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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Soups & Chilis

    White Chicken Chili

    Updated: Sep 25, 2024 โ€ข Published: Sep 25, 2024 by Sam Merritt โ€ข 53 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    collage of white chicken chili, top image close up of single bowl, bottom image same bolw photographed from the side.

    White chicken chili is a year-round favorite with its deeply flavorful base and hearty ingredients. It’s satisfying, full of flavor, and it while it feels every bit indulgent it’s not at all too rich and makes a great weeknight dinner or Sunday supper! Be sure to check out the how-to video!

    Bowl of white chicken chili topped with jalapeno, shredded tortillas, and cheese.

    Chicken Chili Recipe

    White chicken chili is the chicken-based cousin to my classic chili recipe. It’s made with pre-cooked chicken (grab a rotisserie chicken or use up your holiday leftovers!) and white beans, and it’s packed full of flavor! The best part? The creamy texture is made WITHOUT any heavy cream! Here’s how I do it.

    The technique is similar to the pureeing that I do in both my corn chowder and my potato soup, but rather than pureeing a large portion of the finished soup, we’ll start by pureeing two of our base ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll puree together part of your white beans with a bit of chicken broth. We’ll stir this back into the mix later on in the recipe, and voila! A creamy texture without any cream. It’s magical! ✨

    Close-up view of a bowl of white chicken chili topped with cilantro.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Creamy base that’s not too heavy or rich.
    • Ready in under an hour! If you’re looking for a filling weeknight dinner for the whole family, you need to try this recipe!
    • Packed full of flavor from ingredients like jalapeño, diced green chilis, lime juice, and plenty of spices.
    • Great for using up leftover chicken! You can also pick over a rotisserie chicken or use my super simple crock pot shredded chicken (highly recommend! 👌🏼).

    Ingredients

    Don’t be overwhelmed by the amount of ingredients here; I promise this recipe is super easy!

    Overhead view of labelled ingredients including jalapeno, chicken, lime, and white beans.
    • Chicken broth I do not used a reduced sodium broth for this recipe. If you choose to do so, I recommend taste testing as you go to make sure your white chicken chili has enough flavor. If it tastes bland, you simply need more salt!
    • Beans. Use cannelini beans or white kidney beans. You’ll need two cans; we’ll blend half of the first one with some of the chicken broth to create a creamy base, and then we’ll add the rest in later.
    • Spices. Including cumin, onion powder, ancho chili powder (a favorite spice of mine, I use it in everything from chili to taco soup), cayenne pepper, and black pepper. If you don’t have any ancho chili powder, then you can use regular chili powder and a dash of smoked paprika. I do recommend trying to find the ancho chili powder though–it adds such a nice flavor!
    • Diced green chiles. I use mild diced green chiles, but you can use the hot version if you like. You can also use the fire roasted diced green chilis–I use them in my regular and leftover turkey chili recipes, and I love them!
    • Sour cream. We’ll stir this in at the end for a bit of creaminess. Full-fat greek yogurt could also work in a pinch, but sour cream is best.

    SAM’S TIP: Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking and add more cayenne pepper (or a few jalapeno seeds) if you like your white chicken chili to be on the spicy side. A dash of hot sauce just before serving is also a great idea! 🌶️ Conversely, reduce or leave out the cayenne entirely if you’re not a fan of heat or are serving to kids!

    This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!

    How to Make White Chicken Chili

    Overhead view of a blender that has combined white beans and chicken broth.
    1. Blend half a can of the beans and ½ cup of chicken broth until smooth, then set this aside. This will create our creamy base without the need for any heavy cream (save this for slightly more indulgent soups like my creamy chicken noodle soup).
    Overhead view of onion and jalapeno sautéing in a dutch oven.
    1. Sauté the onion and jalapeño in olive oil and butter until softened, then add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
    Overhead view of a pot of white chili made with chicken and white beans.
    1. Add the pureed mixture, the rest of the broth and beans, and all remaining ingredients (except the sour cream). Let this come to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
    Overhead view of a pot of white chicken chili after adding sour cream.
    1. Stir in the sour cream until incorporated.
    Overhead view of a pot of chili made with beans, chicken, and jalapeno.
    1. Let simmer for 15 minutes, then ladle into bowls. Top with your favorite toppings (suggestions below!), and enjoy.

    SAM’S TIP: If you want to add tortilla strips to your soup, then consider making the homemade version from my chicken tortilla soup! They are seriously so simple to make at home.

    Bowl of white chili made with chicken and beans that's been topped with cilantro, jalapeno, tortilla strips, and cheese.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What can I serve with white chicken chili?

