There’s nothing as comforting as a hearty bowl of White Bean Chicken Chili. This homey, classic recipe achieves its creamy texture and subtle spice from the combination of shredded chicken, white beans, sweet corn, savory chicken broth, green chilies, and cream cheese.
Whether you are looking for a cozy weeknight meal or are entertaining, our white chicken chili recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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White chicken chili is a decadent twist on its beefy cousin, which remains family-friendly, budget-friendly, and time-friendly. I personally find this recipe a repeat in the cooler months, especially on football Sundays when I want something comforting, but with a hint of healthy after the game-day apps (it contains beans and corn, and I top it with greens, so I call that a double win).
Our White Bean Chicken Chili comes together in about an hour using pantry and refrigerator staples. Our recipe is proof that you don't need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something warm and comforting.
Skip the pre-packaged envelopes and make our homemade chili seasoning, so you can control the heat and flavor. If you are looking for another chicken chili recipe, our three-bean chicken chili will warm your bones with a touch of bourbon.
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients to prepare our white chicken chili recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means "everything in its Place."
Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make the recipe.
Can I Make Adjustments to the Recipe?
In place of cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can even use heavy cream in place of cream cheese, but you may want to let the broth simmer longer to reduce.
We used Northern beans for the recipe, but you can use cannellini beans, pink beans, or any of your favorite beans. You can also add chickpeas for additional fiber and a slightly nutty flavor, or canned hominy to the mixture.
If you’re not a fan of corn, feel free to leave it out.
Recipe Variations
- Ground Version: Use ground chicken or ground turkey.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or chipotle in adobo.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in roasted poblano peppers or smoked paprika.
- Creamy Deluxe: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream.
- Veggie Version: Use vegetable broth and add corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili
Follow along with my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make white Bean chicken chili in your home kitchen.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, corn, and Northern beans to the pot, stirring well.
- Add chili seasoning and green chilies to the mixture.
- Mix well, then lower the heat to low-medium and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the cream cheese.
- Mix thoroughly to blend in the cream cheese.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, freshly sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Chef Tips
- To thicken the broth, or add some extra creaminess, puree some of the white beans.
- Don't rush the simmer. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor.
- Add cream cheese at the end for a silky, rich finish.
- Garnish with lime, cilantro, and shredded cheese for restaurant-style presentation.
From family dinners to casual entertaining, our White Bean Chicken Chili hits all the right notes.
Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of easy, hearty meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with sliced avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime, and chopped cilantro or shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos.
- Serve with cornbread or crusty bread.
- For a little crunch, serve with tortilla chips to either scoop up the chili or as a crunchy garnish.
- Garnish with pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco for some additional flavor.
- To make it a fiesta, pair it with a simple side salad and a cold Mexican lager or margarita.
How to Store and Reheat
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. If you really want to save time, you can shred a rotisserie chicken.
Yes! I find that the flavors really develop if you make this dish a day in advance and reheat it on the stove before serving.
No, while I find this gives the best creamy texture to the broth, you can also use Greek yogurt for some additional protein, or sour cream.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
Easy White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbs chili seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature, cut into cubes
- 15 oz canned sweet yellow corn
- 40.5 oz great Northern beans strained and rinsed- or cannelini beans
- 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken -Cooked form raw or use rotisserie
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro garnish
- 1 avocado sliced for garnish
- 1 lime quartered for garnish
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Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Instructions
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, corn, and Northern beans to the pot and stir well.
- Add chili seasoning and green chilis to the mixture, and mix well before lowering the heat to low-medium and bringing it to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the cream cheese cubes, mixing thoroughly.
- Once the cream cheese is fully blended, serve and garnish with chopped cilantro, freshly sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Ground Version: Use ground chicken or ground turkey.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or chipotle in adobo.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in roasted poblano peppers or smoked paprika.
- Creamy Deluxe: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream.
- Veggie Version: Use vegetable broth and add corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- To thicken the broth or add extra creaminess, puree some of the white beans.
- Don't rush the simmer. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor.
- Add cream cheese at the end for a silky, rich finish.
- Garnish with lime, cilantro, and shredded cheese for restaurant-style presentation.
- Top with sliced avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime, and chopped cilantro.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
- Serve with cornbread or crusty bread.
- For a little crunch, serve with tortilla chips to either scoop up the chili or as a crunch garnish.
- Garnish with pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco for some additional flavor.
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