White Chicken Chili Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Easy and Delicious: Simple to make and full of amazing flavor.
• Three Easy Cooking Methods: Cook it on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or in your slow cooker or crockpot.
• Meal Prep or Cook on a Weeknight: Prepare chicken with ease for a weeknight dinner, or use leftover chicken to make it a meal prep favorite. Easy to make ahead and freeze for later.
• Family and Kid Approved: Has a mild flavor that’s enjoyable for children and adults. (Even my somewhat picky son loved it even as a young boy!) And it’s also great when made a little hotter.
• Customizable: Use tips to make it thicker, vary the taste with ingredient options, and add more spice to suit your tastes.

Ingredients for the Best White Chicken Chili

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 this homemade stock, 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 beans, or Cannellini beans. Drain the liquids from the can of beans. I prefer to rinse the beans before adding them to the chili.
• Diced Green Chilies – Use one can, including all the liquid from the chilies, as it adds flavor and spiciness to the recipe.
• Seasonings – Use dried oregano, cumin, and chili powder. You can use a bit less chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor, or add a bit more if you prefer a spicier taste.
• Salt and Pepper – balance the flavors of the chili.
• Fresh Oregano – Fresh oregano adds a fresh flavor and a bit of color to the chili. It is an optional ingredient.

Toppings to Serve with White Chicken Chili

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

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

How to Make Easy White Chicken Chili

Here are the three methods you can use to prepare this easy, delicious recipe:

Stovetop White Chicken Chili

To make it on the stovetop, follow these simple steps:

Step by Step Instructions

1. Add chicken and chicken stock to Dutch oven or stockpot.

2. Cook chicken over medium heat until tender.

3. Shred chicken with two forks and then add back to the liquid.

4. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined. Taste and add more chili powder if more heat is desired.

Simmer over low heat for an additional 5 minutes, then garnish and serve.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

You’ll follow just a few simple steps to make this chili in the slow cooker:

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

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

When you make this recipe in your Instant Pot, follow these easy steps:

1. Add the chicken, chicken stock, and other ingredients to your Instant Pot and secure the lid with the vent closed.
2. 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. 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, 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 chickpeas for the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Once the chili is cooled, place it in airtight containers or wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for 3 to 5 days.
• Freezer: Once the chili is completely cooled, ladle it into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it.
• Reheat: You can reheat the chili by pouring it into a large stockpot and heating it on the stovetop until it’s heated throughout or reheat in the microwave for 45-second intervals at 80% power, stirring after each interval until it’s heated throughout. If you thawed it after freezing, you can put the thawed chili in your slow cooker on Low to allow it to slowly warm throughout the day, ready to serve for supper. Then 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