Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe: A Comforting One-Pot Meal Packed with Flavor

The Ultimate Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Looking for a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s different from traditional red chili? This white chicken chili recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chunks of chicken, creamy white beans, and the perfect balance of spices, this comforting dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why This White Chicken Chili Stands Out

Unlike traditional red chili, this white chicken chili offers a creamy, milder flavor profile that’s still packed with incredible taste. The combination of tender chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a velvety sour cream finish creates a dish that’s:

• Perfect for weeknights – ready in under an hour!
• Crowd-pleasing – even picky eaters love it
• Adaptable – easily adjust the spice level
• Meal-prep friendly – tastes even better the next day

Key Ingredients for Perfect White Chicken Chili

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15.5 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chilies
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and tortilla strips for garnish

How to Make the Best White Chicken Chili

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the drained white beans, green chilies, salt, cumin, oregano, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let cook for 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until completely incorporated.
6. Return the pot to low heat and warm through for about 5 minutes, being careful not to boil (which could cause the dairy to separate).
7. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.

Chef’s Tips for Elevated White Chicken Chili

For deeper flavor: Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast. The pre-seasoned meat adds another layer of flavor to your chili.

Make it thicker: Mash about ¼ of the white beans before adding to the pot. This naturally thickens the chili without adding more dairy.

Spice it up: For heat lovers, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or increase the cayenne pepper.

Slow cooker method: This recipe adapts beautifully to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the dairy products in the last 30 minutes.

Perfect Toppings for White Chicken Chili

The best part of any chili is customizing it with toppings! Here are some must-try garnishes:

• Shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra sour cream

Nutritional Information

Per serving (makes 8 servings):

• Calories: 334 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 63mg
• Sodium: 888mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 2g

Storing and Freezing Your White Chicken Chili

This chili gets even better after a day in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Let the chili cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, being careful not to boil the dairy-based broth.

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili Recipe

With its creamy texture, hearty chicken, tender beans, and perfect balance of spices, this white chicken chili recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or as the star of your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes