Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe Ready in 40 Minutes

There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of white chicken chili to warm you up on a chilly evening. This recipe has been my go-to for years—ever since a friend brought it over when I was sick and it instantly became my comfort food obsession. What I love most is how creamy and flavorful it is, without being too heavy. The tender chicken, creamy white beans, and just a hint of spice from the green chilies make it irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, which means it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this white chicken chili, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili

This white chicken chili checks all the boxes for a perfect meal:

• Creamy dreamy texture – The blend of sour cream and melted cheese gives it that luscious, velvety consistency you crave
• Weeknight easy – Just 40 minutes from start to finish with simple ingredients you probably already have
• Protein-packed – Between the chicken and beans, each bowl keeps you full and satisfied
• Endlessly adaptable – Make it spicier, creamier, or even vegetarian – it’s forgiving and flexible

It’s comfort food that actually comforts – no compromises needed.

Ingredients for White Chicken Chili

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy bowl of goodness – I promise it’s all simple stuff you can find at any grocery store:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer more flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil you have)
• 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white both work great)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (don’t drain them – that liquid adds flavor!)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed (I love Great Northern or cannellini)
• 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if you’re watching salt)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or pepper jack for extra kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (about 1/4 cup chopped)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No sour cream? Greek yogurt works beautifully. Out of white beans? Black or pinto beans add great texture. For vegetarian version, use veggie broth and double the beans. Store cilantro stems-down in water (like flowers) to keep fresh longer. If green chilies aren’t available, a small can of mild diced tomatoes with 1/2 tsp chili powder makes a decent substitute.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe is super straightforward, but I’ll walk you through each step to make sure your white chicken chili turns out absolutely perfect.

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute—you’ll smell that amazing garlic aroma!
2. Spice it up: Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute to really bring out their flavors.
3. Simmer the chicken: Add the chicken breasts, white beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred and mix: Take the chicken out, shred it using two forks, and pop it back into the pot. This is where it starts to feel like real chili!
5. Make it creamy: Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until everything is melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh chopped cilantro for that final pop of flavor and color. And don’t forget to grab some tortilla chips for dipping!

Pro Tips for Perfect White Chicken Chili

Here are my go-to tricks for making this chili a total showstopper:

• Blend a cup of beans before adding them to the pot for an extra creamy texture.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control how spicy you like it—start small and add more if you’re feeling bold.
• Garnish with lime wedges for a bright, tangy finish that balances the creaminess.

Serving Suggestions for White Chicken Chili

Oh, the fun part – loading up your bowl! I love serving this white chicken chili with buttery cornbread for dunking and ripe avocado slices for creamy contrast. Crunchy tortilla chips make perfect scoops, while a sprinkle of extra cheese never hurts. Each hearty bowl serves one hungry person perfectly – about 1.5 cups does the trick. Don’t forget the lime wedges for that bright finish!

Storing and Reheating White Chicken Chili

This chili keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezer storage (up to 2 months), skip the sour cream and cheese – just stir them in when reheating. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring back that creamy consistency. Microwave works too – just stir every minute to prevent scorching!

White Chicken Chili Nutritional Information

Nutrition varies based on brands/ingredients. Here’s what you can expect per serving (about 1.5 cups):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 10g (4g saturated)
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 7g

Not bad for something this creamy and satisfying, right? The beans and chicken make it a protein powerhouse!

FAQs About White Chicken Chili

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I hear most about this recipe:

• “Can I use canned chicken?” Sure, in a pinch – about 2 cups works. But fresh chicken gives better texture and flavor. If you do use canned, add it at the end since it’s already cooked.
• “How do I thicken it up?” Easy! Blend 1 cup of the beans before adding, or mash some against the pot with a spoon. Cornstarch slurry works too (1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp cold water).
• “Does it freeze well?” Absolutely – just leave out the sour cream and cheese. Add those fresh when reheting. Frozen chili keeps for 2 months.

Now go make this white chicken chili tonight – and don’t forget to tag me in your photos! I love seeing your creations. You can find more recipe inspiration on Pinterest. For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out our blog!

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