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–+ servings
White Chicken Chili Recipe

Hearty White Chicken Chili

The Crispy Chef
This creamy and smoky white chicken chili is a comforting twist on classic chili, packed with tender shredded chicken, two kinds of white beans, green chilies, and savory spices — all ready in about 30 minutes for a cozy weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Southwestern
Servings 6 bowls
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • potato masher or spoon
  • Ladle
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (113 g) diced green chilies, drained
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (mild, white chili style)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cans (425 g each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (425 g) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups (420 g) cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or sour cream
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne. Toast spices for 1 minute.
  • Add chicken broth and beans. Bring to simmer. Mash about one-third of the beans to thicken.
  • Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to develop flavor and slightly thicken.
  • Stir in shredded chicken, cream, salt, and pepper. Heat gently 5 minutes without boiling.
  • Ladle into bowls and serve hot with toppings like cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

Notes

Make it dairy-free by swapping cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cornstarch slurry. Add extra veggies like corn or jalapeño for color and flavor. This chili freezes beautifully if you add the cream later when reheating. Top with cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips for the ultimate bowl!

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 950mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 3.5mg
Keyword comfort food, creamy chili, easy chili recipe, one-pot meal, white chicken chili
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