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Home / Recipes
1 hour
4.62 from 21 votes
13 Comments

White Chicken Chili

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by: Joanna Cismaru
02.09.20
Updated: 05.07.20

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This simple White Chicken Chili is loaded with flavor from delicious cannellini beans, tender chicken and a rich and creamy broth. It’s so comforting for a cold night in, yet light enough to enjoy even when the sun is out.

a bowl of white chicken chili garnished with cheese and jalapeno peppers

If you’re a fan of the bold and comforting flavors of chili, but you’re looking for a lighter fare, this is the answer! Each bowl of my white chicken chili is surprisingly filling for the measly 327 calories it packs. Eating healthier is so much easier when you can make a meal so delicious like this! It’s all about the layers of flavors.

I’ve used a mixture of spices, fresh, and canned ingredients to give you the sustenance you need after a busy day, without weighing you down. You all know I love some fresh greens as optional garnish, but this time I promise these toppings really take the dish to the next level! You don’t want to leave them out.

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make white chicken chili

Ingredients

Keep scrolling down to the recipe card for full ingredient amounts and instructions, or click the Jump To Recipe button at the top.

  • Olive oil – You can use sunflower, safflower, vegetable, or avocado oils instead.
  • Chicken breast – Cubed thighs or even ground chicken will work too.
  • Onion – I used a white onion, but yellow or red, whatever you have on hand, will be great.
  • Salt – Season to taste.
  • Cumin – You can use as much or as little as you like.
  • Chili powder – I found a chipotle chili powder that tastes amazing! Use any type you like best.
  • Cayenne pepper – I just used a bit to make the level of spice alright for everyone. You can cut it out completely or use more if you want.
  • Oregano – I used dried. If you use fresh, double the amount called for.
  • Garlic – You know what I always say! The more the merrier. You can use as much or as little as you like.
  • Chicken broth – I always use unsalted. If you have veggie broth on hand, that’ll work too.
  • Cannellini beans – These are also referred to as white kidney beans.
  • Canned green chiles – I used one can. You can use fresh chiles for some added heat.
  • Half and half cream – This is cream that is usually around 10% MF. You can use anything from 10% – 35%.
  • Toppings – This is the best part, right? I used Monterey Jack cheese, fresh sliced jalapeño, lime wedges, and cilantro.
process shots showing how to make which chicken chili

How to Make White Chicken Chili

  1. Prep the beans and chicken: Use a potato masher or fork to mash one can of the beans. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the chicken, onion, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink.
  2. Simmer: Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the broth and green chiles, then bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add both the mashed and whole beans. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Finish the chili: Stir in the half & half and cook for another 5 minutes. Ladle the chili into bowls and finish them with your favorite toppings.

What Else Can I Mix Into My Chili?

Making a big pot of chili is a great opportunity to clean out some items from your fridge or pantry. Give these ideas a try!

  • Red kidney, pinto, or black beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Coconut milk instead of cream
  • Fresh herbs
  • Pork, turkey, or sausage, cubed or ground. (fat drained if needed)
  • Bell peppers
  • Celery
  • Peas
  • Corn
  • Fresh avocado, as a topping
overhead shot of white chicken chili in a large dutch oven

How to Make White Chicken Chili in a Slow Cooker

This is a great recipe to toss into your slow cooker before heading to work! Homemade dinner is possible even for your busiest weeknights.

Add all the ingredients, except for the cream and the toppings, to your slow cooker. Mix everything well and set for either 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Mix in the cream, then cook for 15 more minutes on high. Ladle into bowls and add your toppings.

Keep in mind that with my stovetop method, some of the liquid has a chance to evaporate. If you want your chili to be more thick, eliminate 1/2 – 1 cup of broth from the recipe.

How to Store Leftovers

Your leftovers will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Let it cool down fully in the pot before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating. You can reheat either in the microwave, or on the stovetop over medium heat.

Freezing

Want to freeze this recipe? This recipe is perfect for freezing! It’ll last 4-6 months frozen. You can freeze in individual servings, or all in one large container.

