A creamy, mild chili with chicken, white beans, and green chiles
White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili
50 minEasy
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
White Chicken Chili
A creamy, mild chili with chicken, white beans, and green chiles
A lighter, creamier take on chili made with shredded chicken, white beans, roasted green chiles, and a velvety broth topped with sour cream and tortilla chips.
15m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
50m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
White chicken chili is what you make when you want the warmth and comfort of chili without the heaviness of a tomato-based version. The broth is lighter and creamier, built on green chiles and white beans rather than tomatoes and kidney beans. It is milder in heat but not in flavor.
The chicken shreds directly into the chili after simmering in the broth, and the beans break down slightly to thicken the liquid. A swirl of sour cream on top and some crunchy tortilla chips complete the bowl.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast
- 2 cans white beans, drained
- 1 can diced green chiles
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- Sour cream for serving
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Saute the onion and garlic in a large pot until softened.
- 2
Add the cumin, oregano, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute.
- 3
Add the chicken breasts, broth, beans, and green chiles. Bring to a simmer.
- 4
Cook for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- 5
Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
- 6
Mash some of the beans against the pot to thicken the chili.
- 7
Serve topped with sour cream, tortilla chips, cilantro, and lime.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Rotisserie chicken makes this even faster — skip the poaching and stir it in.
Finish with a handful of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
This chili freezes well for up to 3 months.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 bowl) · 6 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein32g
Carbohydrates30g
Fat8g
Fiber8g
Sugar2g
Sodium620mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →Featured in: Our Best Chicken Recipes
You Might Also Like
Vegetarian
Easy
Italian
One-Pot Mushroom Pasta
35 min4 servings
View Recipe
One-Pot Mushroom Pasta
35 min•Easy
Gluten-FreeDairy-Free
Easy
Mexican
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
8h 15m10 servings
View Recipe
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
8h 15m•Easy
Dairy-Free
Easy
Thai
One-Pot Coconut Curry Noodles
28 min4 servings
View Recipe
One-Pot Coconut Curry Noodles
28 min•Easy
VegetarianGluten-Free
Easy
Maple Roasted Carrots
40 min4 servings
View Recipe
Maple Roasted Carrots
40 min•Easy
VegetarianGluten-Free
Easy
French
Honey Glazed Root Vegetables
1h6 servings
View Recipe
Honey Glazed Root Vegetables
1h•Easy
Dairy-Free
Easy
Italian
Slow-Cooker Beef Ragu
8h 20m8 servings
View Recipe
Slow-Cooker Beef Ragu
8h 20m•Easy