White Chicken Chili Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This White Chicken Chili recipe is hearty, creamy, and has become a new favorite!! Best of all, it’s ready in 30 minutes or less!

Traditional beef chiliis always a safe bet for potlucks and chili cook-offs but we love this White Chicken Chili, especially served with cornbread.

White Chicken Chili Recipe (1)

All-time favorite!

We love soup season!

And we also love chili cook-offs and potlucks in the fall. One of our go-to’s that gets rave reviews (and awards) is this White Chicken Chili recipe. Everyone loves it.

Here’s why:

  • Especially easy and quick. This recipe is prepped in 5 minutes and finished in under 30 minutes.
  • Stovetop or Crock Pot. It can be made both ways, which is great if you’re in a rush or want to dump and go in the slow cooker.
  • Award Winning! It’s so good that it’s constantly winning Chili cook-offs. With so much flavor and so many ways to customize, it’s sure to be a hit!

Along with some of our favorites like Cheesy Potato Soup and Chicken Tortilla Soup, this White Chicken Chili is one we always have on repeat.

White Chicken Chili Recipe (2)

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

  • Chicken Broth – We use full-sodium but if using a lower sodium, you may need to add a little more salt.
  • Great Northern Beans – Great Northern Beans are a medium sized white bean. They can be substitutes with a smaller navy bean or larger white kidney beans (cannellini beans).
  • Shredded Chicken – I like to use my crock pot to make Shredded Chicken, but you can also make Oven Baked Chicken then shred it or even Rotisserie chicken.
  • Diced Green Chilies – Mild or hot – whichever you prefer.
  • Spices: ground cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, dash of black pepper. For extra heat, sprinkle in: cayenne pepper, red chili flakes or a white chili powder. You can also add a chopped onion or onion powder for more flavor.
  • Cheese. Shredded Monterey Jackor Mexican blend cheese
  • Sour Cream. Greek yogurt can be substitutes for sour cream.
  • Toppings + Garnish. Top with your favorite cheese such as Monterey Jack Cheese, cheddar cheese, or Mexican cheese Blend, as well as more sour cream, cilantro, sliced avocado, lime wedges (or lime juice) or Tortilla strips.
White Chicken Chili Recipe (3)

How to Make White Chicken Chili

  1. COMBINE. Begin by throwing all the ingredients, except the sour cream and cheese, into a large pot.
  2. SIMMER. Simmer on low-medium heat for 20-30 minutes or until completely heated through.
  3. SOUR CREAM + TOPPINGS. Right before serving, stir in the sour cream and cheese until it’s melted.

In the crockpot

To make in the slow cooker, add all the ingredients(minus the sour cream and cheese) into the crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours and you’re set!

White Chicken Chili Recipe (4)
White Chicken Chili Recipe (5)

recipe tips + SIDES

How to thicken?Here are a couple ways to thicken chilis and soups.

  • Cornstarch: Use 2 tablespoons per cup of chili. In a separate bowl mix 2 table spoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until it’s very smooth. Then, gradually stir the mixture into the hot liquid until it’s blended.
  • Add softened cream cheese. This will not only add a layer of flavor but thicken up the soup.
  • Use heavy whipping cream along with, or in place of, the sour cream to thicken the soup.

What sides go well with chili? So many, but here are some of our favorites:

  • Mexican Cornbread
  • Jalapeno Popper Dip
  • Classic Cornbread
  • Cornbread Muffins
  • Tortilla Chips + Salsa
White Chicken Chili Recipe (6)

Recipe FAQ

How to store? Chicken Chili shouldn’t be left out on the counter for more than 2 hours.You can store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

How to reheat? Reheat in the microwave, stove top, or crock pot until the desired temperature.

How to freeze? If possible, we recommend freezing the chili before you add the sour cream and cheese. To do this, place it in a freezer-safe gallon bag in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a pot and then add the additional ingredients at the end.

White Chicken Chili Recipe (7)

For more chili recipes:

Pumpkin Chili

45 mins

Wendy’s Chili Recipe

1 hr 15 mins

Recipe Video

Best Chili Recipe

35 mins

Recipe Video

White Chicken Chili Recipe (12)

White Chicken Chili Recipe (13)

5 from 160 votes

White Chicken Chili Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna

White Chicken Chili is hearty, creamy, and has become a new favorite!! Best of all, it's ready in 30 minutes or less!

Servings: 8

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3-4 (15.5-ounce) cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1-2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • dash of pepper
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

  • In a large pot, combine broth, beans, chicken, green chiles, cumin, garlic powder, oregano and pepper over medium-low heat.

  • Simmer for 20–30 minutes, or until soup is heated through.

  • Right before serving, add cheese and sour cream and stir until cheese is melted and ingredients are mixed.

Video

Notes

Slow Cooker Directions: Combine all ingredients except cheese and sour cream in the slow cooker and cook on low for 1–2 hours. Add cheese and sour cream and cook for an additional 30–60 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Stir together and serve warm.

Store. Chicken Chili shouldn’t be left out on the counter for more than 2 hours.You can store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Reheat. Reheat in the microwave, stove top, or crock pot until the desired temperature.

