Soups & Stews
White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili swaps tomatoes for a creamy, green-chile-spiked broth built around white beans and shredded chicken, finished with a little cream cheese for body. It's warming without being heavy, and comes together in one pot in under 40 minutes.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Creamy without being overly heavy
- Comes together in one pot
- Great use for leftover cooked chicken
- Freezer-friendly for future dinners
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic, cumin, oregano and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the green chiles, chicken broth and one can of the white beans. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender or a potato masher, partially blend or mash the soup right in the pot to thicken it, leaving some texture.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and the second can of white beans (left whole for texture). Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Whisk in the cream cheese and sour cream until fully melted and smooth, then season with salt to taste.
- Serve topped with shredded cheese, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Tips for success
- Partially blending the soup — just a portion, not all of it — gives it body without losing the hearty texture of whole beans.
- Bring the cream cheese to room temperature before adding it so it melts in smoothly without lumps.
- This is an excellent way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño with the onion, or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make white chicken chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine everything except the cream cheese and sour cream, cook on low for 5-6 hours, then stir those in at the end.
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooking my own?
Yes, though freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken generally has better flavor and texture.
How do I make this chili spicier?
Add a diced jalapeño with the onion, use hot green chiles, or stir in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
Can I freeze white chicken chili?
Yes, though the texture of the dairy can change slightly; stir well after thawing and reheating, or add fresh sour cream when serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 392 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Sodium | 760mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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