White chicken chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the richness of a traditional chili with the lightness of white beans and chicken. It’s a perfect meal for those who crave the warmth and heartiness of chili but want a twist on the classic beef version. This dish is a great choice for cozy dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping, offering a blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors in every spoonful.
The base of white chicken chili features tender, shredded chicken, often cooked in a slow cooker or on the stovetop until it’s juicy and easy to pull apart. White beans, such as cannellini or great northern beans, provide a creamy texture and make the chili feel hearty without being heavy. The addition of green chilies, garlic, and onions infuses the dish with a savory depth, while a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder adds a bit of warmth and complexity.
What makes white chicken chili stand out is its creamy texture. Many recipes incorporate cream cheese or sour cream, which adds richness and smoothness to the broth, making each spoonful comforting and satisfying. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less green chilies or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, depending on your spice preference. For a bit of tang, a squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the chili.
White chicken chili is also incredibly versatile. You can make it as mild or spicy as you like, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Add some corn for a touch of sweetness, or throw in some diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color. Toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or tortilla chips can elevate the chili, giving it a delicious finish with added texture.
Perfect for colder months or when you need a quick, satisfying meal, white chicken chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional chili, yet still hearty enough to fill you up and warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup corn frozen
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned.
- Stir in the chicken broth, white beans, salsa verde, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the frozen corn and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
I wasn’t sure about salsa verde in chili… but wow, it works! Surprised, but happy!
I swear I followed it, but my chicken got dry at step 2. Maybe because I cooked it too long browning. Still edible though, and the beans helped.
I made this but I swapped the chicken for tofu. Wasn’t great… kinda mushy.
Skeptical at first, but this really hit the spot. Thanks!
I’m not a cook, but this was easy enough for me. Yay!!
Not bad, but can someone tell me if the corn is necessary? I forgot to add it.
Why would you even use corn? It’s just filler! Stick to the chicken and beans. Much better!
The corn adds sweetness and texture, but you can totally skip it. It’ll still taste good!
A recipe with so few ingredients and it tasts so good! Simple and delicious!
Waste of chicken, to be honest. Looked better than it tasted.
Made this tonight—super comforting and not too heavy. The salsa verde really brightens it up. I used a little extra cumin because I can’t help myself 😄
Too much corn, it was overwhelming! Disapointed.
Yum! This chili is bomb! Who knew chicken could taste this good?
I agree! This chili is amazing. I added some jalapeños for an extra kick!
Hmm, chicken in chili? Isn’t that kinda weird? I’ve always used beef.
Super easy and quick! I added some jalapeños for kick and it was fire! 🔥
I just don’t get the hype around this. Chicken and beans mixed together, blah.
I totally disagree! This is super tasty and perfect for chilly days. Maybe you just need to try it differently?
This was sooo good! My whole family loved it! Will definitely make again.
Followed the recipe exactly, but it came out a bit bland. Needs more seasoning!
Followed it to a T and it was perfect. Good recipe for chilly nights!
I followed it exactly and it was honestly delicious. The chicken stayed tender and the chili powder + cumin combo is on point. Will make again.
Love hearing this! I did the same thing and the cumin + chili powder combo really makes it taste “right” for chili. Glad yours stayed tender—makes me want to make it again this week 😋
I didn’t have salsa verde so I subbed regular salsa… worst idea lol. The flavor was all over the place. Use salsa verde if you can.
I added more garlic. Better for my nose!
I love garlic too! It really does add a nice kick, especially in chili. Great choice!
Too much garlic can ruin it, don’t you think? I prefer a milder taste.
I love white chicken chili but I’m skeptical about only 30 minutes—chicken should be tender though, right? Mine was fine, but I’d simmer longer if using thicker chicken pieces.
I dunno why you add corn, it ruins the texture for me. I’ll skip it next time.
Nah, corn is essential for this chili! Maybe just try it once more before you skip it.
I think the corn adds a nice sweetness to balance the spice! But hey, everyone has their own taste, right?
This is such a cozy chili—salsa verde makes it feel bright and not heavy. I simmered a little longer and it was perfect.
I accidentally used canned corn instead of frozen and it got kinda mushy—lesson learned. Flavor was still good though.
I don’t know, it seemed a bit bland to me. Maybe add more spice?
Can I use canned chicken instead? I hate cooking chicken.
I dunno, canned chicken? Isn’t it gonna be kinda mushy? I like my chili with the real stuff. But hey, if you hate cooking it, go for it!
Absolutely! Canned chicken will work just fine if you’re not up for cooking fresh chicken. Just drain it well and add it in.
Chili without beans is just wrong, but this was okay.
Beans or no beans, chili’s chili! I think this recipe looks good even without the beans. Might give it a try anyway.
I totally agree! Chili without beans doesn’t feel right, but I still enjoyed this recipe. The salsa verde adds a nice twist!
I don’t really like beans, so I just left them out. Wasn’t as good… maybe that was the issue.
This recipe is amazing! My whole family loved it! Definitely a keeper.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about using only salsa verde—thought it’d be too tangy. But it actually works and the beans mellow it out.
So easy to make! I let it simmer for an hour and it turned out rich and delicious!
This chili was sooo good! Even my picky kids loved it! 😍
It was okay, but I think I prefer chili with beef. Just my preference, I guess!
I dunno about this. White chicken chili? Sounds strange. Is it supposed to be spicy?
Amazing recipe! So easy and delicious. I’ll definitely make this again.
1 tsp salt to taste is too vague lol. I ended up overdoing it by mistake. But at least the chicken stayed tender.
I followed the recipe exactly but mine turned out soupy. What went wrong??
I think you forgot to mention when to put the beans! 🙄 Messed up my dinner!
This is my go-to recipe for chilly nights! Warm and filling 😋
This does sound great for a cold night! I’m definitely trying it soon! 😊
White beans? never thought of that! Real creamy tho.
It was okay, but I think it needs more spice. Added jalapeños and it helped.