White Chicken Chili : It’s a perfect alternative to traditional beef chili, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures for a cozy meal.

Why Make This Recipe

With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is great for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
This chili is packed with flavor without being overly spicy, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Ingredients

For the Chili:

1 small yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
1½ tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 (8 oz) pkg Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
1¼ cups frozen or fresh corn
2 (15 oz) cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving

Optional Toppings:

Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
Fresh cilantro
Sliced avocado
Tortilla chips or strips

Directions

Sauté Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Base
- Add the chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavor.
Prepare the Beans
- Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Set aside 1 cup of the beans and transfer them to a food processor along with ¼ cup of the broth from the soup.
- Blend until smooth. This step thickens the chili while keeping it creamy.
Add Creaminess
- Stir the Neufchatel cheese into the soup, allowing it to melt and blend in.
- Add the corn, whole beans, and pureed beans to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the chili for another 5–10 minutes until heated through and creamy.
Add Chicken and Finish
- Stir in the shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips or strips for added crunch.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serve this chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips.
Pair it with warm crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: White Chicken Chili freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a chicken broth or water splash if the chili thickens too much.

Tips to Make White Chicken Chili

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s a time-saver and adds great flavor. Leftover chicken works just as well.
Bean Thickening Trick: Blending a portion of the beans makes the chili extra creamy without needing flour or cornstarch.
Adjust Heat: If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot green chilies.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or roasted vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes.
Dairy-Free: Replace Neufchatel cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Spicy Twist: Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterrey Jack for extra heat.

1. Can I make White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except cream cheese, lime juice, and cilantro to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. At the end, stir in the cream cheese, lime juice, and cilantro.

2. Can I use canned chicken?

You can, but rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken provides the best flavor and texture.

3. How do I thicken the chili even more?

Blend additional beans or mash some directly into the soup for extra thickness.

White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional chili that’s comforting and easy to make. With tender chicken, hearty beans, and a touch of spice, it’s a perfect meal for any night of the week. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides for a dish the whole family will love!