Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
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; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded); 1 jalapeno pepper (sliced); 1 lime (cut in wedges); cilantro (chopped)

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.

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

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.
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.
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.