Hey there, food lovers! I’m Anna, and I’m all about making everyday cooking feel joyful and easy, especially when it comes to chicken. You know how sometimes you just crave something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, but you also need it to fit into your Whole30 plan? That’s exactly why I created this Whole30 White Chicken Chili. It’s my go-to when I want a seriously creamy, delicious, and fuss-free meal that comes together right in one pot. Forget complicated steps; this recipe is all about pure comfort food made simple, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you just need a nourishing hug in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Whole30 White Chicken Chili
Seriously, this chili is a game-changer for those days when you need something satisfying but also need to stick to Whole30. It’s got this incredible creamy texture that you wouldn’t believe is dairy-free! The flavor is so rich and comforting, with just the right amount of spice to warm you up without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup – my favorite kind of cooking!
- Super Creamy Texture: Thanks to the magic of blended cashews and coconut milk, it’s lusciously smooth.
- Packed with Flavor: All those spices, green chilies, and tender chicken make every spoonful amazing.
- Whole30 Compliant & Gluten-Free: You can enjoy every bite without any worries.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Makes fantastic leftovers, so you can have healthy lunches ready to go!
Essential Ingredients for Whole30 White Chicken Chili
Alright, let’s talk about what makes this Whole30 White Chicken Chili so darn good! It’s all about simple, clean ingredients coming together to create something truly special. We’re keeping it super straightforward, but trust me, the flavor is anything but basic. Grab your apron, and let’s get these goodies ready:
| 1 tablespoon neutral oil | Like olive or avocado oil – whatever you have on hand! |
| 1 small yellow onion | Diced up nice and small, about 1/4 cup worth. |
| 2 cloves garlic | Minced up finely. The fresher, the better! |
| 2 cups chicken broth | Make sure it’s compliant if you’re strictly Whole30. |
| 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilies | For that mild, delightful kick. |
| 1 1/4 teaspoons cumin | Earthy and warm. |
| 1/2 teaspoon paprika | Adds a lovely color and subtle sweetness. |
| 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano | Classic chili herb! |
| 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander | Adds a citrusy, warm note. |
| 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper | Just a little nudge of heat, or more if you’re brave! |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste, always! |
| 1 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk or coconut cream | This is our secret to creaminess! |
| 1/2 cup raw cashews | These get blended into our creamy base. (Soak them if you don’t have a high-speed blender!) |
| 2 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken | Rotisserie chicken works great here for ease. |
| 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice | Brightens everything up at the end. |
| 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro | Plus extra for that gorgeous garnish. |
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat a little more about a couple of these ingredients, because they really make this chili shine. The **unsweetened coconut milk or cream** is key for that luscious, dairy-free creaminess. If you want an even thicker, richer chili, definitely go for the coconut cream! It’s a bit decadent but totally worth it. Now, about those **raw cashews** – they’re what give us that amazing smooth texture without any dairy. If you don’t have a super-powered blender, just pop them in some hot water for about 15-30 minutes before you’re ready to blend. It makes them super soft and easy to get smooth. As for the **neutral oil**, olive oil or avocado oil are perfect compliant choices. Feel free to adjust the **cayenne pepper** to your liking – I love a little warmth, but if you prefer it mild, just use a pinch or skip it altogether. We’re all about making this recipe work for *your* taste buds!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Whole30 White Chicken Chili
Okay, let’s get this amazing pot of chili going! Honestly, the best part about this Whole30 White Chicken Chili is how incredibly simple it is. We’re talking one pot, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor. So, grab your favorite pot – a nice big one works best – and let’s dive in!
- First things first, let’s get that pot nice and warm over medium-high heat. Add your tablespoon of neutral oil, and let it get shimmery. You know that little ripple you see? That’s when you know it’s ready.
- Toss in your diced yellow onion. We want to sauté these beauties for about 4 minutes until they start to soften up and smell amazing. Then, add your minced garlic. Garlic cooks super fast, so just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant is perfect. Don’t let it burn!
- Now for the flavor base! Pour in your chicken broth, the diced green chilies (they add such a lovely mild heat!), cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and that little touch of cayenne pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Let it come up to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This lets all those spices really get friendly.
- While that’s simmering away, it’s time to make our creamy magic happen. Grab your high-speed blender. Pour in the unsweetened coconut milk (or cream if you’re going for extra richness!) and your 1/2 cup of raw cashews. Blend ‘em up until it’s super smooth and creamy. No gritty bits allowed!
