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White Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavor-packed alternative to traditional beef chili. Tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, sweet corn, green chiles, and warm spices come together in a rich broth that’s hearty enough for dinner yet light enough to enjoy year-round.

Whether you’re looking for an easy White Chicken Chili recipe for busy weeknights, a cozy game-day meal, or a make-ahead, freezer-friendly dinner, this White Chicken Chili delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Overhead bowl of White Chicken Chili topped with sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and cilantro with a colorful towel and spoons beside it.

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Table of Contents

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish.
  • A creamy, hearty alternative to traditional beef chili.
  • Uses rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy dinner.
  • Packed with protein from chicken and white beans.
  • Mild enough for the whole family while still full of flavor.
  • Perfect for meal prep, freezing, and leftovers.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken keeps this White Chicken Chili quick and convenient while adding plenty of flavor. It’s one of my favorite shortcuts for easy dinners.

White Beans

White beans create the signature creamy texture of White Chicken Chili. Blending a portion of the beans helps thicken the broth naturally.

Green Chiles

Mild green chiles add a subtle Southwestern flavor without making the chili overly spicy.

Corn

Corn adds sweetness and texture that balances the savory broth and spices.

Chicken Broth

Low-sodium chicken broth provides a flavorful base while giving you control over the salt level.

Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice brightens the entire pot and helps balance the richness of the beans and chicken.

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What Makes White Chicken Chili Different?

Traditional chili is usually made with ground beef, tomatoes, and kidney beans. White Chicken Chili swaps those ingredients for shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth.

The result is a lighter-colored chili with a creamy texture and a slightly Southwestern flavor profile. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect when you’re craving something different from classic chili con carne.

Overhead shot of White Chicken Chili ingredients in small bowls and measuring cups on a marble surface, including corn, beans, broth, and spices.

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

  • rotisserie chicken – substitute with leftover cooked chicken or turkey; you can also cook fresh chicken instead, but it will take longer to cook
  • yellow onion – substitute with white onion or shallots
  • olive oil – substitute with vegetable or avocado oil
  • garlic – substitute with ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • low-sodium chicken broth – substitute with vegetable broth
  • green chiles – substitute with mild salsa verde or diced jalapeño for extra heat; or roast poblano peppers for a smoky, roasted flavor
  • cumin – no substitute recommended for best flavor
  • dried oregano – substitute with Italian seasoning
  • ground coriander – optional, adds mild citrusy depth
  • cayenne pepper – adjust to taste or omit for mild flavor
  • corn – substitute with canned corn, drained
  • white beans – use cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans
  • cilantro – omit or substitute with parsley if preferred
  • lime juice – substitute with lemon juice for a slightly different brightness
  • salt and pepper – adjust to taste

✨ Variations

  • Add cream cheese for an extra creamy White Chicken Chili.
  • Stir in diced jalapeños for more heat.
  • Use leftover turkey instead of chicken.
  • Add diced poblano peppers for extra flavor.
  • Replace part of the broth with salsa verde.
  • Add extra beans for an even heartier meal.
Two bowls of White Chicken Chili with avocado and cheese toppings, surrounded by small bowls of sour cream and shredded cheese.

🔥 Tips

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Rinse your beans well to remove excess sodium.
  • Mash beans by hand if you don’t have a blender.
  • Add toppings right before serving so they stay fresh.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

This White Chicken Chili recipe comes together in one pot and requires very little hands-on time. Sauté the aromatics, simmer the broth with seasonings, blend a portion of the beans for creaminess, then finish with chicken, cilantro, and lime juice.

Quick steps:

  1. Sauté the onion in olive oil until softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook briefly.
  3. Stir in broth, green chiles, cumin, oregano, coriander, and cayenne. Bring to a boil and simmer.
  4. Blend 1 cup of beans with ¼ cup of broth until smooth.
  5. Add corn, whole beans, and bean puree to the pot.
  6. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in chicken, cilantro, and lime juice.
  8. Season to taste and serve with toppings.
Chopped onions added to olive oil in a large cream-colored dutch oven, ready to sauté.
Onions and minced garlic sautéing in olive oil in a dutch oven with a colorful red and aqua towel beside it.
Chicken broth, spices, and green chiles added to sautéed onions in a dutch oven to make the chili base.
Bowl of rinsed white beans sitting beside a measuring cup of broth on a checkered towel.
Blended white beans and broth mixture in a small bowl, ready to be added for creaminess.
Dutch oven filled with simmering broth, corn, whole beans, and pureed beans combined.
Pot of simmering White Chicken Chili base before adding the chicken, lime juice, and cilantro.
Shredded chicken and fresh cilantro added to the pot of chili before stirring.
Close-up of a ladle scooping creamy White Chicken Chili with chicken, corn, beans, and cilantro.

Jamie’s Recipe Success Tip

For the creamiest White Chicken Chili, blend the beans until completely smooth before adding them back to the pot. This creates a rich, creamy texture without adding cream cheese, heavy cream, or other dairy products.

