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

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White Chicken Chili Recipe (7)
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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!

White Chicken Chili Recipe (13)

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White Chicken Chili Recipe

Robyn Stone

4.91 from 112 votes

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

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

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.

What is the difference between chili and white chili? ›

Regular chili has a rich base of red chilies (or chili powder) and sometimes tomato, while white chili calls for green chilies. We use canned Hatch green chilies, white beans, and tender shredded chicken to make our white chili recipe. It tastes quite different from red chili but is just as delicious!

Why is my white chicken chili watery? ›

Too much stock: Although chicken or beef stock adds an earthy flavor to chili, it can result in a watery mixture if you use too much. To fix this issue, add more solid ingredients, such as veggies, meat, and beans, or let your chili cook longer.

Are cannellini beans the same as navy beans? ›

Cannellini beans are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be referred to as White Kidney Beans. Meatier than Navy or Great Northern beans, they have a nutty, earthy flavor and tender flesh, and are often used in Italian dishes like Minestrone.

Are cannellini beans the same as white beans? ›

White beans are a group of legumes with white casings and starchy insides which include navy beans, cannellini beans, “great northern” beans, and lima beans. Navy beans, great northern beans, and cannellini beans are grown from the Phaseolus vulgaris plant, while lima beans are grown on the Phaseolus lunatus plant.

Is chili better the longer it cooks? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

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.

How do you make chili more flavorful? ›

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

Why do you put white vinegar in chili? ›

Stirred into the pot right before serving, a spoonful of vinegar brightens up the finished product, and gives it that full, rounded taste that was missing. Even if the chili recipe you're using doesn't call for vinegar, go ahead and add it anyway. You won't actually taste the tang or sharp flavor of the vinegar.

What is the healthiest type of chili? ›

The nutritional value of red chili is much higher than that of green chili. In addition to being rich in carotene, a red chili also contains about 5000 international units of vitamin A, which can meet the daily needs of adults.

What is chili without beans called? ›

It's true that traditional Texas red chili, aka chili con carne, is a heavily spiced beef and chili pepper stew with no beans.

Does tomato paste make chili thicker? ›

Not only will tomato paste add a tangy flavor to the dish, but it will also act as a thickening agent. For this purpose, you can use homemade or store-bought tomato paste. Add 1 can of the paste to your pot of chili, stir the mixture, and let it cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes.

How much cornstarch to thicken white chicken chili? ›

Make a cornstarch slurry: Mix together 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and cold water, stirring well to remove any lumps. Then, stir the slurry into your chili and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to fully thicken.

How do you thicken white chicken chili without cornstarch? ›

Cornstarch isn't the only way to thicken chili. You can also use flour, cornmeal, or masa harina as a cornstarch substitute.

What is the difference between red and white chili? ›

Beans: A classic red chili usually has red beans going on (pinto or chili beans), whereas a white chili will showcase paler varieties, such as great norther, cannellini, or butter beans, for example.

Is white chili powder the same as white pepper? ›

It is small and very hot with a medium conical shape - a typical white bird chili. This chilli powder is white in colour with a pretty big kick - definitely not to be mistaken with white pepper powder. White chilli powder can be added to any dish for extra spice, and being white, it adds no colour to the dish.

What is the origin of white chili? ›

White chicken chili, also known as white chili or chicken chili, is a hearty soup consisting of white beans, chiles, spices, and chicken. While there is no concrete history of the creation of this soup, many believe it to have originated in the Southwest region of the United States during the 1970s to 1980s.

Are cannellini beans the same as northern beans? ›

"The difference between the two rests primarily with the heartiness of the cannellini over the northern," explains Vince Hayward, the president of Camellia Brand beans. "Because of the thicker skin, and slightly bolder bean taste, the cannellini lends itself better towards soups and stews," Hayward adds.

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