Creamy White Chicken Chili

Need a crowd-pleasing chicken chili recipe? This creamy white version is packed with flavor & easy to make! Perfect for chilly nights or potlucks. Get the recipe now!

May 25, 2025
By Sally Thompson.

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Alright, let's dive into my absolute favourite, the chicken chili recipe ! Have you ever craved something warm, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying? I know I have! This dish is it.

Creamy White Chicken Chili: Your Next Weeknight Winner

This isn't just any chili, love. Think Southwestern vibes meet British comfort food. This white chicken chili recipe is pure joy in a bowl.

A Wholesome Hug in a Bowl

This white bean chicken chili recipe has roots in southwestern cuisine. imagine tender chicken, creamy beans, and a hint of spice.

The origin and cultural significance makes this chili more than just a dish. it's an experience. it's proper easy to make.

I reckon you can whip this up in under an hour. it makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for the family or a few mates.

Why You'll Bloody Love It!

One of the best things? it's packed with protein! this healthier white chicken chili option is quite good for you.

Perfect for a casual get-together or a cosy night in. what makes this recipe special? it's creamy, flavourful, and doesn't take all day! honestly, it's damn delicious .

Time to see what's in store for these killer ingredients!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this cracking chicken chili recipe ! Honestly, it's easier than assembling flat-pack furniture, I promise.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5 ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) (1.25 ml)
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (approx. 2 lbs / 900g - rotisserie chicken works a treat!)
• 4 cups chicken broth (1 liter)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained (approx. 850g total)
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained (113g)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish (a small bunch)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Avocado, diced (optional)
• Tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 3 minutes, until fragrant.
• Stir in cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their aromas.
• Add shredded chicken and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
• Stir in great northern beans and diced green chilies. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
• Reduce heat to low. Stir in softened cream cheese until completely melted and the chili is creamy.
• Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle into bowls and garnish with desired toppings. Serve this delicious chicken chili recipe.

Ingredients You'll Actually Use

Here's the lowdown on the stuff you'll need. Don't worry, you probably have half of it already.

Main Players

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) - for a good start.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped. Go for a yellow one, they're sweeter.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The fresher, the better, mate.
• Red bell pepper: 1 , chopped. Adds a bit of sweetness, innit?
• Jalapeño: 1 , seeded and minced (optional). Only if you're feeling brave.
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). This is essential.
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Can't skip this.
• Chili powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). Adds depth.
• Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional). A tiny kick.
• Cooked chicken: 4 cups , shredded (approx. 2 lbs / 900g). Rotisserie is your friend!
• Chicken broth: 4 cups (1 liter). Don't skimp on quality here.
• Great northern beans: 2 cans (15-ounce each), rinsed and drained (approx. 850g total). Trust me.
• Diced green chilies: 1 can (4-ounce), undrained (113g). Adds a bit of zing.
• Cream cheese: 8 ounces , softened (225g). Crucially , softened.
• Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup , chopped. Plus extra for garnish.
• Lime juice: From 1 lime . Fresh is best.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Obviously.

Quality Check: For the chicken, if you're cooking it yourself, make sure it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . No one wants dodgy chicken.

Seasoning Shenanigans

Alright, let's talk about flavour, shall we?

These spices are what make this chicken chili recipe damn delicious . You know what I mean? If you are going for a healthier white chicken chili version, be careful with the salt!

• Cumin and oregano: These two are the backbone of this dish. Don't skip them.
• Chili powder and cayenne: For a bit of a kick. Adjust to your liking. Honestly, I sometimes add a pinch more cayenne!
• Flavor enhancers: A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens everything up.

Quick Sub: No oregano? Use marjoram. It's similar.

Essential Kit

You don't need fancy gear.

• Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking it all.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping. Duh.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To be precise.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.

Household Hack: Don't have a fancy pot? A large saucepan will do in a pinch. You know?

So there you have it! everything you need to get cracking on this white bean chicken chili recipe . if you are using a white chicken chili slow cooker , a ww white chicken chili crock pot , or looking for what’s gaby cooking white chicken chili or skinnyish dish white chicken chili , just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

You know, keep an eye on it. some people also love a good chicken chili verde variation. but let's start with the basics first.

Happy cooking, you legends!

Okay, buckle up buttercups! let's dive into my absolutely banging chicken chili recipe . honestly, this is proper comfort food. it's like a warm hug on a cold day.

I'm going to show you how to make a white chicken chili slow cooker version, but also a quick stove-top one if you're in a pinch.