It’s easiest to let your chili thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also thaw it straight from the freezer in the microwave or on the stovetop, you’ll just have to keep a close eye on it and stir often.

overhead shot of a white bowl loaded with white chicken chili topped with cheese and jalapeno peppers

Love This Recipe? Try These:

  • The Best Chili Recipe
  • Healthier Beef Chili
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
  • Pork Chili Verde
  • Chicken and Corn Chowder
  • World’s Best Chili
  • Chicken Meatball Noodle Soup
  • Skillet White Chicken Lasagna

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overhead shot of white chicken chili in a bowl topped with sliced jalapenos

White Chicken Chili

4.62 from 21 votes
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 1 hr
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 8
Print Pin Rate
This simple White Chicken Chili is loaded with flavor from delicious cannellini beans, tender chicken and a rich and creamy broth. It's so comforting for a cold night in, yet light enough to enjoy even when the sun is out.

Equipment

  • 6 Quart Dutch Oven

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut in small cubes
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cumin ground
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 32 oz chicken broth low sodium or no sodium added (2 containers)
  • 42 oz cannellini beans or Great Northern, drained and rinsed (3 cans)
  • 4 oz chopped green chiles (1 can)
  • 1/2 cup half and half

Toppings

  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 jalapeno pepper sliced
  • 1 lime cut in wedges
  • cilantro chopped
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Using a potato masher or fork, mash one can of the beans until smooth. This will help to make the chili a bit thicker and creamier.
  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken, onion, salt, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, stir and cook until the chicken is no longer pink. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the broth and green chiles then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add the mashed beans, and the other 2 cans of beans. Simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the half and half cream and cook for an 5 minutes.
  • Serve topped with cheese, jalapeno peppers, lime and cilantro.

Video

Recipe Notes

  1. Leftovers will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Let it cool down fully in the pot before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating. You can reheat either in the microwave, or on the stovetop over medium heat.
  2. This recipe is perfect for freezing! It’ll last 4-6 months frozen. You can freeze in individual servings, or all in one large container.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 327kcal (16%)Carbohydrates: 29g (10%)Protein: 33g (66%)Fat: 11g (17%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Cholesterol: 73mg (24%)Sodium: 738mg (32%)Potassium: 503mg (14%)Fiber: 8g (33%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 331IU (7%)Vitamin C: 12mg (15%)Calcium: 242mg (24%)Iron: 5mg (28%)
Course:Dinner, Soup
Cuisine:American
Keyword:chicken chili, White Chicken Chili
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Nicole Enright says

    November 28, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    This white bean chicken chili is so delicious. I’ve made it twice and it’s such a hit! Jo you create the best recipes….during this crazy Covid year I am thankful for you! You saved many mealtimes!

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      November 28, 2020 at 2:10 pm

      Thank you, Nicole! I’m so glad to hear this. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Marianne Soucy says

    February 23, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    5 stars
    Made this twice in the last two weeks it is delicious!

    Reply
  3. Jessica says

    January 9, 2016 at 3:26 pm

    Thank you I’ll try it tomorrow for a chili cook off with neighbourhood friends.

    Reply
  4. Maralee Matsumoto says

    November 12, 2015 at 8:04 am

    5 stars
    Good Morning Jo!! Made my second recipe of yours and another success. This chili came together very easily and is a great alternative to my red chili, delicious ? I’ll keep you posted on my future “adventures in Cooking with Jo”

    Reply
    • jo says

      November 12, 2015 at 8:34 am

      You’ve made my day Maralee!!! Thank you. I’m so happy you’re enjoying my recipes and please do keep me posted. 🙂

      Reply
  5. michele leblanc says

    August 3, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    Lol – you’re my kind of cook! Love your blog, your recipes AND your killer sense of humor! Keep it coming, Jo….

    Reply
    • jo says

      August 3, 2014 at 9:42 pm

      Thanks Michele!

      Reply
  6. michele leblanc says

    August 3, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    5 stars
    Hey Jo – is the chicken raw when you put it in the crockpot, or do you brown it first?

    Reply
    • jo says

      August 3, 2014 at 3:27 pm

      It’s raw, why complicate our lives?

      Reply
  7. Lizzyirwin says

    August 3, 2014 at 10:32 am

    Another Aussie who is very happy to see wintery recipes…this one looks great and I look forward to trying it. Love crockpot recipes!

    Reply
    • jo says

      August 3, 2014 at 3:27 pm

      Thanks Lizzy! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    August 3, 2014 at 5:56 am

    yum.. definitely perfect for this winter weather we’re experiencing here in australia at the moment, i think i know what i will be making for dinner tonight. thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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Joanna Cismaru

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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