Name: Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup); 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder); 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 4 oz cans diced green chilies; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 small lime, juice from; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 15 oz cans great northern beans; 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt); 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh); 2 heaping cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover); Fresh cilantro; Shredded cheese; Tortilla chips; Green onions; Avocado slices

If you’re craving something cozy yet packed with flavor, this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is the answer. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a luscious broth with white beans and just the right kick of green chilies—it’s comfort food done right!

A thick creamy soup is shown in a large white pot with a close-up silver ladle lifting a scoop of the soup. The soup has three main visual layers: a smooth, creamy beige base, irregular pieces of white shredded chicken mixed throughout, scattered bright yellow corn kernels, and light tan beans. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. The background features a white marbled texture, and the pot’s interior has a slight staining from the soup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I make this creamy white chicken chili all the time when I want something satisfying that the whole family enjoys. Plus, the flavors just get better the next day—hello, perfect leftovers!

Comfort in a bowl: Creamy and hearty, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Simple ingredients: Most you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.
Flexible and forgiving: Easy to swap out ingredients or make ahead for busy nights.
Loaded with protein and fiber: Keeps you full and fueled without feeling heavy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, a quick tip: for the best flavor, I always opt for low-sodium chicken broth and good-quality canned beans. Also, you can use either rotisserie chicken or leftovers to keep things quick and easy.

Flat lay of a small glass bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped pale yellow onion, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with diced bright green chilies, a small white ceramic bowl holding warm brown ground cumin, a tiny white ceramic bowl with vibrant red cayenne pepper powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing dried green oregano flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with deep red paprika powder, a halved fresh lime with bright green rind and juicy interior, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with plump creamy white great northern beans, a small white ceramic bowl with thick smooth sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow corn kernels, a pile of shredded moist cooked chicken breast, a small bunch of fresh green cilantro sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded pale orange cheese, a small stack of pale yellow tortilla chips, a few fresh green onions with white bulbs and green stalks, and sliced fresh avocado with pale green flesh and dark skin all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle richness.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the chili base.
Garlic cloves: Boosts the savory profile; garlic powder works in a pinch.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together.
Diced green chilies: The mild heat and brightness that define white chili.
Ground cumin: Provides warm, earthy undertones.
Cayenne pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering.
Dried oregano: Brings a subtle herbaceous note.
Paprika: For smoky depth and color.
Lime juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to taste.
Great northern beans: Creamy texture and protein-packed foundation.
Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt): Adds that signature creamy finish.
Corn: Sweet pops of flavor and a nice textural contrast.
Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein that makes it hearty.
Fresh cilantro: For a fresh herbal garnish that lifts the dish.
Shredded cheese: Melty topping to add richness.
Tortilla chips: Provide essential crunch alongside creamy chili.
Green onions: Bright, mild oniony garnish.
Avocado slices: Creamy, buttery topping to finish the bowl.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to tweak it to fit your taste buds or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and make it truly your own comfort food classic!

Vegetarian Variation: Replace the shredded chicken with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a hearty vegetarian version that's just as comforting.
Spice it Up: If you love heat, add extra cayenne pepper or toss in some chopped jalapeños. I often bump up the spice level when I’m craving a fiery kick!
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: For hands-off cooking, use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to simmer the flavors slowly—perfect for busy days.
Swap the Beans: I’ve tried cannellini beans instead of great northern beans—both work beautifully and offer a slightly different texture.
Lighten Up: Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping that creamy texture intact. I do this often for a lighter but still rich chili.
Seasonal Flair: Stir in some fresh corn during summer or add roasted poblano peppers for a smoky twist in cooler months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

A white pot is shown on a white marbled surface, filled with three visible layers of food. The bottom layer consists of yellowish beans in a brownish sauce, covering the whole base. On top of this is a layer of shredded light brown chicken pieces, spread unevenly across. The top layer is a dollop of thick white cream sitting in the center over the chicken. A wooden spoon sticks into the pot from the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heat the Aromatics for Flavorful Base

Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large 5-6 quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped small yellow onion (about ½ cup) and sauté until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. The onions should become translucent and tender without browning. Then, add 2 finely minced garlic cloves and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a delicious aromatic foundation for your chili.