- Okay, pour that luscious cashew cream right into the pot with the simmering broth mixture. Add your shredded chicken, the fresh lime juice (this is so important for brightness!), and the chopped cilantro. Stir everything together gently until it’s all combined. Let it simmer for another few minutes, just until the chicken is heated through. Give it a quick taste – need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? Go for it!
- And that’s it! Ladle this gorgeous, creamy Whole30 White Chicken Chili into bowls. Garnish with a little extra fresh cilantro and some diced avocado for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cozy spoonful!

Tips for Perfect Whole30 White Chicken Chili
Want to make your chili absolutely perfect every single time? Here are a few little tricks I swear by. First, that cashew cream is key for that incredible dairy-free creaminess, so don’t skip blending it until it’s *really* smooth – a high-speed blender is your best friend here, but soaking the cashews first works wonders too. Also, don’t be afraid to play with the spice! If you love a little kick, add a bit more cayenne pepper. If not, start with just a tiny pinch. My last tip? Taste and adjust the seasonings right at the end. That little bit of salt, pepper, or lime juice can really make all the flavors pop!
Serving Suggestions for Your Whole30 White Chicken Chili
This Whole30 White Chicken Chili is already a complete meal in a bowl, but a few little touches can make it even more special! We absolutely love topping it with a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro – it adds such a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. And of course, some creamy diced avocado is practically a must! It adds that lovely cool contrast and extra healthy fats. If you’re feeling a bit extra, a squeeze of fresh lime right before digging in is always a winner. For a more substantial meal, you could serve it alongside some roasted sweet potato wedges or a simple side salad with a compliant vinaigrette. Easy, clean, and delicious!
Storing and Reheating Your Whole30 White Chicken Chili
The beauty of this Whole30 White Chicken Chili is that it tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prep! Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It should stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you have a couple of easy options for reheating. You can gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop a serving in the microwave. Both methods work wonderfully to bring back that delicious creamy goodness!
| Storage | Reheating Method |
| Airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. | Stovetop: Gently heat over low heat, stirring often. Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole30 White Chicken Chili
Got questions about this creamy, dreamy chili? I’ve got answers! This Whole30 White Chicken Chili is a reader favorite, and I get asked a lot about making sure it’s perfect for your needs.
Is this recipe truly Whole30 compliant?
Absolutely! I designed this recipe specifically with the Whole30 program in mind. We’re using compliant chicken broth, unsweetened coconut milk, and avoiding any added sugars or non-compliant ingredients. It’s a fantastic Whole30 chicken chili that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
Can I make this chili spicier?
You bet! If you love a bit more heat, you can easily amp up the spice. Add a little more cayenne pepper to the pot when you add the other spices. Some people even add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) along with the onions. It’s your chili, make it as fiery as you like!
What if I don’t have a high-speed blender for the cashews?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a Vitamix or Blendtec! The key is to soak your raw cashews first. Just cover them with hot water and let them sit for about 15-30 minutes before you blend them with the coconut milk. This softens them up beautifully, and even a regular blender should be able to create a nice, smooth cream. It might take a minute or two longer, but the result will still be wonderfully creamy!
How long does it take to make this Whole30 White Chicken Chili?
This is one of my favorite things about it – it’s super quick! The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 25 minutes, so you’re looking at a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or even a weekend when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
How can I make this a full meal prep recipe?
This chili is *fantastic* for meal prep! Once it’s cooked and cooled, simply portion it out into individual airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it easy to grab a healthy, delicious lunch or dinner throughout the week. You can even freeze portions for longer storage!
Nutritional Information for Whole30 White Chicken Chili
Here’s a little peek at the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delicious chili. Remember, these numbers can vary a bit depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea:
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
| Protein | 35g |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
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Amazing Whole30 White Chicken Chili in 40 Min
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Whole30 White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make chili perfect for a cozy meal. It uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly in one pot.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (olive oil, avocado oil, etc.)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (approx. 1/4 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk or coconut cream
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 2 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
- Diced avocado for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add neutral oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the broth simmers, combine coconut milk (or coconut cream) and raw cashews in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add the cashew cream to the pot along with shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and cilantro. Stir to combine and simmer until the chicken is heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve the chili, garnished with additional cilantro and diced avocado.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, you can use coconut cream instead of coconut milk.
- Ensure your cashews are soaked if you do not have a high-speed blender for a smoother cream.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg