This White Chicken Chili is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor! Tender shredded chicken, beans, diced green chiles, and a splash of fresh lime juice come together in a rich, comforting broth that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Finish each bowl with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, creamy avocado, fresh lime, and crunchy homemade tortilla chips.

white chicken chili in bowl topped with avocado, sour cream and cilantro
Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

For Making The Creamiest White Chicken Chili

  • Control the spice! For spicier chili add another jalapeño or keep the seeds in. I omit the jalapeño when making this for my family so my kids will still eat it.
  • Make sure to set aside 1 cup of beans to blend with a splash of broth. This is the natural thickener in the soup! No flour, roux or cornstarch needed!
  • For a slow cooker version, combine everything except the dairy and lime juice, cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours), then stir in the cream cheese and lime juice at the end.
Kelley

If you love chili, check out my Very Best Slow Cooker Chili, Vegetarian Quinoa Chili, and my Slow Cooker Turkey Chili!

white chicken chili in pot

Ingredients

ingredients for white chicken chili on counter
  • Vegetables: We use a mix of white onion, jalapeño for spice and 4 cloves of garlic!
  • Chicken broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can easily control the amount of salt in the chili. It also adds tons of flavor to the base!
  • Diced green chilies: Add a mild kick of heat and lots of flavor. I typically use canned diced green chilies for convenience.
  • Spices: Cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper add tons of warm, savory flavor. I always throw in fresh oregano if I have it growing in the garden!
  • Cream cheese: Makes the chili extra rich and creamy. Make sure to soften it at room temperature so it melts smoothly into the broth.
  • Corn: Adds a little sweetness and texture. Fresh, canned, or frozen corn will all work!
  • Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the chili and balances out the rich, creamy broth.
  • Cannellini beans: Make the chili hearty and add extra protein and fiber. Navy beans or Great Northern beans would also work well.
  • Shredded chicken: I love using cooked shredded chicken to keep this recipe quick and easy. I usually just use my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe for quick shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is also great shortcut!

How To Make White Chicken Chili

  • Cook the Veggies: Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the onion and jalapeño, and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
sautéing onions, bell pepper and garlic in skillet
  1. Build the Creamy Base: This soup gets its creaminess from  the cream cheese and another unlikely source … pureed cannellini beans! Add 1 cup of cannellini beans and a splash of chicken broth to a food processor or blender. Pulse until creamy and smooth, and set aside.
blending beans in a food processor
  1. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, pureed beans, and remaining whole beans to the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, uncovered. Stir in cream cheese, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
simmering white chicken chili in large white cast iron pan
  1. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, pureed beans, and remaining whole beans to the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, uncovered. Stir in cream cheese, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  1. Serve: Take off the heat and add in lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Topping Ideas

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooled chili in a freezer-safe, airtight container or plastic bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat thawed chili in a large pot on the stove over medium-low heat until simmering and warmed-through. You can also microwave leftovers for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
white chicken chili recipe in bowl topped with avocado, sour cream, corn and cilantro

More Soup Recipes

Save this Recipe

Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

    How To Make White Chicken Chili
    Recipe

    White Chicken Chili

    5 from 3 votes
    Loaded with fresh ingredients (and no tomatoes), this White Chicken Chili recipe is delicious and easy to make any night of the week!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Serves 4
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and minced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 2 4 ounce cans diced green chilies
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • 1/2 tsp oregano
    • 1/2 tsp chili powder
    • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
    • 1 1/2 cups corn
    • 1/2 lime, juiced
    • 2 15 ounce cans cannellini beans
    • 2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
    • salt and pepper, to taste

    Optional Toppings

    • chopped cilantro
    • sliced avocado
    • tortilla chips
    • shredded Mexican cheese

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add in onion and jalapeno and saute until tender, 4 minutes. Add in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
    • Add 1 cup of cannellini beans and a splash of chicken broth to a food processor or blender. Pulse until creamy and smooth.
    • Add chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, corn, cooked shredded chicken, pureed beans as well as the rest of the whole beans to the pot.
    • Simmer for 15-20 minutes uncovered. Stir in cream cheese and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. (If your cream cheese is not mixing in use a whisk and stir frequently)
    • Take off the heat and add in lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 465kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 29gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 1118mgPotassium: 694mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1082IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 3mg
    How To Make White Chicken Chili

    Did You Make This?

    I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.

    Leave a Review Follow Chef Savvy