Easy White Chicken Chili

By Maria Lichty

Updated November 26, 2022

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During the fall and winter months, we’re all about easy and comforting dinner recipes. Homemade chili is one of our favorite cozy dinners, and this recipe for white chicken chili is just the greatest (more on this below).

My hearty white chicken chili recipe trades out the traditional red beans, tomatoes, and ground beef for white beans, shredded chicken, and chicken broth. It’s made in one pot in 30 minutes or less, and the flavors are second to none. Truly the perfect meal for a busy weeknight.

Make this chili on the stovetop or in the crock pot – either way, this recipe turns out delicious!

What Makes this the Best White Chicken Chili

What are my secrets to a delicious white chicken chili recipe? Let’s go over what makes this chili recipe the best:

• It’s made with rotisserie chicken. Store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate chicken chili hack, hands-down. All you need to do is shred it.
• No soaking the beans. This recipe uses canned beans, so no soaking is required! Of course, if you want to soak and cook your own beans, you can certainly do that, too.
• Ready in under 30 minutes. This chicken chili recipe packs in TONS of flavor from just 15 minutes of simmering on the stovetop.

Recipe Ingredients

Below is everything you’ll need for a savory homemade white bean chicken chili. Be sure to refer to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts:

• Olive Oil – For sautéeing. 
• Aromatics – Diced onion, along with minced garlic and jalapeño.
• White Beans – Canned beans, rinsed and drained. You can use navy beans, Great Northern beans, or cannellini beans. These white beans work well in this white bean chili recipe and can be found at any grocery store.
• Green Chiles – I used diced green chilies. Either chop them yourself or use canned green chilies.
• Chicken Broth – In case you’d like to thin out your white chili, use chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also adapt the amount of broth to your preference.
• Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed, to brighten up the chili flavors.
• Seasoning – Ground cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. You’ll also need salt and pepper to taste.
• Rotisserie Chicken – Pick up a cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store to shred. Or, you can use any leftover cooked chicken and chop or shred it.
• Cilantro – Freshly chopped, as an optional garnish.
• Optional Toppings – Any chili toppings that you prefer. We love ours with avocado slices, shredded cheese, crumbled corn chips, and sour cream. I’ve included more topping inspiration in the section further down!

How to Make White Chicken Chili

See for yourself just how easy it is to make this flavorful white chicken chili! Check out the video further down in the post, as well as this helpful step-by-step: 

• Sauté the veggies. Sauté the onion in a large pot with olive oil. After a few minutes, add minced garlic and jalapeño. Cook for another minute or two, until fragrant. 

• Add the other ingredients. Add the white beans and chilies, then stir in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, and seasonings. Turn the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 15 minutes.
• Serve. Dish up and serve your white chicken chili with any of your favorite chili toppings! See further on for ideas.

Can I Make White Chicken Chili in a Crockpot?

Absolutely. While I love making this recipe on the stovetop, this chicken chili can also easily be made in your crockpot or slow cooker. To make crockpot white chicken chili, combine all of the ingredients in your crock and set it to cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours.

The Trick For A Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili

If you’re after a creamier white chicken chili, an easy trick is to use a blender! After the chili has simmered for a bit, scoop out a cup or so, blend it, and add it back in. An immersion blender also works great as you can hand-blend the chili right in the pot. Puréeing some of the chunky bits makes this recipe extra thick and creamy!

Alternatively, another easy “creamy” hack is to go right in and add cream cheese, heavy cream, or a bit of both once your chili is off the heat.

More Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips for making the best chili:

• Drain the beans. This is important, as just about all canned beans come in a thickish brine. This extra liquid will thin out your chili and can add an odd flavor. Draining canned beans is easy! You can do it using a colander under some cold water, or crack the lid of the can a smidge and then pour out the liquid while the beans are still inside.
• Thicken to preference. If you prefer a thicker chili, feel free to simmer it a little longer on the stovetop. Mashing up the beans (or pureeing, like above) will also help to thicken the chili. If you prefer a thinner chili, add in a little extra stock at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve with lime wedges. A squeeze of fresh lime really brings out the flavors of the chili. See below for even more topping ideas!

Toppings and Variation Ideas

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that toppings are the best part of a bowl of chili? I love setting out a variety of topping options so that everyone can customize their bowl. Here are some ideas:

• Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack, Cotija, or even freshly grated parmesan) 
• Sour Cream
• Tomatillo Salsa
• Pico de Gallo
• Jalapeño
• Avocado or the Best Guacamole
• Chips
• Onion
• Cilantro
• Lime Wedges

This white chicken chili recipe easily adapts to what you have on hand and your family’s tastes. Try these variations:

• Use any leftover chicken. Whenever I have leftover Chili Lime Grilled Chicken, I’ll shred it or chop it up in place of a rotisserie chicken. I love it when leftovers turn into a delicious meal!
• Make leftover turkey chili. You can also use leftover turkey. I’ll always make a batch of chili after Thanksgiving and Christmas as a way to put our leftover holiday turkey to good use!
• Extra spicy. If you like your chili with an extra kick, feel free to up the number of jalapeños, or stir in red chili flakes or hot sauce.
• More veggies. Sneak in more vegetables like diced carrots, celery, sweet corn, or zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

Chili and cornbread are a match made in heaven and our Easy Cornbread recipe is the BEST! You can also serve these tasty dishes on the side:

• Easy Green Salad
• Parker House Rolls
• Charred Corn & Poblano Black Bean Nachos 
• Baked Tortilla Chips (with Salsa and Homemade Guacamole)
• Easy Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Let the chili cool completely, then refrigerate it airtight for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.  

Can I Freeze Extras?

You can also freeze this white chicken chili, which is SO nice. I love doubling up the recipe so I can stash some in the freezer for last-minute dinners!

To freeze, let the chili cool and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label, date, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating and serving.

More Soups and Chilis to Try

• White Chickpea Chili
• Dad’s Spicy Chili
• Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
• Hearty Vegetarian Chili
• Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
• Slow Cooker Beef Chili

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Soup

Easy White Chicken Chili

This comforting white chicken chili is easy to make with hearty white beans, zesty seasonings, and rotisserie chicken. A favorite weeknight meal!

4.60 from 166 votes

PrintSave RecipeReview

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 30 ounces white beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 ounces diced green chiles
• 3 to 4 cups chicken broth (depending on how thick you want your chili)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or shredded cooked chicken)
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro

Instructions

 

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Cook the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the garlic and jalapeno and cook for 2 more minutes.
• Add the white beans, green chiles, chicken broth, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, chicken, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir and let simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
• Ladle chili into bowls and serve with desired toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 327kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 211mg, Potassium: 922mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 225IU, Vitamin C: 7.3mg, Calcium: 136mg, Iron: 5.4mg

Keywords chicken chili recipe, white bean chicken chili, white bean chili

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