This is truly the BEST White Chicken Chili thick, creamy, and loaded with tender shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and green chiles. Made with simple pantry ingredients and just the right amount of spice, it’s an easy comfort food dinner that’s perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly too. Discover the full recipe.
Ingredients
Below is everything you need to make this creamy white chicken chili.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 (about 2 lb) |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups |
| White kidney beans, drained | 1 can (19 oz) |
| Sweet corn, drained | 1 can (12 oz) |
| Green chiles | 1 can (4 oz) |
| Green hot sauce | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Cream cheese, room temp | 4 oz |
| Cornstarch | 1 Tbsp (optional) |
| Water | 1 Tbsp (optional) |
| Toppings (chips, avocado, etc.) | As desired |
The BEST White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The best white chicken chili made thick and creamy with shredded chicken, white beans, and corn.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
2 cups chicken broth
1 can white kidney beans
1 can corn
1 can green chiles
1 tsp green hot sauce
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
4 oz cream cheese
1 Tbsp cornstarch (optional)
1 Tbsp water (optional)
Instructions
1. Simmer chicken in broth.
2. Shred chicken and return to pot.
3. Add beans, corn, chiles, and spices.
4. Stir in cream cheese.
5. Thicken if desired.
6. Serve with toppings.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese.
Freezer friendly.
Thickens as it cools.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to a Dutch oven or soup pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches 165°F internally.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth.
Step 3: Build the Chili
Add the white kidney beans, corn, green chiles, green hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and stir into the chili. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is thick and creamy.
Step 5: Thicken (Optional)
For extra thickness, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl and stir it into the simmering chili. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like tortilla chips, avocado, lime wedges, salsa, shredded cheese, or jalapeños.
Helpful Tips
- Room-temperature cream cheese melts smoothly
- Cornstarch is optional for extra thickness
- This chili thickens even more as it cools
Conclusion
The BEST White Chicken Chili is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with tender chicken and pantry staples. It’s an easy, family-friendly chili that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and freezer meals alike. If you’re craving a comforting bowl of chili without hours of cooking, this recipe delivers every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can white chicken chili be frozen?
Yes, this chili freezes very well for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely, boneless skinless thighs work great.
3. How do I make it spicier?
Add extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
4. What toppings go best with white chicken chili?
Avocado, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and lime wedges are all excellent choices.