If you’re craving something cozy yet full of bright, zesty flavors, this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort dish. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy beans, and a lovely kick from green chiles—all wrapped up in a silky, satisfying bowl of chili. Trust me, it’s a heartwarming hug in a bowl!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare: This chili comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Comfort food with a twist: Unlike traditional red chili, this creamy white version delivers fresh, bright flavors with just the right spice.
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Mild but flavorful, it’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Versatile ingredients: You can easily customize and substitute based on what you have on hand without losing the essence of the dish.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is its simplicity in ingredients that each play a vital role. From the tender chicken and creamy white beans to the subtle heat of green chiles and the rich tang from sour cream—every element contributes to a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and colors.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a fruity depth, or substitute with avocado oil for a mild flavor and high smoke point.
- Great Northern beans: These creamy white beans create the chili’s smooth texture, but cannellini beans will work wonderfully too.
- Mild green chiles: They add gentle heat and a touch of smokiness; swap for diced green jalapeños if you want more spice.
- Chicken breasts: You can substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess—Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper bring warmth and depth; feel free to adjust seasonings according to your taste.
- Corn kernels: Sweet bursts of flavor and texture that brighten every spoonful; fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work great.
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where your chili’s flavor foundation begins.
Step 2: Build the Chili Base
Pour in the chicken broth and add drained beans, green chiles, diced chicken, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, then crank the heat up just enough to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes—this slow simmer allows the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Touch
To avoid any curdling, whisk about half a cup of the hot chili into your sour cream in a small bowl until smooth. Then, stir this mixture back into the pot, blending it thoroughly. This creates that irresistibly creamy texture that makes this chili so special.
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate each bowl with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, a squeeze of lime, or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips. A dollop of sour cream or avocado slices adds extra richness and freshness that make each bite feel indulgent yet balanced.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a hearty cornbread to sop up every last bit. For a festive touch, try serving alongside Mexican street corn or a bright, citrusy slaw to complement the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe in rustic bowls for that cozy, homey vibe or in mini cast-iron skillets for a fun, casual dinner party presentation. For meal prep, try layering the chili in mason jars with a sprinkle of cheese on top—perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal even more delicious!
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, this chili freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just avoid freezing the chili once the sour cream has been added, as it can change texture upon thawing.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
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Can I make this chili with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra moisture and richness to the chili. Just dice them the same as chicken breasts and follow the same cooking steps.
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How spicy is the Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?
This version is mild with a gentle heat from the mild green chiles and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding hotter peppers or increasing the chili powder if you prefer more kick.
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Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients except sour cream to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in sour cream at the end just before serving.
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What can I add to thicken the chili if I like it heartier?
A simple way to thicken your chili is by stirring in up to ¼ cup of cornmeal at the end of cooking. It adds subtle texture and thickens the broth naturally.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to cozy up with a bowl that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavors that make you smile, this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is a must-try. It’s quick, easy, and loved by everyone at the table—so go ahead, treat yourself to a bowl of this warming delight. I promise, it will brighten even the chilliest days!
Print
Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and comforting White Chicken Chili combines tender chicken, hearty beans, mild green chiles, and a blend of spices simmered together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this chili is easy to prepare and enhanced with a touch of sour cream for richness.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the drained great Northern beans, mild green chiles with their juices, diced chicken breasts, corn kernels, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
- Incorporate sour cream carefully: To avoid curdling, place the sour cream in a small bowl. Slowly add about ½ cup of the hot chili to the sour cream, stirring to temper it and loosen the consistency. Once combined, pour this mixture back into the pot and stir well to evenly incorporate the sour cream throughout the chili.
- Serve: Once mixed, your white chicken chili is ready to enjoy. Optionally garnish with toppings such as shredded cheese, cilantro, or avocado as preferred.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, stir in up to ¼ cup of cornmeal at the end of cooking and simmer until desired thickness is reached.
- You can substitute the great Northern beans with cannellini or navy beans if preferred.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing hot green chiles or adding extra chili powder.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully for future meals.
