Creamy White Chicken Chili: Your Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion

Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with this incredibly easy and unbelievably flavorful Creamy White Chicken Chili. Luxuriously smooth from a touch of cream cheese and satisfyingly thick with wholesome cannellini beans, this healthy soup can be on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to impress guests on game days or lazy weekends.

This simple recipe is a culinary delight, effortlessly transforming cooked chicken into an incredibly indulgent and deeply satisfying meal. The secret lies in its velvety broth, achieved by blending a portion of the beans with cream cheese, creating a rich texture that distinguishes it from traditional chilis.

We often find ourselves planning for extra cooked chicken specifically so we can whip up this creamy chili the very next day! Whether you use a convenient rotisserie chicken, flavorful baked lemon pepper chicken, or any leftover poultry, this recipe embraces efficiency without sacrificing taste. Its versatility and speedy preparation make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

For an extra special touch, especially when entertaining, consider setting up a toppings bar. Guests love customizing their bowls with a variety of garnishes like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, crunchy tortilla strips (or low-carb tortilla chips for a keto-friendly option), and a dollop of sour cream. This interactive element adds to the fun and ensures everyone gets their perfect bowl of chili.

Why You’ll Adore This White Chicken Chili Recipe

There are countless reasons why this white bean chicken chili has become a staple in so many homes. Its blend of convenience, exceptional taste, and customizable nature makes it a truly outstanding dish:

• Lightning-Fast Preparation: This chili cooks quickly on the stovetop, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a hearty and wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Unforgettable Rich and Silky Texture: Thanks to the ingenious addition of cream cheese and pureed beans, this chili boasts a luxurious, velvety broth that coats every spoonful. It’s a truly comforting experience.
• Effortlessly Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Simply omit the corn kernels, and this recipe easily transforms into a delicious low-carb and keto-compliant meal. Enjoy all the rich flavors without the extra carbs.
• Packed with Protein and Fiber: Featuring tender chicken and nutrient-rich beans, this chili is a powerhouse of protein and dietary fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
• Healthyish and Naturally Gluten-Free: Crafted with wholesome ingredients, this chili offers a healthier take on comfort food. It’s naturally gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on taste.
• Excellent for Meal Prep and Freezing: Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for several days and freeze exceptionally well for future meals. This makes it perfect for batch cooking and enjoying delicious homemade chili whenever you crave it.

Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful White Chicken Chili

Creating this delicious creamy white chicken chili requires a simple list of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the chili’s signature flavor and luxurious texture:

• Cooked Shredded Chicken: The foundation of this chili. While rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, any leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully. Ensure your chicken isn’t overly seasoned with competing flavors. For a delightful twist, consider using blackened chicken to add depth.
• Cannellini Beans: These white kidney beans are prized for their creamy texture and ability to absorb the rich chili flavors. Always rinse and drain canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preservatives. Great Northern, navy, or butter beans are excellent alternatives. For a different color and flavor profile, black beans can also be used.
• Cream Cheese: The secret to the chili’s unparalleled creaminess. Soften and cut it into chunks before adding to ensure it melts smoothly and incorporates perfectly into the broth. It adds a luxurious, velvety richness.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of the chili. Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to better control the overall seasoning of your dish. Vegetable broth is also a suitable alternative.
• Diced Green Chiles: Available in cans, these add a mild, tangy heat and a distinct chili flavor. Use them with their juices for maximum impact.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics, building the initial flavor base.
• Onion: Diced onions create a savory base, mellowing and sweetening as they cook.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic punch, complementing the spices beautifully.
• Ground Spices (Coriander or Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper):
  • Coriander: If you enjoy cilantro, you’ll love the warm, slightly citrusy notes of ground coriander (the dried seeds of the cilantro plant).
  • Cumin: A classic chili spice, offering an earthy, robust flavor. Can be used in place of coriander.
  • Sweet Paprika: Contributes a beautiful color and a mild, sweet-smoky flavor. For an extra kick and deeper smokiness, consider using smoked paprika.
  • Dried Oregano: A quintessential herb in chili, lending an earthy and aromatic quality that pairs perfectly with chicken.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Provides a customizable level of heat. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
• Corn Kernels (Fresh or Frozen): These add bursts of sweetness and vibrant color. Frozen corn can be added directly without thawing. For fresh corn, our favorite trick is microwaving corn in the husk for quick preparation.
• Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens the entire dish, adding a zesty finish that elevates all the other flavors.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Creamy White Chicken Chili

