Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth; 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1½ teaspoons ground cumin; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese, cubed; 1¼ cups frozen or fresh corn; 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 2½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; Optional toppings: Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, tortilla chips

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When you’re looking for a cozy meal that brings the family together around the dinner table, nothing beats a bowl of white chicken chili. This creamy, satisfying dish combines tender chunks of chicken with white beans, green chilies, and warming spices in a rich, velvety broth that’s pure comfort food perfection.

Unlike traditional red chili, this version offers a milder, more refined flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults. The combination of Neufchatel cheese and pureed beans creates an incredibly smooth, luxurious texture that makes every spoonful absolutely irresistible.

What makes this recipe truly special is how quickly it comes together. Using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time significantly, while the blend of cumin, paprika, and oregano creates layers of complex flavor without requiring hours of simmering. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd.

This chicken chili recipe has become a staple in kitchens across the country, and once you try it, you’ll understand why families keep coming back for more.

Why This White Chicken Chili Recipe Works Every Time

The secret to exceptional white chicken chili lies in building flavors layer by layer. Starting with properly sautéed onions and garlic creates the aromatic foundation that supports every other ingredient.

The cheese technique makes all the difference. Using Neufchatel cheese instead of regular cream cheese provides that signature creamy texture while keeping the dish lighter. Cutting the cheese into small cubes ensures it melts evenly without creating lumpy pockets.

The bean puree strategy is what transforms this from good to extraordinary. By pureeing just one cup of the beans with some broth, you create a natural thickener that gives the chili its characteristic velvety consistency while still maintaining plenty of whole beans for texture.

Timing matters too. Adding the chicken at the very end prevents it from becoming overcooked and tough, while the fresh lime juice and cilantro brighten the entire dish with a burst of freshness.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect White Chicken Chili

The Flavor Base

1 small yellow onion, diced – provides sweetness and depth

1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
2 cloves garlic, finely minced – aromatic foundation

These three ingredients create the flavor backbone that supports everything else in your chili.

The Liquid and Heat

2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth – forms the base
1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies – adds mild heat and flavor
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – essential seasoning

Choose quality chicken broth for the best results. Low-sodium allows you to control the salt level perfectly.

The Spice Blend

1½ teaspoons cumin – earthy, warm flavor
½ teaspoon paprika – subtle sweetness and color

½ teaspoon dried oregano – herbaceous notes
½ teaspoon ground coriander – citrusy complexity
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – gentle heat

This carefully balanced spice blend creates the signature flavor profile that makes white chicken chili so addictive.

The Creamy Components

1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese – cut into small cubes
1¼ cups frozen or fresh corn – sweetness and texture

2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans – protein and creaminess
2½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken – the star protein

The Fresh Finish

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – brightness and acidity

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro – fresh herbal notes
Tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado – for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for exactly 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This timing is important – you want the onion softened but not browned.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds longer. Don’t let the garlic burn as it will create a bitter flavor that can’t be fixed.

Step 2: Create the Spiced Broth

Add chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low.

Let it simmer for 15 minutes. This simmering time allows all the spices to bloom and meld together, creating a cohesive flavor base.

Step 3: Prepare the Bean Mixture

While the broth simmers, drain and rinse the cannellini beans in a fine mesh strainer. Measure out exactly 1 cup of beans and set the remaining whole beans aside.

Transfer the 1 cup of beans to a food processor along with ¼ cup of the simmering broth. Puree until nearly smooth – a few small chunks are perfectly fine and actually add nice texture.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Elements

Add the cubed Neufchatel cheese to the simmering soup along with the corn, reserved whole beans, and the pureed bean mixture. Stir everything together well.

The cheese will melt gradually – don’t worry if it looks lumpy at first. Continue simmering for 5-10 minutes longer, stirring occasionally until the cheese is completely incorporated and the chili reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Ingredients

Stir in the shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. The chicken just needs to heat through since it’s already cooked.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Chili Recipe

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. The seasoned, already-cooked meat saves time and adds extra flavor depth. Remove the skin and shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Don’t skip the bean puree step. This technique creates the signature creamy consistency that makes white chicken chili so special. Regular blended chili just doesn’t compare.

Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent it from seizing up. Cut it into small, uniform cubes for even melting.

Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. It brightens the entire dish and balances the richness. Add it at the very end to preserve that fresh, zesty flavor.

Taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Spices mellow as they cook, so you might need to bump up the salt, pepper, or spices before serving.

Customizing Your White Chicken Chili

This white chicken chili recipe adapts beautifully to different tastes and dietary preferences.

For extra heat: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions, increase the cayenne pepper, or stir in some hot sauce at the end. You can also offer sriracha or hot sauce on the side for individual heat preferences.

For smokiness: Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika, or add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (minced) for deep, smoky flavor.

Vegetable additions: Diced bell peppers, roasted poblano peppers, or even some diced tomatoes work wonderfully in this base recipe.

Bean variations: Great northern beans or navy beans work just as well as cannellini. Each offers slightly different textures and flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

White chicken chili actually improves in flavor overnight, making it perfect for meal prep and entertaining.

Refrigerator storage: Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The chili will thicken considerably as it cools – this is normal.

Reheating instructions: Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to restore the proper consistency. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Freezing guidelines: This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. The texture might be slightly different after thawing, but the flavor remains excellent. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Serving Suggestions and Toppings

The beauty of white chicken chili lies in its versatility. Here are the best ways to serve it:

Classic toppings: Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with tortilla chips or warm cornbread for dipping.

Creative additions: Sour cream or Greek yogurt, pickled jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips for crunch, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Bread pairings: Crusty sourdough, warm flour tortillas, cornbread muffins, or even baked sweet potato as a healthy base.

Salad combinations: A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly.

Nutritional Benefits of White Chicken Chili

Beyond being absolutely delicious, this chicken chili recipe offers substantial nutritional value. The combination of chicken and beans provides complete protein, while the vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals.

Protein powerhouse: Both chicken and beans offer high-quality protein that helps keep you satisfied longer.

Fiber rich: Beans are excellent sources of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and helping maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Lighter option: Using Neufchatel cheese instead of regular cream cheese reduces calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.

Vegetable benefits: Onions, garlic, and green chilies provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Chili too thick? Add warm chicken broth gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Remember, it will thicken as it cools.

Not creamy enough? Make sure you pureed enough beans with broth. You can always puree an additional ½ cup of beans with some broth and stir it in.

Lacking flavor? Taste and adjust salt first – under-seasoning is the most common issue. Then consider adding more lime juice for brightness or additional spices.

Cheese clumpy? Next time, cut the cheese smaller and add it more gradually while stirring constantly. If it’s already clumpy, an immersion blender can help smooth things out.

Variations for Different Occasions

Slow Cooker Version: Sauté onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker (except cheese, chicken, lime, and cilantro). Cook on low 6-8 hours. Add cheese, chicken, lime, and cilantro in the last 30 minutes.

Instant Pot Method: Use the sauté function for onions and garlic, add remaining ingredients (except cheese, chicken, lime, cilantro), pressure cook 15 minutes with quick release. Stir in final ingredients.

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with extra beans or diced firm tofu, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Making It Special for Company

This white chicken chili elevates beautifully for entertaining. Set up a toppings bar with various cheeses, fresh herbs, hot sauces, and crunchy elements. Serve in bread bowls for an impressive presentation, or alongside a variety of artisanal breads.

Consider making a double batch – it’s just as easy and ensures plenty of leftovers for the host family.

The combination of creamy texture, complex flavors, and satisfying heartiness makes this white chicken chili recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Tuesday night or entertaining friends on the weekend, this reliable, delicious recipe delivers comfort food satisfaction every single time.

The Ultimate White Chicken Chili Recipe That’s Creamy, Comforting and Crowd-Pleasing