White Chicken Chili
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Craving a lighter take on classic chili? This white chicken chili swaps out the usual ground meat and tomatoes for pulled chicken and white beans in a savory, flavorful broth—comforting and delicious in every way!
White chicken chili is a flavorful twist on a classic, made with pulled chicken and white beans in a savory broth instead of the usual ground meat, kidney beans, and tomato base. It has a lighter color and a more soup-like consistency than my traditional chili recipe, turkey chili, or chili con carne, but it still delivers the same comforting flavor.
I have tried countless white chili recipes over the years—from super-easy crockpot versions to more authentic, time-consuming ones. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and depth of flavor—and it’s my family’s favorite by far. Pair this hearty one-pot meal with warm cornbread, and you’ve got a perfect dinner on the table in under an hour.
“This was amazing! So easy and pleased the whole family.”
What You’ll Need To Make White Chicken Chili
- Canned White Beans: Add creaminess and a hearty texture to the dish.
- Chicken Broth: The flavorful base of the chili. Using low-sodium broth keeps it from being overly salty when paired with canned beans.
- Onion and Garlic: The starting point for flavor.
- Jalapeño Pepper and Poblano Peppers: Add a mix of heat and smoky flavor. Jalapeños bring the spice, while poblanos provide a milder kick.
- Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Ancho Chile Powder): This earthy, smoky spice blend adds depth and warmth to the chili.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A quick and easy protein option. Pro tip: shred it as soon as you get home from the store; it’s easier warm, saves time later, and takes up less room in the fridge.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture. Frozen corn works perfectly, or use fresh if you prefer—one ear is enough.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the flavors of the chili.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a pop of freshness and color.
- Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by combining half of the white beans in a food processor with one cup of the chicken broth. Process until smooth. This mixture will thicken the broth later.
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and add the the onions and peppers.
Cook until soft, about 4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the spices and cook for another few minutes to toast the spices—this enhances their flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth, add the salt and puréed bean mixture, and give it a good stir. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in the shredded chicken, beans, corn, and lime, and let it simmer until everything is warmed through. The chili will be pretty soupy—that’s how it’s meant to be. It thickens as it sits, so if you’re making it ahead, you might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. A lighter broth keeps the chili from feeling too heavy.
Serve with sour cream, lime wedges, shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Pepper Jack are all great options) and crushed tortilla chips. The chili keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
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White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 2 15.5-ounce (439-g) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (see note)
- 2 medium poblano peppers, seeded and diced (see note)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- Salt
- 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and shredded (about 4 cups)
- ¾ cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, from one lime, plus more to taste
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
Optional For Serving
- Sour cream
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Shredded cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend half of the beans (1 can) with 1 cup (240 ml) of the chicken broth. Set aside both the puréed beans and the remaining whole beans.
- Add the oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the onion, jalapeño pepper, and poblano peppers and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute more. Add the cumin, coriander, and ancho chile powder and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for one minute more to toast the spices. Add the chicken broth, puréed beans, and ½ teaspoon of salt; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, reserved whole beans, corn, and lime juice; bring back to a simmer and cook until everything is heated through, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and lime juice, if necessary. Stir in the cilantro. (Note that the broth will be somewhat soupy -- that's how it is supposed to be. It thickens the longer it sits; see note below.) Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges.
- Note: The seeds and ribs in the peppers hold all of the heat. I don't use them to keep the chili mild and family-friendly, but if you like a spicy chili, save them and stir some in at the end. (If you do touch the seeds, be sure to wash your hands well and avoid touching your eyes.)
- Note: The chili thickens as it sits. If you make it ahead of time, you will probably need to add more broth or water to thin it out.
- Note: Nutrition info does not include optional toppings.
- Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: Yes, the chili will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that it will thicken up as it sits in the fridge. When you reheat it, you will likely need to add more broth or water to thin it out. The chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot.
Pair with
Nutrition Information
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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You are such an inspiration. I’ve made so many of your dishes and they are fabulous. Your explanations and guidance is the key to my successes. Today I made this white chili and since I’m trying to eat less meat, a substitute of cubed red potatoes went in place of the chicken and it’s still hearty and absolutely delicious. Just a big thank you for sharing your recipes. It always a treat to get your emails. Thank you!
Made this first time. Best chicken chili ever. Loved it, you won’t be disappointed
This is delicious! Definitely will be making it again.
I make this monthly in cooler weather. I up the heat by using at least 2 jalapeños and sometimes add 1 finely chopped jalapeño before serving. My family loves this with Fritos – the only time I buy them!
Can I substitute regular chili powder for the ancho chili powder? Do I use the same amount?
Yes and yes – enjoy!
Make your own ancho chili powder! I get ancho chilies at a Mexican grocery store and grind them in a coffee grinder. You’ll notice a difference using it over regular chili powder!
Amazing flavors and full of protein! Thank you for a new rotation on the menu!
Love this recipe. Have made several times to rave reviews. Thank you!
Can’t wait for leftovers. Even with a mistake- forgetting to drain and rinse the second can of beans – my husband and I loved this soup! Will definitely make again.
Oops! Forgot the white beans at the grocery store? Can i use black beans?
Sure – enjoy!
Just made it and it was EXCELLENT!! Tried my neighbors white chili, which I thought was on the bland side, so wasn’t sure about this, but plenty of flavor!!