White Chicken Chili

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion (diced); 1 tablespoon minced garlic (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; ⅔ cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Published: October 6, 2025

by Lizzy

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp X Yummly

This White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on classic chili, perfect for any occasion. It combines tender chicken breasts, hearty beans, and zesty green chilies into a creamy and flavorful dish. In just 25 minutes, you can serve up a warm, comforting bowl that everyone will love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this recipe shines with its quick preparation and satisfying taste.

Save thisSave this

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip up this dish in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chicken, beans, and corn, this chili is both nutritious and filling.
Versatile Flavors: The combination of mild green chiles and spices gives it a unique flavor profile that appeals to all palates.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later!
Family-Friendly: This chili is creamy and mild enough for kids while still being delicious for adults.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your cooking adventure, having the right tools is essential. Below are the key tools you’ll need to prepare this White Chicken Chili efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for cooking everything at once without overcrowding.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
Measuring cups: Ensure accurate portions of liquids and solids for balanced flavors.
Small bowl: Useful for mixing the sour cream with the chili before combining.

Ingredients

For the Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion (diced)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)

For the Chili

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

For Seasoning

2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Creaminess

⅔ cup sour cream

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onions and sauté until they soften, about 4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth along with the drained beans, green chiles (including their juices), diced chicken, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Bring everything to a boil before reducing to low heat.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 3: Incorporate Sour Cream

In a small bowl, add the sour cream.
Carefully pour about half a cup of hot chili into the sour cream and mix until smooth.
Pour this mixture back into the main pot of chili and stir thoroughly to combine everything well.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy White Chicken Chili!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavors.

Top it Off with Fresh Ingredients

Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal flavor that brightens the dish.
Sliced Avocado: Creamy texture complements the chili’s warmth.
Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese adds richness—try Monterey Jack or cheddar.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide a juicy contrast to the creamy chili.

Accompany with Crunchy Sides

Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up the chili; they’re crunchy and fun!
Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread balances the spice of the chili.
Crackers: Simple saltine crackers add a delightful crunch to each bite.

Serve with a Zesty Kick

Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the flavors and adds brightness.
Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, a dash of hot sauce delivers an extra kick.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

To make your White Chicken Chili truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Starting with fresh chicken and vegetables will enhance the overall flavor.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder and green chiles based on your heat preference.
Simmer Longer for Flavor: Letting the chili simmer slightly longer can deepen its flavors.
Mix Sour Cream Correctly: Always temper the sour cream before adding it to prevent curdling; this ensures a smooth consistency.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can create a balanced meal. Here are some tasty options:

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the chili beautifully.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a delicious dipper option.
Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens brings freshness and crunch to your meal.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies add depth and nutrients alongside your dish.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and cheese are a hearty addition.
Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas can be cut into wedges for easy sharing.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch that pairs well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili is simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the sautéing step: Not cooking the onions and garlic first can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sauté them to build a tasty base.
Overcooking the chicken: If you cook the chicken too long, it can become tough. Keep an eye on it and remove it once it’s fully cooked.
Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your chili before serving. You may need to add more salt or spices to suit your preferences.
Ignoring the sour cream method: Adding sour cream directly into hot chili can cause it to curdle. Mix it with a bit of the hot chili first for a creamier texture.
Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh ingredients yield better flavors. Opt for good quality chicken and beans for a delicious outcome.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow chili to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dishes in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until hot.
Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making White Chicken Chili.

Can I make White Chicken Chili in advance?

Yes! You can prepare White Chicken Chili ahead of time. It tastes even better as the flavors meld together overnight.

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

Consider adding toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.

Is White Chicken Chili spicy?

This recipe uses mild green chiles, making it suitable for those who prefer less heat. You can adjust spiciness by using hotter chiles if desired.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

White Chicken Chili is not only quick and easy but also versatile and comforting. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients like bell peppers or different beans. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!