Updated June 2025: This recipe has been retested and rewritten by Chef Cory using fresh, real ingredients. Placeholder images are currently in use and will be replaced with real kitchen photography during our full site refresh.
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe
A simple, delicious chili packed with fresh chicken, creamy beans, and vibrant spices—perfect comfort food that’s ready in under an hour.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means we will earn a commission if you purchase through the links on this page. The product recommendations are solely based on our genuine opinions and experiences. Read the Full Affiliate Disclaimer Here
Craving Comfort? Meet Your New Favorite Chili Recipe
This white chicken chili is creamy, cozy, and packs just enough heat to keep things interesting.
It’s made with shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and warm spices, all simmered into a thick, satisfying bowl of goodness.
I stir in a little cream cheese and lime juice at the end for a rich, tangy finish.
It’s quick enough for weeknights but bold enough for game day — and it only gets better the next day.
Table of Contents
Why This White Chicken Chili is Your Weeknight Hero
This chili is different—it’s lighter than classic beef chili, filled with shredded fresh chicken, tender cannellini beans, sweet corn, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. It’s the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down.
Plus, it’s easy enough for any night of the week yet impressive enough to serve guests on the weekend. Winner-winner, chili dinner!
Key Ingredients for the Best White Chicken Chili
- Fresh Chicken – Lean protein that keeps this chili hearty without heaviness.
- Cannellini Beans – Creamy texture, packed with fiber and protein for extra nutrition.
- Fresh Jalapeño – Adds just the right kick without overpowering—fresh is key!
Smart Substitutions to Suit Your Lifestyle
- Dairy-free swap: Replace cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free delight.
- Gluten-free swap: Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check spices for gluten-free certification.
- Pantry-friendly variation: Substitute fresh chicken for canned chicken or rotisserie chicken in a pinch.
- Kid-friendly variation: Skip the jalapeño and swap smoked paprika for a mild sweet paprika to keep it tasty and kid-approved.
- Bean substitute: Use navy beans or Great Northern beans instead of cannellini for a similar creamy texture.
Why is This White Chicken Chili Better Than Other Chicken Recipes?
- Freshness First: Real chicken, fresh vegetables, and vibrant spices—no shortcuts!
- Perfect Creaminess: Just enough creaminess without feeling too heavy.
- Family-Friendly Heat: Customizable spice level, from mild to bold.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Chef-Approved: Developed by an executive chef (yours truly!) to ensure restaurant-quality results at home.
Essential Equipment
Great food starts with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ✅ Large Dutch oven or soup pot (heavy-bottomed for even heat)
- ✅ Cutting board
- ✅ Chef’s knife (sharp enough for clean onion + jalapeño cuts)
- ✅ Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- ✅ Measuring cups and spoons
- ✅ Small whisk or spoon (for melting/stirring in cream cheese)
- ✅ Can opener (for those white beans, unless you’re using fresh)
- ✅ Citrus juicer or reamer (or just squeeze by hand if you’re bold)
- ✅ Soup ladle (for clean, satisfying bowl-to-bowl action)
- ✅ Serving bowls + spoons
- ✅ Optional: Immersion blender or potato masher (if you like it thicker)
The Recipe: Ultimate White Chicken Chili
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food!
This White Chicken Chili is everything a weeknight dinner dreams of being—rich, creamy, full of bold flavor, and made with fresh, real ingredients.
It’s got just the right kick, a touch of tang, and that cozy, soul-warming vibe that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. One pot.
No fuss. Major flavor. Let’s make something dealicious.
The Best Creamy White Chicken Chili
6
servings30
minutes29
minutes435
kcalCreamy White Chicken Chili made with fresh shredded chicken, white beans, sweet corn, jalapeño, and warm spices. Easy, hearty, and full of flavor.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the chili:
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Large yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 fresh jalapeño, seeds removed and minced (leave some seeds if you like heat)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp coriander
½ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
½ tsp cracked black pepper
4 Cups chicken stock (or low-sodium broth)
2 15oz Cans white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ Cups fresh or frozen sweet corn (preferably cut off the cob)
3 Cups shredded cooked chicken (poached or roasted – fresh, not pre-packaged)
4 oz cream cheese, softened (room temp helps it melt easily)
½ Cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Juice of 1 fresh lime
Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional Garnishes (highly recommended)
Sliced avocado
More fresh cilantro
Thinly sliced green onions
Crumbled cotija or shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Lime wedges
Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
Directions
- Sauté the base
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and jalapeño, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant. - Spice it up
Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir well and toast the spices for 30 seconds to bloom their flavor. - Build the body
Pour in chicken stock, white beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer and let it cook gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. - Creamy finish
Stir in the cream cheese and whisk gently until melted and incorporated. Add the shredded chicken and continue simmering for 5–10 minutes until everything is hot and cozy. - Final touches
Stir in the heavy cream, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—don’t be shy with that salt if it needs a pop. - If you tried this recipe and loved it, I’d appreciate it if you could give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment below! It really helps more people find the recipe, and I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
Notes
- Pro Tips
Make it richer? Add a splash of sour cream before serving.
Make it healthier? Sub Greek yogurt for the cream.
Want more heat? Stir in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
Like it thicker? Mash a few beans in the pot before adding chicken for a naturally thickened texture.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @Dealiciousness on Instagram and hashtag it with #Dealiciousness
Like this recipe?
Follow @Dealiciousness on Pinterest
Join our Facebook Group!
Follow Dealiciousness LLC on Facebook
Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Chili Experience
Serve your chili hot, topped with creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro, crunchy tortilla strips, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Pair it with warm crusty bread or homemade cornbread muffins.
Best served on a chilly evening or casual weekend gathering—it’s cozy, filling, and perfect year-round comfort.
Bonus Garnish Tip: Top your chili with crumbled cotija cheese for a creamy, salty pop!
Wrap It Up Deliciously
Thanks so much for cooking with me today! I’d absolutely love to see how your white chicken chili turned out.
Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
And hey, if you loved this recipe, please give it a 5-star rating—I appreciate it more than you know!
💾 Love This Recipe? Save It For Later!
Just click the “Pin Recipe” button right on the recipe card, or use the Pinterest share button down in the bottom right corner of your screen.
One quick click, and it’s on your board for next time—easy, right?
Before You Go! More Recipes to Love
The Best Sourdough Bagels
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: Easy, MediumThese homemade sourdough bagels are perfectly chewy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and naturally leavened for the best depth of flavor. Made with a bubbly sourdough starter, high-protein bread flour, a touch of honey, and a classic malted water bath, these bagels have that signature golden crust and rich, tangy bite. Whether topped with sesame seeds, everything seasoning, or left plain, they’re a fresh, bakery-quality treat you’ll never want to buy again!
Carrot Ginger Soup Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyThis Carrot Ginger Soup combines the earthy sweetness of fresh carrots with the zesty warmth of ginger for a perfectly balanced, comforting dish. With hints of cumin and coriander, the spices add depth, while creamy coconut milk gives it a velvety texture. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this soup is light, flavorful, and packed with immune-boosting ingredients like carrots, ginger, and garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Just add extra jalapeño seeds or a pinch of cayenne pepper to boost the heat.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries—swap in sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even coconut cream for a similar creamy texture.
Can I freeze or reheat it?
Yes, this chili freezes beautifully! Allow to cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
What if I don’t have fresh chicken?
Rotisserie chicken works great as a quick and flavorful alternative if fresh isn’t available.
