Okay, let’s talk about a dinnertime hero that’s saved my sanity more times than I can count: White Chicken Chili. The first time I made it, my youngest was going through a “chicken nugget only” phase, and I was desperate to get some real food into her. I snuck some pureed veggies into the chili, and she devoured it! From that day on, White Chicken Chili became a staple in our house – a comfort food win for everyone!

This White Chicken Chili is total family comfort in a bowl. It’s warm, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. For all my fellow busy moms looking for simple comfort food, this recipe is for you!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this White Chicken Chili ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your family’s spice level)
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut!)
2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (No cannellini beans? I use another can of great northern beans for extra comfort in my White Chicken Chili!)
4 cups chicken broth
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (This is my secret ingredient for ultra-creamy White Chicken Chili!)
Salt and pepper to taste

You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This White Chicken Chili proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. My family gets extra comfort when I add a squeeze of lime juice and some chopped cilantro right before serving.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Here’s where I used to struggle with my White Chicken Chili– learn from my experience!

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the shredded chicken, great northern beans, cannellini beans, chicken broth, and diced green chilies to the pot. Stir everything together well.
Bring the White Chicken Chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. (I often let it simmer longer if I have time – it only gets better!)
After simmering, stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the creamy chicken chili is smooth. Don’t worry if your White Chicken Chili looks a little chunky at first; the cream cheese will work its magic!
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now’s the time to adjust the seasonings. More cumin? A pinch of cayenne for heat? Make it your own!
Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings! While your White Chicken Chili is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!

In my busy kitchen, this comforting White Chicken Chili usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Your White Chicken Chili should smell amazing by now!

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this comforting White Chicken Chili when I serve it with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro. It’s a dinnertime win! This White Chicken Chili is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!

I also love serving it with a simple side salad or some cornbread for a complete meal. We’ve even been known to dip grilled cheese sandwiches into it – don’t judge! For a change of pace, I sometimes make a big batch of this creamy chicken chili and serve it over baked potatoes. Talk about a comforting meal!

This White Chicken Chili is perfect for potlucks, game days, or even just a cozy night in. My friends always rave about it. I’ve also tried adding a can of drained corn for a touch of sweetness, which is a fun seasonal variation. Leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day. I even freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later on!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this White Chicken Chili really filling enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! The beans and chicken provide plenty of protein and fiber to keep those little bellies full. Plus, you can always add extra toppings like avocado or a side of fruit to round out the meal. If you are looking for a creamy soup recipe, check out this recipe for Southwest Chicken Soup.

What if my picky eater won’t try this White Chicken Chili?

Don’t give up! Start by offering a small spoonful alongside something they already love. You can also let them choose their own toppings, which can make it more appealing. And remember, sometimes it takes multiple tries for a child to accept a new food. You can also let them help you cook!

Can I meal prep this White Chicken Chili for busy weeks ahead?

Definitely! This southwest chicken chili is perfect for meal prepping. Just make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. For a quick weeknight meal, nothing beats a bowl of delicious White Chicken Chili.

Can I make this White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all the ingredients (except the cream cheese) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese during the last 30 minutes. Get more details in this Recipe: Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili | The Kitchn.

Can I use frozen chicken in this White Chicken Chili?

Yes, but make sure it is fully cooked before adding it to the chili. I often cook frozen chicken breasts in my Instant Pot for a quick and easy shortcut. You can then shred the chicken and add it to the chili as directed. The key is ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked for safe and delicious White Chicken Chili.

Can I make this White Chicken Chili dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or omit it altogether. The chili will still be delicious, just not as creamy. If you’re looking for more creamy and cheesy chicken soup recipes, you should try this recipe: Chicken Parmesan Soup

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili?

This recipe is very mild, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away! For a slightly spicier taste, check out this Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili – The Fit Peach.

Final Thoughts:

This White Chicken Chili is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifeline on those crazy weeknights when you need a comforting, satisfying meal on the table fast. It supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s endlessly adaptable, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.

My White Chicken Chili Comfort Hacks:

Rotisserie Chicken Savior: Using a rotisserie chicken saves so much time and effort.
Cream Cheese Magic: Don’t skip the cream cheese! It’s what makes this chili incredibly creamy and delicious.
Toppings Galore: Let everyone customize their bowl with their favorite toppings to ensure happy eaters.

Here are a few family-tested White Chicken Chili variations:

Spicy Southwest: Add a chopped jalapeño and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a kick.
Creamy Corn: Stir in a can of drained sweet corn for added sweetness and texture.
Hearty Veggie: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients.

My husband loves the spicy version, while my kids prefer the creamy corn White Chicken Chili. I hope you’ll try this easy white chili recipe. The possibilities are endless, so make it your own way and create a White Chicken Chili that your family will love! This comforting White Chicken Chili reminds me of another family favorite.

I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your family’s table as it has to mine. Happy cooking, fellow comfort seekers! I have a feeling this White Chicken Chili will become a family favorite in your house too!

White Chicken Chili

Print Recipe

This creamy and comforting White Chicken Chili is packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a blend of Southwestern spices. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in jalapeño (if using), cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Add shredded chicken, chicken broth, cannellini beans, and diced green chiles. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

For a thicker chili, mash some of the cannellini beans before adding them to the pot. Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.