White Chicken Chili Recipe (2024)

This delicious White Chicken Chili recipe with tender chicken, hearty beans, and savory broth. Make this cozy meal on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot. Recipe variations to make it creamy or vegetarian!

Looking for more savory chili and soup recipes? My Classic Chili is another favorite I make frequently in addition to this easy chicken chili recipe. Homemade soups like my chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup and my grandmother’s potato soup are delicious, comforting go-to recipes, too!

White Chicken Chili Recipe (1)

Many years ago, I thought about how much my family and I enjoyed White Chicken Chili, so I developed my own recipe – and I believe it’s the BEST! It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal and makes a festive game day addition to other tailgating favorites! And when you crave the creamy heartiness of chicken chili that even the kids will enjoy, this is the one to make! My entire family loves this chili, as well as my easy Instant Pot chili and Black Bean Chili, and enjoy them all often.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

This delicious white chicken chili recipe can be made easily by whatever method works best for you. It’s simple to make but also perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead and frozen too. Make this if you’ve got some leftover chicken breast from dinner the night before – or easily cook with any of the three cooking methods in this recipe. There are also methods to make Creamy White Chicken Chili or Vegetarian White Chili if you wish! It is a favorite chicken recipe for a cozy and satisfying meal!

Table of Contents

  • White Chicken Chili Recipe
  • What We Love About White Chicken Chili
  • How to Make White Chicken Chili
  • Ingredients
  • Toppings to Serve with White Chicken Chili
  • Step-by-Step Instructions – Three Cooking Methods
  • Stovetop White Chicken ChiliRecipe
  • Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe
  • Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
  • Recipe Tip
  • Recipe Variations
  • Storage Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Delicious and Easy Chicken Recipes
  • White Chicken Chili Recipe

What We Love About White Chicken Chili

  • Versatile and Easy To Cook – I’ve shared three easy methods to make it – on the stovetop or Instant Pot and in your slow cooker or crockpot when you need to let it cook slowly during the day.
  • Easy Chicken Recipe – Chicken is an easy meat to make ahead or have leftovers to eat later. This recipe is a delicious way to use leftover chicken, making it such an easy chicken recipe to make ahead or prepare at dinner time.
  • Mild Flavor Enjoyed By Wide Range of People – This chili recipe can be a bit milder than many traditional beef versions, so I’ve found that everyone from children to adults enjoys it. (Even my somewhat picky son loved it even when he was a young boy!) And it’s also great when made a little hotter. Absolutely delicious – I think it’s the best out there.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

I love how versatile this recipe is to make!I’ve included the traditional stovetop instructions in the recipe, but I have also included how to prepare in the slow cooker as well as in the Instant Pot. You’ll also find freezer instructions in the recipe notes, as well as an instructional video.

Here are three ways to make it.

White Chicken Chili Recipe (2)

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

  • Chicken – Use four skinless, boneless chicken breasts. You can use chicken breast you’ve made ahead, have leftovers, or use a rotisserie chicken in a pinch. Substitute with your favorite cut of chicken.
  • Chicken Stock– I like to use this homemade, but you can use your favorite store brand.
  • Garlic and Onions – one minced garlic clove and one diced onion. These add a lot of flavor, but if you are sensitive to either of these ingredients, you can reduce them or omit them.
  • White Beans – You can use any of your favorite white beans, such as navy beans, Great Northern, or Cannellini beans. Drain the liquids from the can of beans. I prefer to rinse the beans as well before adding to the chili.
  • Diced Green Chilis – Use one can, including all liquids from the chilis, as it adds flavor and spiciness to the recipe.
  • Seasonings – Use dried oregano, cumin, and chili powder. You can use a bit less of the chili powder if you wish to make it less spicy and can use a bit more to add extra heat if you wish.
  • Salt and Pepper – balance the flavors of the chili.
  • Fresh Oregano – Fresh oregano adds a fresh flavor to the chili as well as a bit of color. It is an optional ingredient.

Toppings to Serve with White Chicken Chili

This chili is scrumptious as served right out of the pot, but there are a few condiments that taste great with it. I like to serve the chili with these optional toppings buffet style. Pair the chili and your desired toppings with cornbread, cornbread muffins, or tortillas for a satisfying dish!

  • sliced avocado
  • sour cream
  • chopped fresh cilantro
  • sliced jalapeno peppers
  • lime wedges
  • tortilla chips

Step-by-Step Instructions – Three Cooking Methods

Stovetop White Chicken ChiliRecipe

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White Chicken Chili Recipe (4)

Prep. To make this recipe on the stovetop, add the chicken to a 4-quart Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat.

