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White Chicken Chili in a bowl with toppings

White Chicken Chili – A Cozy Bowl of Comfort


  • Author: Vera
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings (about 89 cups) 1x

Description

This creamy White Chicken Chili is cozy, hearty, and weeknight-easy. Tender shredded chicken, mild green chilies, and white beans simmer in a silky broth finished with sour cream and a splash of heavy cream.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Optional toppings:

  • Shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla strips

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add white beans, green chilies, shredded chicken, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes to meld flavors.

5. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Simmer 5 minutes more until creamy. Do not boil after adding dairy.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings.

Notes

Thicken It: Mash ½ cup of the beans and stir back in, or simmer uncovered a few extra minutes.

Heat Level: Add a minced jalapeño with the onion, or ¼–½ tsp cayenne with the spices.

Make-Ahead: Cooks well 1 day ahead; reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed.

Dairy-Free: Swap the sour cream/heavy cream for 1 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk; finish with lime juice.

Gluten-Free: Use certified GF broth and check spice labels.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months (add dairy after reheating for best texture).

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Southwest

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1½ cups
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy white chili, green chili chicken soup, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot chili