Hey y'all! Craving a cozy, creamy dish that comes together in no time? This White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner is your new favorite go-to for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you just want something hearty and delicious. Bursting with tender chicken, mild green chiles, and a rich, velvety broth, it's the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Ready to win dinner tonight? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner
- This chili is ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- The creamy texture and mild spice level are crowd-pleasers for both kids and adults.
- It's a one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
- You can easily customize and adjust the spice and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large), diced
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (plus more for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges for serving (optional)
How to Make White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
Step 3: Build the Chili Base
Add the green chiles, beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and the chili is creamy. Simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with extra cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime, if desired. Enjoy this comforting White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner hot!
Notes for White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for an even quicker version—just shred and add after sautéing the aromatics.
- If you like extra heat, use hot green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Learn more about chili peppers and spice levels at Chili Pepper Madness.
- For a thicker chili, mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot.
White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner Variations
- Slow Cooker Version: Add all ingredients except for dairy and cheese to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours; stir in dairy at the end.
- Vegetarian White Chili: Swap chicken for extra beans and use vegetable broth for a meatless option.
- Spicy Verde Chili: Add tomatillo salsa and a diced jalapeño for a tangy, spicy twist.

Required Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
Storage for White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This chili also freezes beautifully—simply cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner Serving Recommendations
- Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping.
- Top with avocado slices, extra shredded cheese, or pickled onions for added flavor and color.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Pro Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner
- For extra creaminess, blend 1 cup of the chili before adding dairy and stir it back in. Learn blending techniques at Bon Appétit.
- Use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded) for smoother melting and richer flavor.
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to deepen and meld.
FAQ: White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner
Can I make White Chicken Chili Easy Dinner ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and store in the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—it's naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth and canned ingredients to ensure they're certified gluten-free.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! Leftover turkey is a fantastic substitution and works perfectly in this creamy chili.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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2Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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3Add shredded chicken, white beans, diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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4Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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5Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream until the chili is creamy and heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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6Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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