When it comes to comforting soups that don’t weigh you down, nothing beats the best white chicken chili. This creamy chili recipe is the ultimate go-to for healthy high protein meals, offering a balance of lean chicken, hearty beans, and bold Southwestern spices. Whether you need macro friendly recipes for meal prep, a summer soup that’s still light yet filling, or cozy winter soups that keep you warm, this white chicken chili checks every box. It’s quick to make on busy weeknights, perfect for family gatherings, and delicious enough to serve at casual get-togethers. With its velvety texture and balanced macros, this dish is both nutritious and deeply satisfying, making it one of the most delicious soup recipes you’ll keep in rotation.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy texture without heavy cream
- Packed with lean protein boost
- Family-friendly and meal-prep ready
- Cozy comfort for any season
- Bold flavors with simple steps
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients List
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
How to Make Step-by-Step
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant .
- Add shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Greek yogurt until creamy and smooth . Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice .
Best High-Protein White Chicken Chili
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans white beans 15 oz each, drained and rinsed
- 1 can green chilies 4 oz
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Greek yogurt until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
Nutrition
Variations to Try
- Swap chicken for turkey breast for another lean option.
- Add jalapeños for extra spice.
- Use dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream for a lactose-free version.
- Stir in quinoa or rice to make it heartier.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess.
Pro Tips Section
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Mash one cup of beans before adding to thicken naturally.
- Always add yogurt at the end to avoid curdling.
- Double the recipe and freeze for meal prep.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
FAQs
Can I make white chicken chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add yogurt at the end.
Is this white chicken chili spicy?
It’s mild, but you can add jalapeños or cayenne for more heat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, swap Greek yogurt with coconut cream or cashew cream.
What beans work best?
Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal for creaminess.
Closing Notes
The best white chicken chili isn’t just another soup it’s a comforting, creamy, and high protein meal that works for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends. With easy prep, macro-friendly balance, and flavors that win over the whole family, this creamy chili recipe will quickly become a staple in your collection of delicious soup recipes.
