If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate bowl of comfort, look no further than Classic White Chicken Chili. With tender chicken, creamy white beans, and vibrant green chilies all nestled in a velvety, rich broth, each spoonful offers the kind of soul-warming coziness you’ll crave whenever the temperature dips. Bursting with flavor yet refreshingly light, this chili transforms pantry staples into a lively, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll come back to all year long.

Classic White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Classic White Chicken Chili lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a starring role in taste, texture, or color. With just the right blend of spices and a few fresh toppings, you’ll have a pot of perfection in under an hour.

Olive oil: Adds just enough richness to sauté the aromatic veggies and create a flavorful base.
Onion (chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness and subtle depth to the chili.
Garlic (minced): Delivers that irresistible punch of savory aroma and taste.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, becoming incredibly tender as it simmers and soaks up the chili’s flavors.
Diced green chilies: These mild chilies supply a pop of color and just the right touch of tang and heat.
Ground cumin: Earthy warmth that gives the chili authentic chili flavor.
Dried oregano: Lends a herbal lift that complements the creamy, hearty base.
Chili powder: Just enough to add gentle, chili-inspired complexity without overpowering the dish.
Ground coriander: Provides a slightly citrusy, fresh note that brightens every bite.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Great northern or cannellini beans (drained and rinsed): These creamy beans add substance and that must-have velvety texture.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, layering in flavor without too much salt.
Sour cream: Swirls in luscious creaminess and a hint of tang.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Gives the chili body and a luxurious mouthfeel.
Lime juice: A fresh pop at the end to brighten and balance the richness.
Chopped fresh cilantro and shredded cheese (for garnish): Sprinkle on top for added freshness, color, and gooey goodness.

How to Make Classic White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft, setting the stage for those layers of flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and stir just until fragrant – you’ll know it’s ready when the whole kitchen smells incredible.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add your chicken pieces straight into the pot with the softened onions and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside. This step seals in the chicken’s juices and infuses it with those flavorful aromatics from the very start.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Spoon in the diced green chilies, then sprinkle over the cumin, oregano, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir these into the chicken and onions; the spices will begin to bloom, giving your kitchen that classic chili aroma. Don’t rush this stage—the toasting spices are what make this Classic White Chicken Chili genuinely irresistible.

Step 4: Add Beans and Broth

Pour in the drained beans and chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let the mixture cook for 15–20 minutes. This is where the flavors truly meld and your house starts to smell like an invitation for a warm, homey dinner.

Step 5: Creamy Finish

When the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully, it’s time to transform this chili into something extra special. Lower the heat, then stir in the sour cream, heavy cream (or half-and-half), and the fresh lime juice. Simmer gently for about 5 more minutes—just enough time to marry all that creamy tang without curdling the dairy. Give it a taste, adjust seasoning if needed, then prepare for enthusiastic applause at the table.

How to Serve Classic White Chicken Chili

Garnishes

The absolute magic of Classic White Chicken Chili is completed with toppings. A generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a shower of shredded cheese, or even a dollop of extra sour cream makes every bowl feel indulgent. For extra crunch and color, scatter on a few crispy tortilla strips or sliced jalapeños if you like things spicy!

Side Dishes

While this chili is hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it with warm cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips turns dinner into an event. If you’re hosting, try offering a fresh green salad with avocado or a side of lime wedges for a tart flavor pop. The creaminess of the chili loves a side that offers a contrasting texture or zing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or game-night twist, serve Classic White Chicken Chili in individual bread bowls or small cups for a grab-and-go option. If you’re have leftovers, transform them into easy nachos by spooning the reheated chili over tortilla chips, then broiling with more cheese and topping with salsa and avocado. Each method is a surefire way to wow your friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic White Chicken Chili stores beautifully in the fridge. Allow the chili to cool fully, then ladle it into airtight containers. It will keep perfectly for up to four days, making it a dream meal prep option for busy weeks or cozy lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the chili, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Skip the garnishes until serving time. It freezes well for up to two months – simply thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for another bowl of comfort.

Reheating

Reheat your Classic White Chicken Chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or cream if the consistency feels too thick. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to ensure even heating. Top with fresh garnishes for that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a timesaving hack that works beautifully in Classic White Chicken Chili. Just shred or chop it and add after sautéing the aromatics, right as you add the beans and broth.

Is Classic White Chicken Chili spicy?

This recipe has a gentle, warming heat thanks to the green chilies and hint of chili powder, but it’s overall quite mild. If you love spice, add extra chilies or a touch of cayenne; for a milder version, skip the chili powder or use mild green chilies.

What beans work best?

Great northern and cannellini beans are both classic choices for their creamy texture and subtle flavor. You can swap in navy beans or even pinto beans in a pinch—your chili will still be delicious.

How do I make it thicker?

If you love a heartier, thicker chili, simply mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot, or let the chili simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken the broth naturally.

Can I make Classic White Chicken Chili dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the sour cream and heavy cream with your favorite unsweetened dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, for a satisfyingly creamy texture without any dairy.

Final Thoughts

You’re now ready to whip up a batch of Classic White Chicken Chili that’s destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a chilly night or wowing guests at your next gathering, this creamy, flavorful chili always hits the spot. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love bite after bite!

Classic White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Classic White Chicken Chili, a creamy and flavorful twist on traditional chili. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces or shredded
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 (15 oz) cans great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
juice of 1 lime
chopped fresh cilantro and shredded cheese for garnish

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
Stir in green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Add beans and chicken broth, simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Reduce heat, stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and lime juice. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and cheese.