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White Chicken Chili Recipe

White Chicken Chili Recipe

A creamy, comforting, one-pot White Chicken Chili Recipe that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, easy enough for beginners and delicious enough to please the pickiest eaters.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil use extra-virgin for richer flavor
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced (fresh really makes a difference)
  • 1 jalapeño jalapeño seeds removed and finely chopped (leave seeds for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs thighs stay juicier
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth I swear by Swanson
  • 2 cans cannellini or great northern beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced green chiles
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened (Philadelphia brand works great)
  • 1/2 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt or sour cream Fage is my pick
  • Fresh cilantro chopped, plus lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté until the onion turns translucent—about 4 minutes.
  • Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the spices bloom for 30 seconds, smelling that warm, earthy aroma.
  • Nestle the chicken into the pot, pour in the broth, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover, lower the heat, and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F—about 15–18 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks (or chop if you prefer bite-sized pieces). Return it to the pot.
  • Add the beans and green chiles. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you like thicker chili, mash a few beans against the pot’s side with your spoon.
  • Reduce heat to low and whisk in the cream cheese until silky smooth. Then stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) for extra creaminess—avoid curdling by tempering it with a ladle of hot broth first.
  • Taste, then adjust seasoning: more salt, a pinch of cayenne, or another squeeze of lime.
  • Ladle into bowls, garnish with cilantro, a drizzle of yogurt, and lime wedges. Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Softening the cream cheese at room temperature helps it melt in evenly—no clumps! If the chili feels bland, a dash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors beautifully. Leftover chili actually tastes even better the next day—flavors meld and deepen.
Keyword Gluten-Free, One-Pot Meal, Protein-packed, Tex-Mex, White Chicken Chili
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