Quick and Simple White Chicken Chili for Busy Weeknights

A bowl of white chicken chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, served with tortilla chips.

Last updated on December 4th, 2024 at 03:35 am

As the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of chili to warm you up. While traditional chili often stars beef and a tomato-based broth, white chicken chili offers a lighter, creamier take on this beloved dish. Made with tender chicken, white beans, and a flavorful combination of spices, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, white chicken chili is the perfect dish to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Why You’ll Love White Chicken Chili

  • Creamy and comforting: The combination of broth, cream cheese (or sour cream), and tender chicken makes this chili irresistibly creamy.
  • Packed with flavor: The chili is infused with flavors from garlic, cumin, green chilies, and cilantro, giving it a deliciously spiced and tangy taste.
  • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Healthy and hearty: Made with lean chicken breast and fiber-rich white beans, this chili is a wholesome meal that will keep you full and satisfied.

Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili

  • Use rotisserie chicken: For an even quicker meal, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of cooking the chicken breasts. Simply add the cooked chicken in step 6.
  • Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier chili, add more green chilies or even a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or skip the jalapeño garnish.
  • Make it in the slow cooker: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker by adding all ingredients (except the cream cheese) and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese at the end.

Serving Suggestions

White chicken chili pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings. Some of our favorites include:

  • A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Crushed tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips
  • Sliced avocado for added creaminess
  • Fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish

This recipe is sure to become a go-to recipe in your fall and winter meal rotation. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to whip up for any occasion. Enjoy the cozy warmth of this dish with your favorite toppings and a side of cornbread or warm rolls!


Now that you’ve got the perfect white chicken chili recipe, let us know in the comments how it turned out for you! Do you have any favorite toppings or tweaks that make it your own? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 18g

Tamara Keenan is the creative force behind the recipes on JustMyKitchen.com. With a deep passion for food and a knack for transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary meals, Tamara brings years of culinary expertise and a love for home cooking to every dish she creates.

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