This cozy white chicken chili recipe is perfect for chilly fall and winter days. It’s super easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor! This “dump and forget” meal is ideal for meal prepping, whether you’re using a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stove. With minimal chopping and mostly canned ingredients, it’s easy on the budget while being high in protein. 😋
Ingredients:
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is the primary protein source in this chili, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s lean, low in fat, and provides around 33g of protein per serving, which helps keep you full longer. Shredding the chicken after cooking gives the chili a nice, chunky texture, making each bite more substantial.
Minced Garlic: Garlic adds depth and a savory flavor to the chili, making it more aromatic and flavorful. It’s a classic ingredient in chili recipes, giving it a subtle warmth that complements the spices. Garlic is also known for its health benefits, including immune-boosting properties.
Yellow Onion: Onion adds a slight sweetness and depth to the chili as it cooks down, balancing the other strong flavors. It enhances the overall texture, giving a soft bite without being overpowering. Onion also adds a layer of natural umami, making the chili more flavorful and well-rounded.
Jalapeño: Jalapeño brings a bit of heat, which makes the chili spicy without being overwhelming. The spice level can be adjusted by removing the seeds or adding more jalapeño based on your preference. It also adds a fresh, slightly grassy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Cannellini Beans: Cannellini beans are creamy and mild, adding bulk and fiber to the chili. They provide plant-based protein and help thicken the chili without the need for heavy creams or thickeners. These beans make the dish more filling and nutritious, while keeping it lower in fat.
Great Northern Beans: Similar to cannellini beans, great northern beans add a smooth texture and mild flavor, complementing the chicken and spices. They are also high in fiber and protein, making the dish heartier and healthier. By using two types of beans, you get a nice variety in texture and taste, which makes the chili more interesting.
Fire-Roasted Corn: Fire-roasted corn adds a touch of sweetness and a smoky flavor to the chili. The roasting process enhances the flavor of the corn, giving it a slight char that balances out the heat from the jalapeño. It also adds a pop of color and texture, making the chili more visually appealing and delicious.
Green Chiles: Green chiles bring a mild, tangy heat to the chili, adding complexity without overpowering the other flavors. They complement the jalapeño, providing a different type of warmth that layers nicely with the spices. Green chiles are a traditional ingredient in white chili recipes, giving it an authentic flavor profile.
Low-Sodium Chicken Stock: Chicken stock is the liquid base of the chili, helping to simmer the ingredients together and develop deep flavor. Using low-sodium stock allows you to control the salt content, keeping the dish healthy and balanced. It also enhances the savory flavor of the chicken and spices, making the chili rich and satisfying.
Cumin: Cumin is essential for giving the chili a warm, earthy flavor that is characteristic of many Southwestern dishes. It adds depth and complexity to the spice blend, making the chili taste well-rounded and robust. Cumin also has anti-inflammatory properties, adding a health benefit to its rich flavor.
Chili Powder: Chili powder is the main spice that brings warmth and mild heat to the dish. It helps tie together all the ingredients, giving the chili its signature flavor. The combination of chili powder with cumin, paprika, and garlic creates a well-balanced spice profile that isn’t too hot but still flavorful.
Paprika: Paprika adds a mild, sweet smokiness to the chili, complementing the heat from the jalapeño and chili powder. It also enhances the overall color, giving the chili a rich, reddish hue. Paprika’s subtle flavor rounds out the spices, creating a more complex and layered taste.
Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese thickens up the soup & makes it perfectly creamy.
Lime Juice: Lime juice adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the beans and yogurt. It brings a fresh, zesty flavor that lightens the chili, making it feel less heavy. The lime juice also complements the spices, enhancing the overall balance of the dish.
White Chicken Chili Modifications & Substitutions:
- Beans: Feel free to switch up the beans! You can use two cans of cannellini beans or two cans of great northern beans, depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Black beans or chickpeas would also work for a different twist.
- Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, swap out cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double up on the beans, or add tofu or a meatless chicken substitute to create a hearty vegetarian version.
- Protein Boost: To add even more protein, mix in an extra can of beans, or stir in a scoop of unflavored protein powder or collagen powder at the end.
- Stock Substitution: If you’re out of chicken stock, vegetable stock or even water with a bouillon cube will work just fine.
- Low-Carb Option: To keep it low-carb, omit the beans and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini to maintain texture and bulk without the carbs.
Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can great northern beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can fire-roasted corn drained
- 1 can green chiles 4 oz
- 32 oz low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 oz room temp cream cheese
- Juice of 2 limes
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Extra jalapeño slices
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Dump it all in: Place the chicken breast, garlic, onion, jalapeño, beans, corn, green chiles, chicken stock, and spices into the crockpot. Stir everything to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Finish: Stir in the cream cheese and lime juice, giving it a nice creamy texture.
- Serve: Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips!
- Saute: Turn your Instant Pot on Saute mode, and cook the garlic, onion, and jalapeño for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add ingredients: Add the chicken breast, beans, corn, green chiles, chicken stock, and spices. Give everything a good stir.
- Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return them to the Instant Pot.
- Finish: Stir in the cream cheese and lime juice until everything is creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Top white chicken chili with your favorite fixings!
- Sauté: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, onion, and jalapeño until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add ingredients: Add the chicken breasts, beans, corn, green chiles, chicken stock, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return to the pot.
- Finish: Stir in the cream cheese and lime juice.
- Serve: Ladle white chicken chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.
Nutrition
White Chicken Chili Cooking Tips & Tricks:
- Shred Chicken Easily: To save time, shred the chicken right in the crockpot or Instant Pot using a hand mixer or stand mixer. It makes the process super quick and efficient!
- Adjust the Spice Level: Love heat? Keep the seeds in your jalapeño and add extra chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds or skip the jalapeño entirely.
- Creamy Consistency: Stirring in cream cheese at the end gives the chili a creamy texture.
- Bulk it Up: For more volume, add extra veggies like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. They’ll blend right into the chili and add extra nutrients.
- Cooking Times: Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
- Flavor Enhancement: Don’t skip the lime juice! It adds a burst of freshness that balances the spices and creaminess of the chili.
Storage Instructions
- Stovetop: For the best flavor and texture, reheat the white chicken chili on the stove. Pour the desired amount into a small pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it’s heated through, it’s ready to serve. If the chili is too thick after freezing, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it up.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, the microwave is a quick and easy option. Transfer your portion to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a little water or stock if it’s too thick.
More of my recipes
Do you LOVE SOUP?! Check out More of my Soup Recipes:
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
- Delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Using Instant Pot Crockpot Or Stovetop
Conclusion
With this basic white chicken chili recipe, you can enjoy hearty, comforting meals all week long. Whether you’re craving a spicy white chicken chili recipe or looking for a twist with a Chicken Chili Verde recipe, this dish is versatile and satisfying! Plus, it’s versatile enough to top with all your favorite fixings for a truly personalized bowl. You’ll love how simple it is to make, and your body will love the nutrient-dense, high-protein fuel!
If you’re ready to add this delicious and healthy chili to your recipe rotation, give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation, share it on Instagram, and tag me at @munchiesbymallory. I’d love to see your delicious bowls and hear what toppings you chose. Happy cooking!
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