This easy white chicken chili recipe is the ultimate comfort dish that brings warmth and joy to the table. Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a flavorful blend of spices, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting friends. Ready in under an hour, this hearty chili is both wholesome and satisfying while being budget-friendly. The best part? It all comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or bringing it to a casual gathering, this white chicken chili will be the star of the meal.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy and hearty without heaviness
- Perfect for sharing with friends
- One-skillet cleanup made easy
- Packed with protein and flavor
- Simple ingredients, big taste
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowl
How to Make Step-by-Step
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken, beans, corn, and green chilies. Mix well.
- Pour in chicken broth, then stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Stir in sour cream and cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Easy One-Skillet White Chicken Chili
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb chicken breast cooked and shredded
- 2 cans white beans 15 oz each, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn kernels 15 oz, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced green chilies 4 oz
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese Monterey Jack or cheddar
- fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken, beans, corn, and green chilies. Mix well.
- Pour in chicken broth, then stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Stir in sour cream and cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
Nutrition
Variations to Try
- Swap chicken for turkey for a twist
- Add jalapeños for extra heat
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version
- Top with avocado slices for added creaminess
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
Pro Tips Section
- For thicker chili, mash some beans before adding them in.
- Prep chicken ahead of time to save cooking time.
- Add toppings like tortilla strips, shredded cheese, or diced avocado for extra flair.
- If making ahead for friends, cook everything but add sour cream and cheese right before serving.
Nutrition Table
Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 420
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 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 this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, then stir in sour cream and cheese before serving.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, it’s a great time-saver. Just shred and add directly.
How do I make it spicier?
Add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free sour cream and cheese or skip them entirely.
Closing Notes
This easy white chicken chili recipe is the perfect go-to dish for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. With simple ingredients, one-skillet prep, and rich comforting flavors, it’s guaranteed to become a household favorite. Make it once and you’ll keep coming back to it whenever you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.