    This chili tastes great on its own, but I like it even better when topped with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, jalapeno slices, cilantro, and a heaping dollop of sour cream. Add-ons are everything!

    As far as sides go, buttermilk cornbread, jalapeno cornbread or garlic cheese biscuits would be tasty pairings.

    Can I freeze white chicken chili?

    Yes you can! Make sure to store it in an airtight container and enjoy within three months.

    Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

    I haven’t tried this, but I think it could work with some modification. You will want to follow steps 1-3 before transferring the chili into the crockpot.

    Bowl of white chili made with chicken and beans that's been topped with cilantro, jalapeno, tortilla strips, and cheese.

    Enjoy!

    Let’s bake together! Subscribe to my newsletter to be notified of all the newest recipes, and find my free recipe tutorials on YouTube 💜

    Bowl of white chicken chili topped with jalapeno, shredded tortillas, and cheese.

    White Chicken Chili

    White chicken chili is a hearty, chicken-based take on classic chili! My recipe has a creamy (but not rich) base and is perfect for using up leftover chicken. We love to top ours with cheese, tortilla chips, and cilantro!
    5 from 36 votes
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    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 286kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 2 15 oz cans (850 g) Cannelini beans rinsed and drained
    • 3 cups (709 ml) chicken broth
    • 3 ¾ cups (465 g) shredded chicken see note
    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 Tablespoon salted butter
    • 1 medium (140 g) yellow onion, diced (about 1 heaping cup)
    • 2 Jalapeno peppers seeds removed and finely chopped (about 3 Tablespoons)
    • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
    • 1 7 oz can (198 g) diced green chilis (I use mild)
    • 1 Tablespoon lime juice
    • 2 teaspoons cumin
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ½ cup (115 g) sour cream
    • additional sour cream, corn chips, Monterrey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, and/or jalapeno slices for topping, optional

    Recommended Equipment

    • Blender
    • Dutch Oven

    Instructions

    • Place half a can of cannelini beans (about ¾ cup) and ½ cup of the chicken broth in a blender and puree until smooth.  Set aside.
    • Combine olive oil and butter in a soup pot or dutch oven over medium heat.  Once butter has melted, add chopped onion and jalapeno and cook until softened (about 3-5 minutes)
      1 Tablespoon olive oil, 1 Tablespoon salted butter, 2 Jalapeno peppers, 1 medium (140 g) yellow onion, diced
    • Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
      1 Tablespoon minced garlic
    • Add cumin, onion powder, ancho chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper and stir well.
      2 teaspoons cumin, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • Add pureed bean mixture to pot along with the remaining chicken broth and the remaining beans, then add chicken, chilis, and lime juice. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
      3 ¾ cups (465 g) shredded chicken, 1 7 oz can (198 g) diced green chilis, 1 Tablespoon lime juice, 2 15 oz cans (850 g) Cannelini beans
    • Stir in sour cream.
      ½ cup (115 g) sour cream
    • Simmer 15 minutes before serving, topped with additional sour cream, jalapeno slices, monterrey jack cheese, chopped cilantro, and crushed corn chips.
      additional sour cream, corn chips, Monterrey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, and/or jalapeno slices for topping, optional

    Notes

    Shredded chicken

    You can use between 3 and 4 cups of shredded chicken. You may use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken or shred your own chicken breast (or thighs, or a blend of both!) in the crock pot or instant pot. If shredding your own chicken, start with 1 ยฝ lbs (680g) of chicken breast (before cooking). 

    Storing

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 747mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 372IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

    I originally published this recipe in FEbruary of 2018. I’ve updated the post to include more helpful tips and to add a recipe tutorial, but the recipe itself is unchanged (other than minor clarifications in the recipe — the ingredients and technique remain the same!).

    More Cozy Soups & Chilis to Try:

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      Chicken Corn Chowder
    • Overhead view of a bowl of chicken tortilla soup topped with tortilla strips, sour cream, lime, and cilantro.
      Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Bowl of turkey chili topped with sour cream, avocado, and shredded cheese.
      Turkey Chili (Great for leftover Turkey!)
    • chili in blue bowl with toppings
      The Best Chili Recipe

    More Soup Recipes

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    • Pot of vegetarian chili made with sweet potato, beans, and more.
      Vegetarian Chili
    • Bowl of creamy southwest chicken soup made with beans, chicken, peppers, and more.
      Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup
    • Overhead view of a bowl of turkey chili topped with avocado, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
      Turkey Chili

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vicki Stratton

      July 03, 2021 at 7:28 pm

      This recipe has already been added to our rotation. I made it for my son and daughter-in-law, and now she’s already made it twice. She serves it with cornbread! So easy and SO GOOD!

