If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and a little lighter than traditional beef chili, this Easy White Chicken Chili is the recipe for you. Packed with shredded chicken, white beans, and a flavorful broth with just the right amount of spice, it’s a one-pot wonder that feels comforting yet healthy.
Some call it a White Christmas Chili recipe, others love it as a 1 Point White Chicken Chili option for a lighter dinner. Whatever name you choose, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Unlike some recipes, this version is a stove top white chicken chili recipe — no slow cooker or Instant Pot required. But don’t worry, I’ll also share how to adapt it if you’d like a chicken chili recipe Instant Pot version.
Why You’ll Love This White Chili Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 25 minutes start to finish.
- Healthy and Hearty: Uses lean chicken and white beans for protein-packed comfort food.
- One-Pot Recipe: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Flexible: Works with rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey.
- Customizable: Make it spicy or mild depending on your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or cooked shredded chicken)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, lime wedges, jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add chicken breasts and sear lightly on both sides. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove, shred, and return to the pot.
(If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, just stir it in after the broth and beans are added.)
Step 3: Add the Beans and Veggies
Stir in white beans, corn, and green chilies. Season with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer another 10 minutes.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Turn heat to low and stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a white chicken chili without cream cheese variation). Mix until creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle chili into bowls, top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or lime juice, and enjoy this white chili recipe easy and flavorful.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Healthier: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a white meat recipes healthy dinner.
- Instant Pot Version: Cook chicken, onion, and garlic on sauté. Add beans, broth, and seasonings. Pressure cook for 12 minutes, shred chicken, and stir in cream at the end.
- Without Cream Cheese: This recipe uses sour cream for creaminess, but you can leave it out entirely for a lighter broth.
- Thicker Chili: Mash one can of beans before adding them to make the broth creamier without dairy.
- Holiday Twist: Add extra corn and serve with festive toppings for a White Christmas Chili recipe perfect for winter nights.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
- Serve with a crisp side salad for balance.
- Make it a chili bar — set out toppings like avocado, cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro for everyone to customize.
Try These Next
- Want a creamy crockpot version? Try my Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
- Looking for more light dinners? Check out Healthy Turkey Chili.
- Love one-pot comfort meals? Don’t miss Easy Chicken and Rice.
FAQ
Is white chicken chili healthy?
Yes! Made with lean chicken and beans, it’s high in protein and lower in fat than traditional beef chili.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool, then freeze in containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
How can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder for a kick.
Can I use leftover turkey?
Definitely. This recipe works beautifully with shredded turkey, especially around the holidays.
Easy White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 2 cans (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- salt and pepper, to taste
- optional toppings: cilantro, shredded cheese, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add chicken breasts and sear lightly. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until cooked through.
- Shred chicken and return to pot. Add beans, corn, green chilies, and seasonings.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Serve hot with toppings of choice.