White Chicken Chili Recipe (5)
White Chicken Chili Recipe (6)
White Chicken Chili Recipe (7)
White Chicken Chili Recipe (8)
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Cook. Add chicken stock and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Shred chicken with two forks and then add back to the liquid. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir until well combined. Taste and add more chili powder if more heat is desired. Simmer over low heat for about 5 more minutes.

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Serve. Garnish and serve chili.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

  1. Prep. Add the chicken, chicken stock, garlic, onion,chilis, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Cook. Cook for 8 hours on low. Shred chicken with two forks and stir in white beans and fresh oregano, and cook for another 10 minutes.
  3. Serve. Once the chili is done, garnish and serve.
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Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

  1. Prep. Add the chicken, chicken stock, garlic, onions, beans, chilis, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to your Instant Pot and secure the lid with the vent closed.
  2. Cook. Set your Instant Pot to High pressure for 20 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then, using a pot holder, carefully use the quick release. Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and shred the chicken using two forks. Stir to combine all of the ingredients.
  3. Serve. Once the chili is done, garnish and serve.
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Recipe Tip

Ways to thicken this chili:

  • Gently mash one-third of the can of white beans in the chili mixture.
  • Add 1 Tablespoon of all-purpose flour to a small amount of milk or half-and-half, mix well, and add to chili in the last 30 to 40 minutes of cooking time.

Recipe Variations

Creamy White Chicken Chili – For a creamier version of this delicious chili, add 4 ounces of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream – and then gently fold in about 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese before serving. Yum!

Vegetarian White Chili – Substitute an additional can of white beans or a can of chickpeas for the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Storage Tips

To refrigerate:

  • Once the chili is cooled, place in airtight containers or wrap tightly and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days.
  • When ready to eat, place in a stockpot and reheat on the stove until heated throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave for 45-second intervals at 80% power, stirring after each interval until it’s completely heated throughout. Serve and enjoy!

To freeze:

  • Once the chili is completely cooled, ladle into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and place in the refrigerator to defrost the night before planning to serve. Then you can either place in your slow cooker on Low to allow the chili to slowly warm throughout the day to serve for supper that evening, or you can pour the chili into a large stockpot for reheating on the stovetop until heated throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave for 45-second intervals at 80% power, stirring after each interval until it’s heated throughout. Serve and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze white chicken chili?

Yes! It freezes and reheats well and is great for make-ahead meals and meal prepping.

What beans go in white chicken chili?

White beans like Navy beans, Great Northern, and Cannellini beans are delicious in this chili.

More Delicious and Easy Chicken Recipes

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Best Baked Chicken Breast

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Salad with Grapes

Here’s my White Chicken Chili recipe. I think you’ll love it!

Wedge Salad Recipe

15 mins

Easy Caesar Dressing Recipe

10 mins

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

1 hr 35 mins

French Onion Soup Recipe

1 hr

White Chicken Chili Recipe (17)

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White Chicken Chili Recipe

Robyn Stone

This delicious White Chicken Chili recipe with tender chicken, hearty beans, and savory broth. Make this cozy meal on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot. Recipe variations to make it creamy or vegetarian!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained
  • 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles, with liquids
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

Instructions

Stovetop White Chicken Chili Recipe

  • Add chicken to a 4-quart, heavy bottomed Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add chicken stock and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Shred chicken with two forks and then add back to the liquid.

  • Add garlic and onion to stockpot, white beans, green chilis, dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh oregano. Stir until well-combined. Taste for flavor and adjust to your preference.

  • Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

  • Add chicken, chicken stock, garlic, onion, chilis, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper to a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook for 8 hours on low. Shred chicken with two forks and stir in white beans and fresh oregano and cook for another 10 minutes. Serve.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

  • Add the chicken, chicken stock, garlic, onions, beans, chilis, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper to your Instant Pot and secure the lid with the vent closed.

  • Set you Instant Pot to High pressure for 20 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes and then, using a pot holder, carefully use the quick release. Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and shred the chicken using two forks. Stir to combine all of the ingredients and serve.

Notes

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Creamy White Chicken Chili – For a creamier version of this delicious chili, add 4 ounces of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream – and then gently fold in about 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese before serving. Yum!

