White Chili Chicken Recipe

There’s something about a chilly evening in the North Carolina mountains that calls for comfort in a bowl. I still remember the first time I made this white chili chicken recipe for my husband after a long day chopping firewood—he took one bite, looked up, and said, “Now this is the kind of soup that fixes everything.” With tender bites of chicken, creamy white beans, and just the right touch of spice, this dish has become one of our weekday regulars.

Now, I always keep a few cans of green chiles and great northern beans in the pantry—just in case the weather (or my heart) needs a warm-up. This white chili chicken recipe comes together fast, fills the house with the kind of savory aroma that makes folks wander into the kitchen, and never fails to draw a smile at the table.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This white chili chicken recipe is the definition of hearty comfort. It’s flavorful yet mild, making it a family-friendly favorite—even the picky eaters will ask for seconds. You’ll love how it balances creamy richness with the bright zip of green chiles.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in just about 35 minutes from prep to table. No fancy steps, no fussy ingredients—just straightforward, soul-satisfying goodness.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or freezing leftovers for later, this recipe scales beautifully. It’s also a great make-ahead option—somehow it tastes even better the next day.

And don’t worry if you’re new to homemade chili. This is an easy-level recipe, but with the flavor of something slow-simmered all afternoon.

From game day to snow days, this white chili chicken recipe is always a hit.

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Ingredient Overview

This dish is creamy, cozy, and brimming with savory depth. It’s everything you want from a white chili chicken recipe—plus a few extra touches to make it shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast: Tender, juicy cubes are the heart of this dish. Boneless, skinless makes prep easy.

• Olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor from the start.

• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until golden.

• Garlic: A punch of aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!

• Green chiles: The secret to that gentle heat and southwestern flair.

• Corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and texture. Frozen or canned both work well.

• Great Northern beans: Creamy, mild, and perfect for this chili’s base.

• Chicken broth: Brings everything together with rich, savory flavor.

• Spices (salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder): The magic behind the flavor profile.

• Heavy cream: Swirled in at the end for luscious, velvety richness.

• Chopped cilantro (optional): For a fresh, herbal finish.

Styling tip: Serve with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of cilantro for a photo-worthy bowl.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Warm the pot and sauté

Grab your favorite Dutch oven or large pot and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This little moment—the sizzle of oil hitting the pan—is the beginning of all good things.

Step 2: Brown the chicken and soften the onion

Add the cubed chicken breast and diced yellow onion. Sauté them together, stirring every so often, for about 5–6 minutes. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and the onions have softened and turned translucent.

Step 3: Stir in the garlic

Add the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds. It’ll smell amazing—trust me. Garlic adds warmth and boldness to every white chili chicken recipe, and this one is no exception.

Step 4: Add the flavor boosters

Stir in the green chiles, corn, drained white beans, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir everything well, making sure each spoonful gets a bit of that spice love.

Tip: For extra creaminess, mash ½ cup of the beans and stir it back in before simmering.

Step 5: Simmer and let the magic happen

Cover your pot and let the chili simmer gently for 20 minutes. The spices will mingle, the beans will soak in all that savory broth, and your kitchen will start smelling like a warm hug.

Step 6: Finish with cream and garnish

Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped cilantro (if using). That silky swirl takes this white chili chicken recipe from good to unforgettable.

Now that your pot is bubbling with creamy, zesty goodness, let’s move on to some pro tips and easy variations to make this recipe your own.

Pro Tips

If you want your white chili chicken recipe to truly shine, don’t skip these tried-and-true tips from my kitchen to yours.

Using rotisserie chicken can be a huge time-saver. Just shred and add during the final 10 minutes of simmering—it’ll soak up all that chili goodness while staying tender and juicy.

For deeper flavor, sauté your spices (cumin, chili powder, and oregano) in the olive oil for 30 seconds before adding any broth. This quick toast unlocks a whole new layer of aroma in your white chili chicken recipe.

Want a thicker broth? Just mash about ½ cup of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot. It’s a simple trick that makes your chili rich and hearty without needing any flour or cornstarch.

Fresh lime juice right before serving adds a pop of brightness that balances the cream. I always slice one up and set it on the table—it really wakes up the flavors.

Store leftovers in an airtight container, and the flavors in this white chili chicken recipe only deepen overnight. It makes a fantastic next-day lunch or freezer-friendly dinner option.

Want even more creamy soup inspiration? Try my cozy creamy chicken stew with fall flavors for another family favorite.

Variations

There are endless ways to tweak this white chili chicken recipe to suit your table and taste buds.

If you’re craving spice, stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the green chiles. You’ll get a slow, satisfying burn that pairs beautifully with sour cream or avocado.

To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and use an extra can of beans or some chopped cauliflower. Vegetable broth will keep it just as rich and comforting.

Want it dairy-free? Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. It gives your white chili chicken recipe a slightly nutty edge that’s surprisingly delicious.

For a one-pot protein boost, toss in cooked quinoa or leftover shredded turkey. This works beautifully in fall when you’re using up holiday extras.

Love smoky flavors? Add a dash of smoked paprika or use fire-roasted corn. And if you’re looking for more fall soup ideas, my hearty cowboy soup recipe might just be your next favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This white chili chicken recipe is one of those meals that invites creativity at the table. I love serving it with a side of skillet cornbread or warm flour tortillas—the kind you can tear and dunk right into the creamy broth. For toppings, try a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for crunch. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies if you’re planning a full spread.

If you’re feeding a crowd for game night, tailgate, or family dinner, this dish fits right in with other comforting crowd-pleasers like my slow-cooker favorites from the crockpot potluck dishes collection.

And don’t forget a pitcher of iced tea or apple cider on the side for that sweet balance.

Conclusion

I hope this white chili chicken recipe finds a cozy spot in your regular meal rotation like it has in mine. There’s something magical about a single pot bringing together warmth, flavor, and that deep sense of “you’re home.” Whether you’re curled up with a bowl on a quiet weeknight or serving it as a game-day centerpiece, it’s a dish that always draws people in—and keeps them coming back for seconds.

For more soul-warming, tested kitchen favorites like this, feel free to browse through all my recipe collections anytime. I share each one with love from my kitchen table to yours.

And hey—if you make it your own, don’t keep it a secret!

If you try this white chili chicken recipe, I’d truly love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below and tell me what you paired it with, or tag your version on Pinterest—we’re always re-sharing reader creations on our boards{:target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”}.

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From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!