How to Store White Chicken Chili

  • Allow White Chicken Chili to cool completely before storing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

❓ FAQs

I don’t have a way to puree the beans! Is it necessary?

Not at all. You can use a potato masher or leave them whole. The chili won’t be as creamy, but honestly, the texture is just one part of this recipe. The taste is what makes it!

Can I make this white chicken chili recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all the ingredients except the lime juice and cilantro. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in lime juice and cilantro before serving.

Can I make White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot?

Yes. Pressure-cook for 10 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release.

Can I freeze white chicken chili?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

What beans work best in this chicken chili?

White beans like cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans work best in this white chicken chili recipe.

Can I make this chicken chili recipe without green chiles?

You can roast poblano peppers in place of the canned green chiles for a deeper, smoky flavor. Simply roast the poblanos under the broiler or over an open flame until charred, place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for a few minutes to steam, then peel, seed, and chop before adding to the chili.

Is White Chicken Chili spicy?

This version is mildly spicy. Reduce the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder chili.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, although rotisserie chicken provides the best flavor and texture.

Can I make White Chicken Chili ahead of time?

Yes. The flavors often improve after a day in the refrigerator.

What toppings go best with White Chicken Chili?

Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, jalapeños, sour cream, and tortilla strips are all excellent choices.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Simply skip the dairy-based toppings.

If You Enjoyed White Chicken Chili

If you loved this white chicken chili, you are going to want to bookmark a few more cozy soup recipes to keep in your dinner rotation! There is nothing better than a big pot of something warm and hearty simmering on the stove, and these recipes deliver all of that comfort with minimal effort.

Soup lovers will adore my New England Clam Chowder. It is thick, creamy, and loaded with tender clams and potatoes. It is the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out and feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. If you are craving something a little heartier, my Cabbage Roll Soup has all the cozy flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but comes together in one pot without all the fuss.

For something a little different, my Cheese Soup is rich, velvety, and absolutely irresistible. It is perfect for those nights when you just want something extra indulgent. And if you are a fan of bold flavors and a fun twist on a classic, my Instant Pot Ramen is a must-try. It is packed with tender pork, jammy soft-boiled eggs, and a savory broth that tastes like it has been simmering all day but comes together in a fraction of the time!

For more inspiration, check out my full recipe index for everything from appetizers and snacks to side dishes and desserts galore!

Overhead view of White Chicken Chili with shredded chicken, white beans, and corn in a cream-colored Dutch oven surrounded by jalapeños, shredded cheese, spoons, and bowls

📌 Save This Recipe

Save this White Chicken Chili recipe for the next time you need an easy, comforting dinner. Made with rotisserie chicken, white beans, corn, and green chiles, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, meal prep, and chilly evenings. Pin it now so it’s ready whenever you’re craving a hearty bowl of homemade White Chicken Chili.

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Square crop of a bowl of White Chicken Chili with avocado slices and cheese on top, served on a red and aqua towel with cilantro garnish.
4.30 from 30 votes
Servings: 6 servings

White Chicken Chili

By Jamie Sherman
Make this easy White Chicken Chili with rotisserie chicken, white beans, corn, and green chiles. A hearty one-pot dinner ready in 45 minutes.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1 can chopped green chiles, (4 oz.)
  • 1½ teaspoons cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cans white beans, 15 oz. each
  • 1¼ cup frozen or fresh corn
  • 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Monterey Jack Cheese, tortilla chips or strips, sliced avocado, sliced jalapeno pepper, sour cream

Instructions 

  • Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions for about 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    1 small yellow onion, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic
  • Add broth, green chiles, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
    4 cups chicken broth, 1 can chopped green chiles, 1½ teaspoons cumin, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Measure out 1 cup of the beans and ¼ cup of broth. Puree together until smooth, then set aside the remaining whole beans.
    2 cans white beans
  • Add corn, whole beans, and pureed beans to the pot. Stir well and continue simmering on medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes.
    1¼ cup frozen or fresh corn
  • Stir in shredded chicken, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
    3 cups rotisserie chicken, 3 tablespoons cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, salt and pepper to taste
  • Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
    Monterey Jack Cheese, tortilla chips or strips, sliced avocado, sliced jalapeno pepper, sour cream

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.

♨️ REHEATING

  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
  • Add chicken broth if needed to thin the chili.

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freeze in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Leave room for expansion when freezing.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Blend the beans completely smooth.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for the best flavor.
  • Add lime juice at the end of cooking.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Slow cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Instant Pot: Pressure-cook for 10 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10 minutes.
  • Stovetop: Follow the recipe as written.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Spoon over baked potatoes.
  • Use as a burrito filling.
  • Serve over rice for another easy meal.

📝 NOTES

  • Great northern, cannellini, and navy beans all work well.
  • Rotisserie chicken creates the best flavor.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 43g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 117mg, Sodium: 1074mg, Potassium: 628mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 205IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 103mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Love Bakes Good Cakes you may want to try next.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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