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A large pot of creamy white chicken chili filled with shredded chicken, beans, and corn, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Creamy White Chicken Chili

This hearty and flavorful white chicken chili is packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, green chiles, and a blend of savory spices, creating a comforting meal perfect for any night.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Aromatics & Vegetables
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 4 oz can diced green chiles undrained
  • 1 15 oz can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 oz can great northern beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 oz can corn drained
Spices
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (white chili powder if available, otherwise regular)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Liquids & Creaminess
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened and cut into cubes
Optional Toppings
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 avocado diced
  • Tortilla chips or strips

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. Add another 1 tbsp olive oil to the same pot. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Stir in the diced green chiles (undrained), rinsed and drained cannellini beans, great northern beans, and drained corn. Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well to coat all ingredients with the spices and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
Simmer the Chili
  1. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Creaminess
  1. Stir in the heavy cream and the softened cream cheese cubes. Continue to stir gently until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
Finish and Serve
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the creamy white chicken chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, and tortilla chips.

Notes

This chili thickens as it cools. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a splash more chicken broth when reheating. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.