This ain’t your average chili, this is next level . did you know that chili recipes are searched for over 500,000 times a month? let’s get cooking.

Chicken Chili: The Prep Work is Key!

Essential Mise en Place - Get Your Ducks in a Row

Right, first things first, get everything chopped and measured. honestly, it makes life so much easier. chop up 1 large onion , mince 2 cloves of garlic , dice 1 red bell pepper , and if you're feeling brave, finely chop 1 jalapeño .

I normally skip the jalapeño, but it's up to you. get 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken ready. rotisserie chicken from the shops? don’t tell anyone, but i do it all the time.

Get your spices out too: 1 teaspoon ground cumin , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/2 teaspoon chili powder , and a pinch of cayenne pepper , if you’re feeling fancy.

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Honestly, prep everything the night before! chop all the veggies and store them in separate containers in the fridge. then, the next day, you just chuck it all in! also, opening the 2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans , rinsing and draining them ahead of time saves a bit of faff.

Also get 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies , undrained, ready. soften 8 ounces cream cheese . chop up 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and measure 4 cups chicken broth .

Lastly, juice 1 lime .

Safety Reminders

Be careful when chopping chillies and garlic. Avoid touching your eyes, you know? And wash your hands!

White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Damn Delicious - Step by Step

1. Sauté the Goodness: In a large pot, get 2 tablespoons olive oil hot over medium heat. Bung in the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Then add the garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño, and cook another 3 minutes , until fragrant.
2. Spice it Up: Stir in the cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute , stirring so it doesn't burn, until fragrant. This is key!
3. Chicken and Broth Time: Add the shredded chicken and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
4. Bean There, Done That: Stir in the great northern beans and diced green chilies. Simmer for 15 minutes , stirring now and then. This lets the flavours do their thing.
5. Creamify! Reduce the heat to low. Stir in that softened cream cheese until it's all melted.
6. Taste the Rainbow: Stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle it into bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, or avocado. Mwah! Chef’s kiss!

Pro Tips for a Cracking Chili

Pro Tip 1 : Don't overcook the chicken. Use pre-cooked, so it doesn't dry out. Add it later in the process.

Pro Tip 2 : Using softened cream cheese is key to a lump-free chili.

Pro Tip 3 : For a Healthier White Chicken Chili , you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt at the end, though.

Right then, you've got a white bean chicken chili recipe that will knock your socks off. think of this as your new favourite comfort food.

You could even try it in the ww white chicken chili crock pot for an even easier version. now get cooking!

Alright, let's chat about this chicken chili recipe a bit more, yeah? You've got the basics, now let's make it your own masterpiece.

Recipe Notes: Let’s Make This Chili Sing!

Think of these less as rules and more as friendly nudges in the right direction. Cooking should be fun, innit?

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key, Darling!

Listen, we eat with our eyes first, yeah? So, how about we make this white chicken chili slow cooker damn delicious look amazing?

For plating, think rustic. a nice earthenware bowl? lush! top with a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt. a sprinkle of fresh cilantro is key for colour.

A few crushed tortilla chips add a bit of crunch, you know? complementary sides? a simple green salad or some cornbread works a treat.

To drink, a light beer or a crisp white wine would be lovely.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Mate!

Right, so you've made a massive batch of this white bean chicken chili recipe . What now?

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container. it'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. fancy freezing it? go for it! just make sure it's completely cool first.

It’ll be grand for up to 2 months. reheating is a doddle. microwave it, or gently heat it on the hob.

You might need to add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Variations: Get Creative, You Know?

Honestly, the beauty of this chicken chili recipe is how versatile it is.

Want a healthier white chicken chili ? swap the cream cheese for greek yogurt. loads better. trying to do ww white chicken chili crock pot style? chuck everything in the slow cooker on low for 6- 8 hours.

Easy peasy. for a seasonal twist, in autumn, add some roasted butternut squash. it's divine.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl!

I'm not a dietician, yeah? but this chicken chili recipe has got some goodness going on. we're talking protein from the chicken and fibre from the beans.

All good things! it’s a pretty balanced meal, honestly. just watch the toppings if you're counting calories.

So, there you have it. everything you need to make this white bean chicken chili slow cooker completely your own.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have a bit of fun. get stuck in, and i promise, you'll create something blooming delicious.

Now, go on, get cooking! i think even what's gaby cooking white chicken chili is no match for your version! and don't forget there is always a white chicken chili recipe crockpot or even a skinnyish dish white chicken chili for inspiration.