Freeze.If possible, we recommend freezing the chili before you add the sour cream and cheese. To do this, place it in a freezer-safe gallon bag in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a pot and then add the additional ingredients at the end.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 214kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 65mg, Sodium: 941mg, Potassium: 169mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 404IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 251mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Making this recipe? Tag us!

Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Categorized as: American Recipes, Chicken, Cuisines, Fall, Main Dishes, Recipes, Seasonal Recipes, Soups, Winter

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

More About Kristyn

Related Posts

Summer Soups

20 mins

Caldo de Pollo

1 hr 10 mins

Recipe Video

Sopa de Fideo

20 mins

Recipe Video

Chicken Tortilla Soup

4 hrs 15 mins

Recipe Video

White Chicken Chili Recipe (19)

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Order Today

White Chicken Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you thicken white chicken chili? ›

How to Thicken Chili
  1. Simmer down. ...
  2. Stir in some finely ground cornmeal or masa harina. ...
  3. Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats. ...
  4. Pile on the vegetables. ...
  5. Try more tomato paste. ...
  6. Mash some beans. ...
  7. Crumble up some corn chips.
Oct 28, 2023

What is white chili made of? ›

White chili is made with white beans, chicken (sometimes pork), and mild green chiles. (That said, if you must, must have scorching heat in your chili, there are ways to do that while still keeping the chili white.

What is the difference between chili and white chili? ›

There's your red. On the other hand, white versions are made with chicken instead of beef, and without tomatoes but with beans (usually white beans) and tons of flavor from green chilies.

How long is white chicken chili good for in the fridge? ›

Storing & freezing tips

To store: this white chicken chili will stay good in your fridge for about 5 days. Once your chili is completely cooled, just place it in an airtight container (or multiple, if you'd like to meal prep it) without the additional toppings and place it in the fridge.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Chili should be thick and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sometimes there's just a bit more liquid than you want in the pot. While you can simply keep simmering the chili, that method risks overcooking softer ingredients like the beans, losing all your nice texture to mushy monotony.

Is chili better the longer it cooks? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

Are cannellini beans the same as navy beans? ›

Cannellini beans are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be referred to as White Kidney Beans. Meatier than Navy or Great Northern beans, they have a nutty, earthy flavor and tender flesh, and are often used in Italian dishes like Minestrone.

Why do you put white vinegar in chili? ›

Stirred into the pot right before serving, a spoonful of vinegar brightens up the finished product, and gives it that full, rounded taste that was missing. Even if the chili recipe you're using doesn't call for vinegar, go ahead and add it anyway. You won't actually taste the tang or sharp flavor of the vinegar.

Are cannellini beans the same as northern beans? ›

"The difference between the two rests primarily with the heartiness of the cannellini over the northern," explains Vince Hayward, the president of Camellia Brand beans. "Because of the thicker skin, and slightly bolder bean taste, the cannellini lends itself better towards soups and stews," Hayward adds.

Why do they call it white chicken chili? ›

White chili is a delicious variation of classic chili, featuring chicken or turkey and white beans in a savory broth base instead of the typical kidney beans and tomato base.

Why is white chicken chili considered chili? ›

It has no tomatoes and instead uses white beans and green chiles to get its color and flavor. I think the key to this being considered chili is getting the ratio of broth to beans and meat just right so that it is a bit heartier than a regular soup.

What is the healthiest type of chili? ›

The nutritional value of red chili is much higher than that of green chili. In addition to being rich in carotene, a red chili also contains about 5000 international units of vitamin A, which can meet the daily needs of adults.

What kind of wine goes with white chicken chili? ›

White Bean Chili and Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

This combination lends itself well to the minerality of many Sauvignon Blancs. Additionally, white bean chilis with white meat poultry tend to have a creamier texture that matches well with a buttery Chardonnay.

Can you eat 8 day old chili? ›

According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that.

Can I eat chicken 5 days after use by? ›

never eat food after the use-by date, even if it looks and smells ok. it is safe to eat food until midnight on the use-by date shown on a product, but not after, unless the food has been cooked or frozen. food can be cooked until midnight on the use-by date listed on the product and then cooled and kept in the fridge.

What to do if my chili is too watery? ›

If your chili is too watery, there are a few steps you can take to thicken it: Simmer Longer: Continue cooking the chili uncovered over low heat to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Add Thickeners: Mix a small amount of cornstarch or flour with cold water and add it to the chili. Cook while stirring until it thickens.

How much cornstarch to thicken white chicken chili? ›

Mix about a quarter cup of broth with a tablespoon of cornstarch. Add to the chili and bring to a boil, stirring until it thickens. Mix about a quarter cup of tomato juice with a tablespoon of cornstarch.

Can you use cornstarch to thicken white chicken chili? ›

In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch with the cold milk or water until smooth. Remove the lid from the slow cooker and return the chicken, then, whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Continue cooking on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.

What can I add to chili to make it more soupy? ›

Add more water or tomato sauce if it's too thick. Keeping the lid on can keep the steam in resulting in thinner chili. Also, if I cook chili in the crock pot it is usually thinner, as the lid collects the steam rather than it evaporating.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6162

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.