If you’re craving a cozy meal that warms the heart, look no further than this delicious white chicken chili recipe. Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices, it’s a dish you can easily make any day of the week. Whether you serve it at a gathering or enjoy it solo, it’s sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the flavorful ingredients and simple steps that make this chili a must-try!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Creamy: This chili is the perfect cozy dish for chilly nights, offering a creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices, green chilies, and chicken creates a flavor profile that’s both rich and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
To make a delicious white chicken chili, gather these key ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
These ingredients create a hearty and creamy dish. The cooked chicken gives it protein and flavor. White beans add a nice texture. Green chilies bring some heat, while spices like cumin and chili powder add depth.
Using chicken broth as a base keeps the chili rich and savory. Sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese make it creamy and indulgent.
Don’t forget to garnish with cilantro! It adds freshness and color to your bowl. These ingredients come together to create a meal that warms your heart and fills your stomach.

Step-by-Step Instructions
To make your white chicken chili, follow these easy steps.
- Heat olive oil and sauté onion: Start by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to a large pot. Turn the heat to medium. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion. Cook for about five minutes, stirring often, until the onion turns soft and clear.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant: Next, add the minced garlic. Stir it in and let it cook for one more minute. You will smell the lovely aroma of garlic.
- Combine all ingredients in the pot: Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Toss in the shredded chicken, drained white beans, diced green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer: Pour in the chicken broth next. Turn up the heat to high and bring the chili to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together.
- Stir in sour cream and cheese: After simmering, add the sour cream and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything is creamy and well mixed. Heat for another five minutes, but don’t let it boil.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Finally, taste your chili. If it needs more flavor, add some salt or pepper. Serve the chili hot, and enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- How to shred chicken quickly
To shred chicken fast, use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Pinch the chicken with one fork and pull with the other. This gives you nice, even shreds.
- Best practices for seasoning
Start with a light hand. Add salt and pepper little by little. Taste your chili as it cooks. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Use fresh herbs like cilantro for a bright touch.
- Techniques for a creamier texture
For a rich texture, stir in the sour cream slowly. Add it just before serving to keep it smooth. You can also mix in some extra cheese for added creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings to enhance flavor
Top your chili with chopped cilantro and extra cheese. Sliced jalapeños add a great kick. Try a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Pairing options with side dishes
Serve your chili with warm tortilla chips for crunch. Cornbread is another tasty choice. A fresh salad can balance the meal nicely.
- Presentation tips for serving
Use deep bowls for a cozy look. Sprinkle toppings right before serving. This keeps them fresh and colorful. Place tortilla chips on the side for an inviting display.
Pro Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the green chilies entirely.
- Thicken the Chili: For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the white beans before adding them to the pot.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end of cooking for a vibrant finish.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change up the protein in your chili. Turkey works well instead of chicken. For a meatless option, use beans like kidney or black beans. These swaps add flavor and change the texture.
If you want to skip dairy, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These are great for a creamy base without milk. You can also use almond milk for a lighter option.
Flavor Variations
To add more kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper. This brings a nice heat to the dish. You can also try adding a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy twist.
Incorporating veggies boosts nutrition and color. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. These add texture and taste. You can also toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your white chicken chili fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the chili cools first before sealing. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for the chili to expand as it freezes. Chili can last for about three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat your chili on the stovetop or in the microwave. For the stovetop, pour the chili into a pot. Heat it over medium heat and stir often until warm. If using a microwave, place the chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it to avoid spills and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
To keep the texture nice, avoid boiling the chili. If it seems too thick, stir in a little broth or water. This helps it stay creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can use cooked turkey instead of chicken. It works well and tastes great. If you want a plant-based option, try using canned chickpeas or lentils. These options are nutritious and filling, just like chicken.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic on the stove. Then, add all the other ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for six to eight hours. Stir in the sour cream and cheese before serving.
How do I make white chicken chili spicier?
To add spice, include diced jalapeños or add some hot sauce. You can also increase the chili powder. Another option is to use spicy green chilies. Just adjust to your taste for the right heat level.
This post covered a simple white chicken chili recipe. You now know the ingredients, cooking steps, and some clever tips. You can swap ingredients and create variations that fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy them later.
Cooking this chili can be fun and rewarding. I hope you try it and enjoy every warm spoonful. Happy cookin

Creamy White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the chili to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After 20 minutes, stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until well combined and creamy. Heat for another 5 minutes, without boiling, until everything is warmed through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper if desired.


