A rich and creamy white bean chicken chili packed with tender chicken, hearty white beans, green chilies, and warm spices, this dish is the perfect combination of comfort and bold flavor. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and fresh lime, it delivers a satisfying and well-balanced meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy – The addition of heavy cream or sour cream gives it a velvety texture.
Full of Flavor – A blend of warm spices, green chilies, and fresh garnishes create layers of taste.
Quick and Easy – Ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Hearty and Satisfying – Loaded with protein-rich chicken and beans for a filling meal.
Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice level with jalapeños or extra chili powder.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chili:

Olive oil
Small onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
White beans (drained and rinsed)
Diced green chilies
Ground cumin
Dried oregano
Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Salt
Black pepper
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or sour cream

For Garnish:

Avocado (sliced)
Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (shredded)
Fresh cilantro (chopped)
Jalapeño (diced, optional)
Crispy tortilla strips
Lime wedges

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken:

Add cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.

Simmer the Chili:

Stir in white beans, green chilies, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.

Make it Creamy:

Stir in heavy cream or sour cream and let simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve & Garnish:

Ladle chili into bowls and top with avocado slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy White Chicken Chili – Add extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder for more heat.
Slow Cooker Method – Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours for even deeper flavor.
Vegetarian Version – Substitute chicken with extra beans or diced bell peppers and use vegetable broth.
Thicker Chili – Mash some of the beans before adding the cream to create a thicker texture.
Cheesy Chili – Stir in extra shredded cheese for a richer, more indulgent flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great and can be added directly to the simmering broth.

What type of white beans should I use?

Cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or navy beans all work well in this recipe.

Can I make this without dairy?

Yes, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free sour cream substitute.

What’s the best way to thicken the chili?

Mashing some of the beans before adding the cream will naturally thicken the chili.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but you will need to remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot before serving.

Is this chili very spicy?

It has a mild spice level, but you can adjust by adding more chili powder or jalapeños.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, sauté the aromatics and chicken on “Sauté” mode, then pressure cook for 10 minutes on high.

How can I make this more filling?

Serve it with cornbread, over rice, or with extra toppings like avocado and cheese.

Can I add corn to this recipe?

Yes, adding a cup of corn kernels will give the chili extra sweetness and texture.

How do I make this chili keto-friendly?

Omit the beans and replace them with extra chicken and low-carb vegetables like bell peppers.

Conclusion

White Bean Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and warm spices for a perfect bowl of comfort. Whether served with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, or fresh lime, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a deliciously hearty and easy-to-make chili!

White Bean Chicken Chili