White Chicken Chili
Looking for a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? This Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili is rich, comforting, and full of flavor — perfect for chilly nights or family dinners.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for creaminess)
Toppings (optional, but highly recommended):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Build the chili base:
Add the beans, corn, diced green chilies, shredded chicken, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors. - Season it up:
Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir again and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the spices to blend beautifully. - Make it creamy & dreamy :
Stir in sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the chili turns creamy and thick. If you like it extra rich, add a splash more cheese. - Taste & adjust:
Give it a taste and adjust the salt or spice level to your liking. If you love more heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne or add extra jalapeños at this stage. - Serve hot & garnish:
Ladle the creamy chili into bowls and top with cilantro, jalapeños, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Shortcut chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for quick prep.
- Thicker chili: Mash a few of the beans with a fork before adding them in — this naturally thickens the chili.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day! You can also freeze it (without toppings) for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bowl | 420 | 32g | 28g | 18g | 6g | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online calculators and may vary depending on exact ingredients used. For personalized dietary advice, consult a nutritionist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food: rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor while still being quick to make. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, and the creaminess from sour cream and cream cheese makes it irresistible. Serve it with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.