Description

Creamy White Chicken Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, mild peppers, and warming spices into a smooth, rich chili. Perfect for any season, this easy one-pot meal offers balanced nutrition and customizable heat and creaminess, making it an ideal cozy dinner or crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Beans

2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chilies or 1-2 poblano peppers, diced

Liquids

4 cups chicken broth

Dairy

1 cup sour cream or cream cheese (softened)

Spices

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh Finishers

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime

Optional Garnishes

Shredded cheese
Sliced avocado
Jalapeño slices
Sour cream dollop

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant to form the flavorful base of your chili.
Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until the chicken turns opaque and begins to develop a light golden color.
Add spices and peppers: Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, chili powder, and the diced green chilies or poblano peppers. Stir well to coat the chicken and onions, releasing the spices’ aroma and building the chili’s signature flavor.
Pour in broth and beans: Add the chicken broth followed by rinsed white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld while the chicken finishes cooking thoroughly.
Stir in dairy for creaminess: Once the chili is heated through and slightly thickened, reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream or cream cheese until smoothly incorporated, achieving a rich and creamy texture.
Finish with fresh touches: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili and sprinkle with chopped cilantro to add brightness and a fresh contrast to the richness.

Notes

Use shredded chicken by cooking it whole and shredding it for better texture.
Don’t rush the simmer—gentle stewing helps deepen the flavors.
Control creaminess by starting with less dairy and adding more to taste.
Balance heat and freshness with a final squeeze of lime or splash of vinegar.
Homemade chicken broth enhances flavor compared to store-bought.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, white bean chili, comfort food, one-pot chili, easy chicken chili, creamy chili recipe