Step 2: Add Broth, Chilies, and Spices

Pour in 2 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth, then stir in two 4 oz cans of diced green chilies, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Squeeze in the juice from half a small lime, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine—smells like cozy comfort already!

Step 3: Prepare the Beans for Creaminess

Drain and rinse two 15 oz cans of great northern beans in a strainer. To make the chili extra creamy and thick, ladle out a big scoop of the beans along with some broth from your pot and puree them in a food processor until smooth. This step is optional but highly recommended for that velvety texture everyone loves.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Simmer

Return the pureed beans, the whole beans, and 1 cup of corn (frozen or fresh) to the soup pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully and the chili thickens just right. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Chicken

Remove your pot from the heat and stir in 1 cup of sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) and 2 heaping cups of shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great). Stir gently until the chili is creamy and the chicken is warmed through—this is where the magic comes together!

Step 6: Serve with a Colorful Array of Toppings

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, crunchy tortilla chips, and green onions as you like. The combination adds both texture and a burst of freshness that takes this creamy white chicken chili to the next level of deliciousness.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect creamy texture and deep flavor in your Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe can make all the difference. These tips come from plenty of kitchen experiments and delicious successes!

Puree Some Beans: From my experience, pureeing a ladleful of the great northern beans with broth really thickens the chili and gives it a nice, velvety body without extra cream or flour.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for this recipe—it saves time and adds incredible flavor compared to raw chicken you cook yourself.
Low and Slow Simmer: Simmering uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes lets the flavors marry and the chili thicken naturally, which is key to getting that cozy, comforting bowl.
Don’t Skip the Lime Juice: A splash of fresh lime juice brightens the whole dish and balances the creamy richness beautifully—trust me, it’s worth it!

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy, orange-colored soup made with small chunks of white ingredients, possibly chicken or beans, and corn kernels. On top, there is a layer of thin, golden yellow tortilla strips scattered mostly in the center, along with small green avocado cubes and fresh green cilantro leaves, all sprinkled with black pepper. Around the bowl, there are additional avocado cubes in a small white bowl, some lime halves, and more tortilla strips scattered on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

One of the best parts of this creamy White Chicken Chili is all the fresh toppings you can pile on. Fresh cilantro adds herbaceous brightness, shredded cheese melts into the warm chili for extra richness, crunchy tortilla chips give delightful texture, creamy avocado slices bring buttery smoothness, and a few sliced green onions add a mild, sharp contrast. These garnishes make each spoonful an exciting bite.

Side Dishes

For a full meal, I like serving this chili alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad or cornbread to soak up all the delicious juices. You could also offer warm flour or corn tortillas for taco-style fun or some roasted veggies for a wholesome touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Creamy White Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop more after resting overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.

Freezing

This chili freezes well! Cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the chili if it thickened too much in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can add all the ingredients except sour cream and cooked chicken to your slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the sour cream and chicken at the end before serving.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It reduces fat while keeping the chili creamy and tangy.

How spicy is this chili, and can I make it milder or hotter?

This recipe has a mild heat level thanks to the mild cayenne pepper and green chilies. You can adjust spiciness by increasing the cayenne, adding jalapeños, or dialing back the spices according to your preference.

What type of beans work best?

Great northern beans are the classic choice here for their creamy texture and mild flavor, but cannellini beans are a perfect substitute if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort dishes for chilly days or busy weeknights. Its cozy combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, gentle spices, and fresh garnishes creates a bowl of warmth and satisfaction I know you'll love. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for family and friends, this chili is a simple way to feel nourished and cared for. So grab that pot, stir up some magic, and enjoy every spoonful!