Perfect White Chicken Chili Recipe: Creamy & Flavorful

The best white chili recipe with chicken features tender chicken breast, creamy white beans, green chilies, and a blend of spices simmered in chicken broth. This easy white chicken chili recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare, serves 6, and delivers a flavorful, comforting meal that's perfect for weeknights or game day. Skip the canned versions and make this homemade white chili with chicken for superior taste and texture.

If you're searching for a comforting yet light alternative to traditional red chili, this white chili recipe with chicken delivers creamy richness without the heaviness. Unlike tomato-based chili, white chili gets its distinctive flavor from white beans, green chilies, and chicken simmered in a fragrant broth. As a chef who's perfected this recipe through dozens of kitchen tests, I can tell you the secret to exceptional white chili lies in balancing the tangy with the creamy while ensuring the chicken stays tender.

Why This White Chicken Chili Recipe Works

White chili with chicken offers a refreshing twist on classic chili. The absence of tomatoes creates a lighter profile that showcases the natural flavors of the ingredients. This particular recipe stands out because it:

• Uses fresh ingredients rather than relying solely on canned components
• Maintains perfect texture with properly cooked chicken breast
• Creates depth of flavor through strategic layering of spices
• Offers flexibility for various cooking methods and dietary preferences

Ingredients for Perfect White Chicken Chili

Quality ingredients make the difference between good and great white chili. Here's what you'll need for this authentic white chili recipe with chicken:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes & Substitutions
Chicken breast	1.5 lbs	Cubed into 1-inch pieces; thighs work for more flavor
Cannellini beans	2 (15oz) cans	Rinse thoroughly; Great Northern beans as alternative
Green chilies	1 (4oz) can	Mild or hot depending on preference
Chicken broth	4 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Yellow onion	1 medium	Finely diced
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
Cumin	1.5 tsp	Key white chili spice
Oregano	1 tsp	Dried
Jalapeño	1	Seeded and minced (optional for heat)
Lime juice	2 tbsp	Freshly squeezed
Heavy cream	¼ cup	Or coconut milk for dairy-free

Step-by-Step White Chicken Chili Instructions

Preparation (10 minutes)

1. Pat chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper
2. Finely dice onion and mince garlic and jalapeño (if using)
3. Rinse and drain white beans thoroughly
4. Measure all spices into a small bowl for easy addition

Cooking Process (20 minutes)

4. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook chicken until golden (5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
5. In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent (3-4 minutes), then add garlic and jalapeño, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in cumin and oregano, cooking for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
7. Add chicken broth, green chilies, and 1 can of beans. Bring to a gentle boil.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low, return chicken to the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes.
9. Mash remaining can of beans and stir into chili for thickness.
10. Add lime juice and heavy cream, stirring until well combined.
11. Simmer for 5 more minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili

After perfecting this recipe through countless iterations, these chef-tested tips will elevate your white chili with chicken:

• Don't overcook the chicken - Remove it from the pot as soon as it's browned, then return it to finish cooking in the broth. This prevents tough, dry chicken.
• Bloom your spices - Cooking dried spices in the oil for 30 seconds before adding liquids releases their essential oils and maximizes flavor.
• Texture control - For creamier chili, mash more beans; for chunkier texture, mash fewer.
• Acid balance - The lime juice at the end brightens the entire dish - don't skip it!

Variations for Different Cooking Methods

This versatile white chili recipe with chicken adapts beautifully to various cooking techniques:

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

For a hands-off approach to your white chicken chili recipe, combine all ingredients except cream and lime juice in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving and stir in cream and lime juice during the last 30 minutes.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Using the sauté function, brown chicken and vegetables as directed. Add remaining ingredients except cream and lime juice. Seal and cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural release for 10 minutes. Stir in cream and lime juice before serving.

Serving Suggestions for White Chili with Chicken

White chili's mild flavor profile pairs well with bold toppings and sides:

• Classic toppings: Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges
• Crunchy elements: Tortilla strips, crushed corn chips, or toasted pepitas
• Perfect pairings: Cornbread, green salad with citrus dressing, or grilled cheese sandwiches

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the best features of this homemade white chili with chicken is how the flavors improve overnight. Store cooled chili in an airtight container:

• Refrigerator: Keeps for 4-5 days
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm gently on stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent chicken from becoming tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in white chili?
  Yes, chicken thighs work excellent in white chili recipes. They add more flavor and stay moist during cooking. Use boneless, skinless thighs and cut into 1-inch pieces. Reduce browning time by 1-2 minutes since thighs have more fat content.
• How can I make white chicken chili thicker without adding more beans?
  For a thicker white chili without additional beans, try these methods: 1) Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce liquid, 2) Create a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water), or 3) Blend ½ cup of the chili and stir it back in. Avoid boiling after adding cornstarch to prevent thinning.
• Is white chili with chicken healthy?
  White chicken chili is generally healthier than traditional red chili. It's high in protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, while being lower in acidity without tomatoes. Using low-sodium broth and limiting added fats keeps it nutritious. One serving typically contains 300-400 calories with 25-30g of protein.
• What's the difference between white chili and regular chili?
  The primary difference is the base ingredients. White chili uses white beans, green chilies, and chicken with no tomatoes, creating a lighter, creamier texture. Regular chili typically features kidney beans, tomatoes, and beef with a richer, more robust flavor profile. White chili generally has a milder spice level that appeals to broader palates.
• Can I make this white chicken chili recipe vegetarian?
  Absolutely! For a vegetarian white chili, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and replace the chicken with extra beans or cooked quinoa. Add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms for umami depth. The green chilies and spices provide enough flavor complexity to compensate for the missing meat.