Vegetarian White Chili – Substitute an additional can of white beans or a can of chickpeas for the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

STORAGE TIPS

Refrigerator Instructions:

  • Once the chili is cooled, place in airtight containers or wrap tightly and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days.
  • When ready to eat, place in a stockpot and reheat on the stove until heated throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave for 45 second intervals at 80% power, stirring after each interval until it’s completely heated throughout. Serve and enjoy!

Freezer Instructions:

  • Prepare recipe as instructed and then ladle it into an airtight container. I use deli containers or large Mason jars so that it doesn’t take up as much room in my refrigerator or freezer. Freeze.
  • Remove from freezer and place in the refrigerator to defrost the night before planning to serve. Then, either place in your slow cooker on low to allow the chili to slowly warm throughout the day for serving for supper or pour into a large stockpot for reheating. Additionally, you can reheat in the microwave at 45 second intervals at about 80% power, stirring after each interval until heated throughout.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 466mg | Potassium: 150mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 1.4mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.6mg

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

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Enjoy!
Robyn xo

From the Add a Pinch recipe archives. Updated to include various cooking and freezing methods and recipe variations. Originally published 2012.

Categorized as:30 Minutes or Less Recipes, All Recipes, By Cooking Style, By Special Diets, Camping, Chicken Recipes, Cooking, Dairy-Free Recipes, Dinner Recipes, Egg-Free Recipes, Freezer Friendly Recipes, Game Day Recipes, Gluten-Free Recipes, Grain-Free Recipes, Halloween Recipes, Holiday and Occasion Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Lunch, Make-ahead Recipes, One Dish Meal Recipes, Recipes, Simple Recipes, Slow Cooker Recipes, , Soup and Stew Recipes, Southern Favorites, Sugar-Free Recipes, Videos

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About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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White Chicken Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to thicken up white chicken chili? ›

All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, you'll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps. Instead, create a slurry and add it slowly to help the thickener fully incorporate.

What is the trick to a good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  1. Brown the Meat.
  2. Don't Forget Vegetables.
  3. Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  4. Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  5. Opt for Dried Beans.
  6. Season Early and Often.
  7. Add Some Acidity at the End.
  8. Top It Off.

Why is my white chicken chili watery? ›

This can be the result of: Adding too much stock, broth, or water. A base of beef broth, chicken broth, or stock (and occasionally water, milk, or cream), sets the tone for most chili recipes. If your chili looks watery, you may have poured in more than required.

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.

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.

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

In addition, broth, beer, and/ or water is usually added to produce the desired consistency in the pot of chili. I usually add one or two cups of beef broth. If you put tomatoes in the stew, this will also provide plenty of liquid.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

How to thicken white chili without flour or cornstarch? ›

Cornmeal: Add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina while stirring continuously. Mashed Beans: Mash a portion of the beans and stir them into the chili to thicken it. Crushed Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips can also be added as a thickening agent.

How can I make my white chicken chili less spicy? ›

You can also stir in dairy like yogurt, sour cream, milk (only if the dish isn't sour, or it will curdle), buttermilk, or kefir into a dish; the capsaicin will bind with the milk proteins instead of the nerve receptors in your mouth.

Why put cornmeal in chili? ›

Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain.

What veggies to put in chicken chili? ›

Vegetables - sweet onion, green onions, yellow bell pepper, jalapeno. Seasonings - garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Cans - Cannellini Beans, Northern White Beans, Pinto Beans, Sweet Yellow Corn, White Corn, Green Chiles.

Why put sour cream on chili? ›

The slightly tart flavor will add brightness and complexity to your tried-and-true chili recipe, while the thick texture creates heartiness and a creamy mouthfeel.

Why do you put white vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

How do you thicken white sauce quickly? ›

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency. Test with a spoon.

How do you thicken creamy chicken? ›

Using a Thickener
  1. Thicken the sauce with a flour slurry. Whisk together equal parts flour and cold water in a cup or small bowl. ...
  2. Use a roux to thicken the sauce. ...
  3. Try adding a cornstarch slurry. ...
  4. Use egg yolk to thicken cream sauces containing egg. ...
  5. Stir kneaded butter into the sauce.

How to make sauce for chicken thicker? ›

A general ratio to work with is 2 tablespoons flour for every cup of liquid. Start by adding a little bit, then cook, stirring, for a few minutes to allow the sauce time to thicken and cook off the raw flour taste; if the results are minimal, add more.

How do you fix chili that is too thick? ›

When your chili is too thick, it's easy to thin it out a bit. Just add some liquid. You can add beef, chicken, or veggie broth, or you can add a can of tomato sauce. You could add water, too, but it will dilute the flavor of the chili.

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