If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and just a little bit unexpected, Classic White Chicken Chili absolutely checks every box. Creamy beans, tender chicken, a hint of mild green chiles, and a blend of aromatic spices all come together in a one-pot meal that’s soul-warmingly comforting yet lively with bright toppings. Whether you’re making a big pot for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, Classic White Chicken Chili is a crowd-pleasing, secretly simple dish you’ll want to return to again and again.

Classic White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a stellar pot of Classic White Chicken Chili relies on everyday ingredients that shine when paired together. Each addition builds depth, texture, and that craveable creaminess — so don’t skip a thing!

Olive oil: A touch of this brings welcome richness and helps sauté those aromatics to start your chili off right.
Onion: Diced onion softens and forms the base, infusing the broth with natural sweetness and subtle flavor.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced, give your chili its signature garlicky kick and boost the overall savoriness.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Diced into bite-size pieces, they soak up all the flavor and cook up tender and juicy.
White beans: Two cans, rinsed and drained, add creamy body and some protein-packed heft to every bowl.
Diced green chilies: Just the right amount of mild heat and a bit of Southwest character, without overpowering the dish.
Chicken broth: Four cups make the perfect base for simmering everything together, blending flavors and keeping things hearty but not too thick.
Ground cumin: Earthy and warming, cumin is essential for that chili flavor you love.
Chili powder: Adds a gentle heat and depth; use your favorite blend for a personal twist.
Dried oregano: Just a pinch delivers herbal brightness that lifts the whole chili.
Salt and pepper: Always add to taste — they make all the flavors pop.
Sour cream: Half a cup stirred in at the end makes everything irresistibly rich and creamy.
Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese: Shredded and melted on top, this is your finishing touch of gooey goodness.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled, it adds color and a burst of flavor right before serving.
Lime wedges: Bright, zippy acidity wakes up each spoonful; don’t skip the squeeze!

How to Make Classic White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook gently, stirring often, until it’s transparent and wonderfully sweet, about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, just until fragrant and golden — this sets the stage for all the other flavors to shine.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, toss in the diced boneless skinless chicken breasts. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are no longer pink — about 6 to 8 minutes. The ends might get a hint of golden color, signifying deliciousness is on its way.

Step 3: Add Beans, Chilies, Broth, and Spices

Now it’s time to build those flavors. Stir in your white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Everything should be nicely combined in the pot, creating a colorful, aromatic mixture that already smells fantastic.

Step 4: Simmer and Blend Flavors

Bring your chili to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This gives the ingredients ample time to mingle and create that signature Classic White Chicken Chili depth. If you love a thicker chili, gently mash some of the beans against the side of the pot during this stage.

Step 5: Stir In Sour Cream

Take your pot off the heat and stir in the sour cream until it’s completely incorporated. This step transforms the chili into a luxuriously creamy dish with just the right tang. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed — that final hit of salt or an extra grind of pepper might be just what’s needed.

Step 6: Serve With All the Toppings

Ladle the Classic White Chicken Chili into bowls while piping hot, garnishing each with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, a handful of fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime on the side. Your cozy dinner is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Classic White Chicken Chili

Garnishes

This chili truly shines with a pile of fresh garnishes. Try a dollop of extra sour cream, a shower of sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack, crunchy tortilla chips, or even diced jalapeño for those who like a little heat. A handful of cilantro and a bright lime wedge seal the deal — each adds a layer of flavor and visual appeal!

Side Dishes

While Classic White Chicken Chili is a hearty meal all by itself, it’s delightful paired with warm cornbread, fluffy dinner rolls, or a simple side salad. Try a crunchy slaw for something fresh, or serve with tortilla chips for dipping and scooping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, set up a chili bar with bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their own creation. For a fun twist, ladle chili into sturdy bread bowls or pile it onto baked potatoes for a comforting, substantial meal. Don’t forget the drizzle of hot sauce for spice lovers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the chili cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only deepen and improve overnight, making classic white chicken chili even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, ladle cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Microwave reheating works too — just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir every minute for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Stir in about 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken along with the beans and broth. It’ll shave some time off your prep and still deliver fantastic flavor.

Is Classic White Chicken Chili spicy?

Not especially — it’s flavored more for warmth and depth than serious heat. For more kick, add some fresh jalapeño or extra chili powder. For milder palates, stick with the original blend and mild green chilies.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the onion, garlic, and chicken briefly before adding everything (except sour cream and cheese) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, then stir in the sour cream right before serving for the best creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten free?

It sure is! Classic White Chicken Chili is naturally gluten free, assuming your chicken broth and spices don’t contain any added gluten. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

What beans work best for this chili?

Cannellini and Great Northern beans are both excellent choices, thanks to their mild flavor and creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, navy beans also blend in perfectly.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall for the comfort and versatility of Classic White Chicken Chili. Give it a try the next time you’re craving a bowl of something hearty, satisfying, and family friendly. I promise, it’ll soon earn a spot among your most-loved recipes — and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing.

Classic White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

A comforting and hearty Classic White Chicken Chili recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. This creamy and flavorful chili is loaded with tender chicken, white beans, and spices, topped with cheese and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

Scale

For the White Chicken Chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add diced chicken breasts and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until well combined.
Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.