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare a delicious and comforting bowl of creamy white chicken chili with ease:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by shredding or cutting your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is often easiest to do while the chicken is still warm, using two forks or your fingers. Set the prepared chicken aside.
2. Create the Creamy Base: In a food processor, combine half of the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, the softened cream cheese chunks, and ¼ cup of chicken broth. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend will provide the chili’s signature velvety texture. Set this mixture aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they have softened and become translucent.
4. Bloom the Spices: Add the minced garlic, ground coriander (or cumin), dried oregano, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot with the onions. Cook for just about one minute, stirring constantly. This brief cooking time warms the spices, releasing their fragrant aromas and intensifying their flavors.
5. Combine Main Ingredients: Pour in the remaining chicken broth, add the remaining unprocessed cannellini beans, the shredded chicken, corn kernels (no need to defrost if frozen!), and the can of diced green chiles (including their juices). Stir everything together to combine.
6. Simmer to Meld Flavors: Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows all the ingredients to meld and the flavors to deepen beautifully.
7. Finish and Serve: Stir in the pureed bean and cream cheese mixture, along with the salt and black pepper, into the stock pot. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the creamy base is fully incorporated and heated through. Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Perfect Pairings and Topping Ideas for Your Chili

Elevate your creamy white chicken chili experience by offering a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings. A toppings bar allows everyone to customize their bowl to perfection, adding extra texture, flavor, and visual appeal:

• Shredded Cheeses: Melted Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar cheese add a gooey, savory richness that enhances the chili’s creaminess.
• Fresh Avocado: Slices or cubes of ripe avocado contribute a smooth, buttery texture and a fresh, mild flavor that perfectly complements the chili’s warmth.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a delightful contrast to the chili’s subtle heat and rich flavors. It also adds extra creaminess.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro offers a burst of vibrant, herbaceous flavor and a beautiful green garnish.
• Green Onions or Chives: Thinly sliced green onions or chives introduce a mild oniony bite and a lovely pop of color.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with extra lime wedges for an additional squeeze of zesty, brightening citrus flavor right before eating.
• Crunchy Tortilla Strips or Crushed Chips: These add a satisfying crunch and a salty element. Use low-carb tortilla chips to keep your chili keto-friendly.

Beyond toppings, consider serving your chili with warm cornbread, a simple side salad, or even over a bed of rice for a heartier meal.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

This creamy white chicken chili is fantastic for meal prep and makes excellent leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days or even months to come:

• Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through. If the chili appears too thick after refrigeration or freezing, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating at very high temperatures, as this can sometimes cause the creamy base to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Chicken Chili

Here are some common questions to help you make the best creamy white chicken chili:

Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?

This recipe calls for cooked chicken to achieve its quick cooking time. If you only have raw chicken, you can cook and shred it first. Simply poach chicken breasts or thighs in seasoned water or broth until cooked through, then shred them before proceeding with step 1 of the recipe.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for quick stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Sauté the onions and garlic as directed. Then, add all ingredients (except the pureed bean/cream cheese mixture and lime juice) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the pureed bean and cream cheese mixture, salt, and pepper. Add lime juice just before serving.

What kind of beans are best for white chicken chili?

Cannellini beans are highly recommended for their creamy texture and mild flavor, which blends beautifully. Great Northern beans, navy beans, or butter beans are also excellent substitutes if cannellini beans are unavailable.

How can I adjust the spice level?

The cayenne pepper is where you control the heat. For a milder chili, omit the cayenne or reduce it to a tiny pinch. For more heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder, a dash of hot sauce, or a few slices of fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the onions.

Is this recipe naturally gluten-free and dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. However, it is not dairy-free due to the cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, you would need to omit the cream cheese and potentially use a dairy-free alternative or thicken the chili with a cornstarch slurry instead, though the texture would be different.

Discover More Quick and Easy Soup Recipes

If you loved this creamy white chicken chili, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and easy soup recipes:

• Easy Southern Chili Recipe with Beef and Beans
• Shrimp Tortilla Soup – Ready in 30 Minutes!
• Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy)

Your Go-To Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

This Creamy White Chicken Chili, luxurious from cream cheese and thickened with beans, offers an easy, healthy bowl of soup ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken (such as Rotisserie chicken), shredded
• 30 ounces cannellini beans (2 cans, rinsed and drained)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into chunks
• 29 ounces chicken broth, low salt (2 cans)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander or cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¾ teaspoon sweet paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
• 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen; do not need to defrost)
• 4 ounces diced green chilies including juices (1 can, undrained)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice (more to taste)
• Optional toppings: fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips

Instructions

1. Shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. It’s easiest to do this when it is warm.
2. Place half the beans, chunks of cream cheese and ¼ cup of chicken broth in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onions and saute for about 5 minutes or until softened.
4. Add garlic, coriander or cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for about a minute more.
5. Add remaining chicken broth, remaining unprocessed beans, chicken, corn, and diced green chiles to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Add pureed bean and cream cheese mixture, salt, and pepper to the stock pot, stir to combine, and simmer for about 10 minutes more.
7. Stir in lime juice before serving and serve with assorted toppings.

Notes

There are step-by-step pictures, serving ideas, and more above.

Storage: Store white chicken chili in an airtight container or a freezer bag for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Low-Carb Option: Leave out the corn kernels to make this chili low-carb and keto-friendly.

Nutrition

Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 660mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 479IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

This recipe was originally published on October 24, 2014, and has been updated to improve the reader experience.