This delicious White Chicken Chili recipe with tender chicken, hearty beans, and savory broth. Make this cozy meal on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot. Recipe variations to make it creamy or vegetarian!

Looking for more savory chili and soup recipes? My Classic Chili is another favorite I make frequently in addition to this easy chicken chili recipe. Homemade soups like my chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup and my grandmother’s potato soup are delicious, comforting go-to recipes, too!

Many years ago, I thought about how much my family and I enjoyed White Chicken Chili, so I developed my own recipe – and I believe it’s the BEST! It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal and makes a festive game day addition to other tailgating favorites! And when you crave the creamy heartiness of chicken chili that even the kids will enjoy, this is the one to make! My entire family loves this chili, as well as my easy Instant Pot chili and Black Bean Chili, and enjoy them all often.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

This delicious white chicken chili recipe can be made easily by whatever method works best for you. It’s simple to make but also perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead and frozen too. Make this if you’ve got some leftover chicken breast from dinner the night before – or easily cook with any of the three cooking methods in this recipe. There are also methods to make Creamy White Chicken Chili or Vegetarian White Chili if you wish! It is a favorite chicken recipe for a cozy and satisfying meal!

What We Love About White Chicken Chili

• Versatile and Easy To Cook – I’ve shared three easy methods to make it – on the stovetop or Instant Pot and in your slow cooker or crockpot when you need to let it cook slowly during the day.
• Easy Chicken Recipe – Chicken is an easy meat to make ahead or have leftovers to eat later. This recipe is a delicious way to use leftover chicken, making it such an easy chicken recipe to make ahead or prepare at dinner time.
• Mild Flavor Enjoyed By Wide Range of People – This chili recipe can be a bit milder than many traditional beef versions, so I’ve found that everyone from children to adults enjoys it. (Even my somewhat picky son loved it even when he was a young boy!) And it’s also great when made a little hotter. Absolutely delicious – I think it’s the best out there.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

I love how versatile this recipe is to make! I’ve included the traditional stovetop instructions in the recipe, but I have also included how to prepare in the slow cooker as well as in the Instant Pot. You’ll also find freezer instructions in the recipe notes, as well as an instructional video.

Here are three ways to make it.

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

• Chicken – Use four skinless, boneless chicken breasts. You can use chicken breast you’ve made ahead, have leftovers, or use a rotisserie chicken in a pinch. Substitute with your favorite cut of chicken.
• Chicken Stock – I like to use this homemade, but you can use your favorite store brand.
• Garlic and Onions – one minced garlic clove and one diced onion. These add a lot of flavor, but if you are sensitive to either of these ingredients, you can reduce them or omit them.
• White Beans – You can use any of your favorite white beans, such as navy beans, Great Northern, or Cannellini beans. Drain the liquids from the can of beans. I prefer to rinse the beans as well before adding to the chili.
• Diced Green Chilis – Use one can, including all liquids from the chilis, as it adds flavor and spiciness to the recipe.
• Seasonings – Use dried oregano, cumin, and chili powder. You can use a bit less of the chili powder if you wish to make it less spicy and can use a bit more to add extra heat if you wish.
• Salt and Pepper – balance the flavors of the chili.
• Fresh Oregano – Fresh oregano adds a fresh flavor to the chili as well as a bit of color. It is an optional ingredient.

Toppings to Serve with White Chicken Chili

This chili is scrumptious as served right out of the pot, but there are a few condiments that taste great with it. I like to serve the chili with these optional toppings buffet style. Pair the chili and your desired toppings with cornbread, cornbread muffins, or tortillas for a satisfying dish!

• sliced avocado
• sour cream
• chopped fresh cilantro
• sliced jalapeno peppers
• lime wedges
• tortilla chips

Step-by-Step Instructions – Three Cooking Methods

Stovetop White Chicken Chili Recipe

Prep. To make this recipe on the stovetop, add the chicken to a 4-quart Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat.

Cook. Add chicken stock and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Shred chicken with two forks and then add back to the liquid. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir until well combined. Taste and add more chili powder if more heat is desired. Simmer over low heat for about 5 more minutes.

Serve. Garnish and serve chili.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

1. Prep. Add the chicken, chicken stock, garlic, onion, chilis, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper to a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Cook. Cook for 8 hours on low. Shred chicken with two forks and stir in white beans and fresh oregano, and cook for another 10 minutes.
3. Serve. Once the chili is done, garnish and serve.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

1. Prep. Add the chicken, chicken stock, garlic, onions, beans, chilis, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to your Instant Pot and secure the lid with the vent closed.
2. Cook. Set your Instant Pot to High pressure for 20 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then, using a pot holder, carefully use the quick release. Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and shred the chicken using two forks. Stir to combine all of the ingredients.
3. Serve. Once the chili is done, garnish and serve.

Recipe Variations

Creamy White Chicken Chili – For a creamier version of this delicious chili, add 4 ounces of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream – and then gently fold in about 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese before serving. Yum!

Vegetarian White Chili – Substitute an additional can of white beans or a can of chickpeas for the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Storage Tips

To refrigerate:

• Once the chili is cooled, place in airtight containers or wrap tightly and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days.

• When ready to eat, place in a stockpot and reheat on the stove until heated throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave for 45-second intervals at 80% power, stirring after each interval until it’s completely heated throughout. Serve and enjoy!

To freeze:

• Once the chili is completely cooled, ladle into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and place in the refrigerator to defrost the night before planning to serve. Then you can either place in your slow cooker on Low to allow the chili to slowly warm throughout the day to serve for supper that evening, or you can pour the chili into a large stockpot for reheating on the stovetop until heated throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave for 45-second intervals at 80% power, stirring after each interval until it’s heated throughout. Serve and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious and Easy Chicken Recipes

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Best Baked Chicken Breast

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Salad with Grapes

Here’s my White Chicken Chili recipe. I think you’ll love it!

Enjoy!
Robyn xo

From the Add a Pinch recipe archives. Updated to include various cooking and freezing methods and recipe variations. Originally published 2012.