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White Chicken Chili

This creamy White Chicken Chili is made with tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, sweet corn, green chiles, and warm spices in a rich, flavorful broth. It is an easy and comforting one-pot dinner that can be made on the stovetop or adapted for the slow cooker, with plenty of delicious toppings to finish each bowl.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cans 15 ounces each great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 4 ounces diced green chiles
  • 1½ cups corn frozen or canned
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • Juice of ½ lime

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Place the chicken into the pot and add chicken broth, great northern beans, cannellini beans, green chiles, and corn.
  5. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  7. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  8. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
  9. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir.
  10. Add softened cream cheese and stir over low heat until completely melted and incorporated.
  11. Stir in Monterey Jack cheese if using.
  12. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro.
  13. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  14. For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them into the broth.
  15. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Soften the cream cheese before adding it so it blends smoothly.
Keep the heat low after adding the dairy and avoid boiling.
Mash some of the beans to naturally thicken the chili.
Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Add jalapeños or extra chili powder if you prefer more heat.
Rotisserie chicken can be used instead of raw chicken.