Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Posted on December 4, 2025 | By : Rihanna Recipes

Delicious and creamy white chicken chili in a bowl with toppings

Why Make This Recipe

White Chicken Chili is a comforting dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, creamy beans, and spices. It’s a great option for chilly nights or when you need a hearty meal. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and can serve a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers. Plus, it’s a different take on traditional chili that brings a lighter yet satisfying twist.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked (shredded chicken)
  • 2 15-ounce cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (or ½ cup sour cream)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Optional: 1 cup corn (frozen or canned), 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 (15-ounce) can white corn or hominy, hot sauce to taste

Directions:

  1. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot.
  4. Pour in the white beans and diced green chiles.
  5. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.
  6. Sprinkle in cumin, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
  7. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
  8. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  9. If using shredded cheese, stir it in until melted.
  10. Add lime juice and stir.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  12. Optional: Stir in corn, cilantro, hominy, or a dash of hot sauce.
  13. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
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White Chicken Chili


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  • Author: rihannarecipes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A comforting white chicken chili with tender chicken, creamy beans, and spices—perfect for chilly nights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked (shredded chicken)
  • 2 15-ounce cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (or ½ cup sour cream)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Optional: 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • Optional: 1 (15-ounce) can white corn or hominy
  • Optional: hot sauce to taste

Instructions

  1. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to a large pot over medium heat and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  2. Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot.
  3. Pour in the white beans and diced green chiles.
  4. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.
  5. Sprinkle in cumin, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  8. If using shredded cheese, stir in until melted.
  9. Add lime juice and stir, tasting and adjusting seasoning if needed.
  10. Optional: Stir in corn, cilantro, hominy, or a dash of hot sauce before serving hot.

Notes

For a thicker chili, blend some of the white beans before adding them. Use rotisserie chicken for faster preparation.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is best served hot. You can add toppings like shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or warm tortillas for a complete meal.

How to Store White Chicken Chili

To store, let the chili cool down and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make White Chicken Chili

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a faster option.
  • Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or hot sauce.
  • If you want a thicker chili, blend some of the white beans before adding them to the pot.

Variation

You can customize this chili by adding different ingredients. For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with additional beans or lentils and vegetable broth. You can also swap in other types of beans like black beans for a different flavor.

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before shredding.

2. What kind of toppings go best with White Chicken Chili?
Common toppings include shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, and tortilla chips.

3. Can I make White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

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