili Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing white chicken chili. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create something truly special!

1 tablespoon olive oil	1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for a little kick!)	3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces	2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder	1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, if you like it hot!)	1.25 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper	2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chiles, with their juices	2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen works great!)	4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream	Juice of 1/2 lime
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Don’t stress if you don’t have every single item exactly as listed! This recipe is pretty forgiving. Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute for breasts if you prefer something even more tender – just make sure they’re boneless and skinless. For the beans, cannellini beans work just as beautifully as Great Northern for that creamy texture. If you’re sensitive to spice, just skip the jalapeño and cayenne. Want it hotter? Add another jalapeño or try some hot green chiles! A little tip: make sure your cream cheese is softened – it melts so much smoother that way, no lumps allowed! And to help thicken things up naturally, just mash a small spoonful of beans against the side of your pot while it simmers.

How to Prepare the Best White Chicken Chili Recipe

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this white chicken chili is a breeze, and honestly, it’s where all the magic happens. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort food ready in no time.

Sautéing Aromatics and Chicken

First things first, grab a big pot or Dutch oven and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and the chopped jalapeño if you’re going for that extra little kick. Let them soften up for about 5 to 8 minutes until they start looking nice and translucent. Then, stir in your minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds until you can really smell its amazing aroma – don’t let it burn though! Now, add your chicken pieces, a good pinch of salt, and your black pepper. Stir it all around and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and looks lightly golden. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes.

Building Flavor with Spices

Now for the flavor boosters! Sprinkle in your cumin, chili powder, oregano, and that optional cayenne pepper if you want to turn up the heat a notch. Give it all a good stir and let it cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll notice the whole kitchen starting to smell incredible – that’s the spices toasting up nicely!

Simmering to Perfection

Time to add the stars of the show! Pour in your drained and rinsed beans, the diced green chiles (don’t forget their juices!), the corn kernels, and the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to get all those tasty bits up. Bring everything up to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover loosely, and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is where all those flavors really get to know each other. To help thicken it up naturally, just gently mash a few of the beans against the side of the pot with your spoon. Make sure your chicken is cooked through – it needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a thermometer.

Finishing Touches for Creaminess

Lower the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Now, add your softened cream cheese cubes. Stir gently until they’re completely melted and the chili looks smooth and creamy. This might take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once that’s all blended in, stir in the heavy cream until everything is silky smooth, just about a minute. This is super important: **do not let it boil** after you add the dairy, or it might get a little weird. Finally, stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Give it a taste and add a little more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Ladle it into bowls and top with extra cilantro!

Tips for Making Your Best White Chicken Chili Recipe Even Better

Want to take this amazing white chicken chili from great to absolutely unforgettable? It’s all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. These tips will help ensure your chili is perfectly creamy, super flavorful, and always a hit!

Soften that cream cheese! Seriously, let it sit out on the counter for a bit before you start cooking. It makes it melt so much easier and smoother into the chili, no lumpy bits allowed.
Mash some beans for thickness. Don’t be afraid to gently mash about half a cup of beans against the side of the pot while it’s simmering. It’s a natural way to get that wonderfully thick, creamy texture without needing any extra starches.
Simmer uncovered. Leaving the lid off for that last simmer lets the flavors really concentrate and the chili thicken up nicely. It’s all about building that deep, delicious taste.
Chicken safety first! Always, always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). That’s the golden rule for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.

Achieving Perfect Creaminess

The secret to that dreamy, velvety texture lies in how you handle the dairy. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened – it should be easily mashable with a fork. Add it to the pot over low heat and stir gently until it’s completely dissolved and integrated. Then, stir in the heavy cream just until it’s combined and silky. Remember, the key is to keep the heat low and avoid boiling after adding the cream cheese and cream; this keeps everything wonderfully smooth and prevents any chance of curdling.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

Feeling adventurous? You can totally amp up the flavor and texture! Consider adding a diced bell pepper (any color works!) along with the onions at the beginning; it adds a lovely sweetness and a bit more texture. If you love corn, tossing in an extra cup when you add the beans and broth gives you more bursts of sweetness in every bite. For an even richer chili, you could swap out half the chicken broth for a good quality chicken stock.

Serving Suggestions for Your Best White Chicken Chili Recipe

This creamy white chicken chili is so satisfying on its own, but a few little extras can make it even more special! Think of them as the perfect finishing touches to an already amazing meal.

Toppings to Elevate Your Chili

You absolutely have to add some toppings! Fresh cilantro is a must – it adds such a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt is fantastic for extra creaminess and a little tang. Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, melting right into that warm chili. And don’t forget a little extra squeeze of fresh lime juice right before you dig in – it really wakes up all the flavors!

Storing and Reheating Your Best White Chicken Chili Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This white chicken chili is just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. Storing and reheating it is super simple, so you can enjoy this comfort food again without any fuss. Just make sure to cool it down completely before storing to keep it safe and tasty.

Storage Method	Timeframe	Reheating Instructions
Refrigerated	Up to 4 days in an airtight container	Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often, until heated through to 165°F (74°C). You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Frozen	Up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag	Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often, until heated through to 165°F (74°C). If it seems a little thick after thawing, add a splash of chicken broth or water.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best White Chicken Chili Recipe

Got more questions about making the best white chicken chili? I’m happy to help! Here are some common ones I get.

Can I make this white chicken chili recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of those recipes that actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, making sure it reaches that safe 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. You might need to add a tiny splash of broth if it seems a little thicker after chilling.

What if I don’t have Great Northern beans?

No worries at all! You can totally swap out the Great Northern beans. Cannellini beans are a fantastic choice because they have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that works perfectly in this recipe. You could also use navy beans or even butter beans if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed well, and you’ll get that lovely creamy base for your chili!

How can I make this white chicken chili recipe spicier?

If you love a bit of heat, this recipe is easily customizable! For a moderate kick, just leave the seeds in your jalapeño or add a second one when you’re sautéing the onions. If you want to turn up the dial even more, try adding some finely diced serrano peppers along with the jalapeño. You can also increase the cayenne pepper – start with 1/2 teaspoon and go from there. For a really deep, smoky heat, a pinch of chipotle powder or a can of hot diced green chiles instead of the mild ones will do the trick!

Nutritional Information

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Exact values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, such as the type of chicken or beans, and any substitutions or additions you might make. This estimate is based on the standard recipe as written.

Disclaimer

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.