      Reply
      • Sam

        July 03, 2021 at 9:29 pm

        I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it so much, Vicki! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. Kathy Richmond

      June 11, 2021 at 8:08 pm

      I’m confused by Step 4’s wording in Instructions? It says to add the rest of the ingredients except the sour cream and toppings… Then in ( ) right next to toppings is a list of the rest of the ingredients.
      It’s confusing to me because are they toppings or as I suspect the ingredients to finish the chili? Am I just over reading?

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 11, 2021 at 9:02 pm

        Hi Kathy! Sorry about the confusion, I have modified the recipe to try and make it more clear. I hope that helps!

        Reply
    3. KT

      February 05, 2021 at 8:10 pm

      Made this today and it was delicious! Great flavor and was very easy to make. Next time I will double the recipe because my husband will finish it in two sittings!

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 06, 2021 at 3:45 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed it so much! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    4. Shirley Benningfield

      December 14, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      Please correct add the purรฉe from step 1 to step 4. I am glad I read the comments before making this recipe, because I would be wondering when to add the purรฉe! Your other recipes sound great too, and I plan on making a few of them!

      Reply
      • Sam

        December 14, 2020 at 10:02 pm

        I’m sorry for the confusion, Shirley! I have clarified it. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Terri

      October 30, 2020 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      Very easy to make and it was delicious

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 30, 2020 at 1:51 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Terri! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    6. Emily

      March 25, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! I forgot the lime juice, but still tasted great. We had the chilli with your biscuits. So yummy! This recipe will go in the dinner rotation:)

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        March 26, 2020 at 9:15 am

        I am so glad that your family enjoyed it, Emily. Paired with homemade biscuits is a wonderful dinner combo. Thanks for commenting. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
      • Josanne Clayton

        April 15, 2020 at 5:27 pm

        My husband raved about this dish. I haven’t stop hearing about it since last week in fact, I’m requested to make it again tomorrow.

        Reply
        • Sugar Spun Run

          April 16, 2020 at 9:40 am

          I am so glad that he LOVED it, Josanne! I hope that you enjoy your dinner tonight too! lol. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    7. Pam

      March 22, 2020 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! So good!

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        March 22, 2020 at 8:49 pm

        I am so glad that you enjoyed it, Pam! Thank you for trying my recipe. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    8. Annie

      February 23, 2020 at 10:36 am

      Does this freeze well?

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        February 23, 2020 at 10:53 am

        Hi, Annie! Yes, it does.

        Reply
        • Annie

          March 01, 2020 at 7:33 am

          Hi again,
          Can I use a crock pot for this?

        • Sugar Spun Run

          March 01, 2020 at 7:39 am

          Hi, Anne! Yes, you can! You will want to do steps 1-3 before transferring it into the crockpot. I hope that you enjoy the chili. ๐Ÿ™‚

    9. Nicole

      January 08, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      At which step do I add the puree from Step 1?

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        January 08, 2020 at 4:02 pm

        Hi, Nicole! You can add in step 4. I hope that you enjoy the chicken chili. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    10. Megan

      January 08, 2020 at 11:44 am

      5 stars
      I love it! I did 2 40z cans of green chiliโ€™s, extra jalapeรฑo, and about 2 pounds of chicken. Itโ€™s spicy and so good!

      Reply
    11. Sheryl

      January 03, 2020 at 10:01 pm

      5 stars
      Ok I just made this recipe. It is a total hit!!! My toppings were cilantro, serano chilies, Mexican 3 cheese, scallions, avocado, & sour cream. This is for sure one of the best recipes I’ve come accross.
      Thank you Sam ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ’•

      Reply
    12. Sheryl

      January 01, 2020 at 3:07 pm

      You don’t say in your instructions when to add the cayenne pepper…I asume with all the other dry spices?

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 01, 2020 at 5:52 pm

        Iโ€™m sorry, Sheryl, yes add with the other dry spices. I will correct that in the recipe now, thank you for bringing it to my attention and I hope you love it!

        Reply
    13. Lauren

      December 30, 2019 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      I have made this recipe over and over again. I will take pics the next time and share them. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        December 30, 2019 at 9:42 pm

        That is wonderful, Lauren! I am so glad that you have enjoyed the chili over and over again. Thank you so much for commenting. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    14. Rhiannon Howard

      February 11, 2019 at 5:56 pm

      5 stars
      Made a few minor adjustments to this dish, but it was amazing. Thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 11, 2019 at 6:04 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed it, Rhiannon! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    15. Christina

      March 08, 2018 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      Thanks Sam! This was delicious!

      Reply
    Newer Comments »
    5 from 36 votes (18 ratings without comment)

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