This White Chicken Chili Recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. This chili combines tender chicken with great Northern beans and mild green chiles, creating an inviting flavor profile that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you serve it on game day or as a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe will surely impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This chili comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Combining chicken, beans, and spices creates a rich and hearty taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it on its own or top it with your favorite garnishes like avocado or cheese for a personalized touch.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make this White Chicken Chili Recipe successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These tools help streamline the cooking process and ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking the entire chili in one place while allowing enough room for ingredients to mix well.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic quick and easy, enhancing preparation efficiency.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14-ounce) cans great Northern beans, drained
- 2 (4-ounce) cans mild green chiles with juices
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup sour cream
How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook for about 4 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Add the drained great Northern beans, mild green chiles with their juices, diced chicken breasts, and corn kernels.
- Season the mixture with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the chili to a boil; then reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
- Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Add Creaminess
- To prevent curdling, take about ½ cup of the hot chili and mix it into the sour cream in a small bowl until smooth.
- Stir this mixture back into the pot of chili until well combined.
Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful white chicken chili!
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe
White Chicken Chili is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it right can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable for your guests or family. Here are some creative serving suggestions.
With Fresh Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like a bit of heat, offer sliced jalapeños on the side.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili for a zesty kick.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty French Bread: Serve with warm slices of crusty bread perfect for dipping.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins complement the chili’s flavors nicely.
As a Meal Prep Option
- In Meal Prep Containers: Portion out servings into meal prep containers for easy reheating during the week.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chili over rice or quinoa for a filling meal option.
How to Perfect White Chicken Chili Recipe
Perfecting your White Chicken Chili can turn an already great dish into an outstanding one. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.
- Bold Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices according to your taste; this can create a unique flavor profile.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover roasted chicken, it adds depth and saves time in preparation.
- Simmer Longer: Allowing it to simmer longer can deepen the flavors, making it richer and more satisfying.
- Experiment with Beans: Try mixing different beans like black beans or kidney beans for added texture and taste.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that brings freshness and richness to the table.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide a fun texture contrast and are great for dipping.
- Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices complements the chili perfectly.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with fresh vegetables adds a refreshing crunch.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Melty cheese and garlic on bread creates an irresistible side option.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with grains and spices make for a hearty accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your white chicken chili experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
-
Incorrect Cooking Time: Don’t rush the cooking process. Allow the chili to simmer long enough to tenderize the chicken and blend flavors.
-
Skipping Acid Balance: Neglecting acidity can make your chili flat. Consider adding a splash of lime juice or vinegar for brightness.
-
Overcooking Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can result in dryness. Monitor closely and remove it as soon as it’s done to keep it juicy.
-
Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can lead to bland chili. Always taste before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
-
Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients directly into the pot can shock the cooking process. Let ingredients like sour cream come to room temperature before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- White chicken chili can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer without losing flavor.
Reheating White Chicken Chili Recipe
-
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
-
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
-
Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through, usually around 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this white chicken chili recipe:
What is White Chicken Chili Recipe?
White chicken chili is a comforting dish made with tender chicken, great Northern beans, and mild green chiles, creating a creamy and flavorful meal.
Can I customize my White Chicken Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or spice it up with jalapeños for extra heat.
How do I thicken my White Chicken Chili?
To thicken your chili, you can let it simmer uncovered longer or add a cornstarch slurry made from equal parts cornstarch and water.
Is this White Chicken Chili Recipe spicy?
This recipe uses mild green chiles, making it gentle on the palate. If you prefer spicier flavors, consider adding diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Can I substitute ingredients in this White Chicken Chili Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap out beans or use ground turkey instead of diced chicken based on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
This white chicken chili recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spices based on your taste. Give it a try for a cozy meal that warms both body and soul!
White Chicken Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm up with this delightful White Chicken Chili Recipe, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This creamy chili combines tender chicken with great Northern beans and mild green chiles, creating a rich flavor that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ideal for game day or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress your loved ones. Customize it with your favorite toppings or serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14-ounce) cans great Northern beans, drained
- 2 (4-ounce) cans mild green chiles with juices
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the great Northern beans, mild green chiles, diced chicken breasts, and corn. Season with chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- To add creaminess, mix some hot chili into the sour cream in a separate bowl, then stir back into the pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Adjust seasonings according to taste for a personalized flavor. Feel free to toss in more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. Serve over rice or quinoa for an extra filling meal option.