Description
A creamy, hearty, and flavor-packed White Chicken Chili made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a rich, spiced broth. This comforting one-pot meal is easy to prepare, full of warmth, and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (4 oz / 113 g each) cans diced green chiles (mild or hot, depending on taste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
2 (15 oz / 425 g each) cans great northern beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
For Garnish (optional):
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sliced jalapeños
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Lime wedges
Crushed tortilla chips or strips
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Stir in cumin, chili powder, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add diced green chiles and cook for 1 minute to release their aroma.
Step 3: Add chicken breasts and coat with the spice mixture. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender.
Step 4: Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir in drained beans.
Step 5: Add heavy cream and sour cream. Stir to combine, then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
Step 6: Add lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Serve hot with your favorite garnishes — cilantro, cheese, jalapeños, lime wedges, and tortilla chips.
Notes
For extra thickness, mash a portion of the beans before adding them.
If freezing, skip cream and sour cream, then stir them in after reheating.
Fresh lime juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness.
For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and vegan sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: White Chicken Chili, Creamy Chicken Chili, Best Chicken Chili, Easy White Bean Chili