Name: White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small white onion, diced; 1 jalapeño, cored and chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups chicken stock; 3 to 4 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles; 2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans; 1/2 cup whole-kernel corn; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 cups whole milk; Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper; Chopped fresh cilantro; Crumbled tortilla chips; Diced avocado; Sliced jalapeños; Shredded Monterrey Jack cheese; Sour cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 52 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting, velvety soup that brings warmth and vibrant flavors to the table, this White Chicken Chili Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a wonderful spin on traditional chili with a lighter, yet deeply satisfying Tex-Mex flair. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, subtle heat from jalapeños, and the perfect blend of spices, this dish is easy to make but incredibly rewarding. Trust me, once you try this White Chicken Chili Recipe, it will become a staple for cozy nights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several bowls and a white plate with raw ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the middle is a brown bowl filled with shredded light brown cooked chicken. Below it, a white bowl with black spots holds bright yellow corn kernels. To the left, a brown bowl contains large, smooth white beans. On the top left, a white plate holds a whole green jalapeno, three cloves of garlic, and a white onion cut into quarters. Above the chicken, a speckled bowl contains four small piles of spices: greenish dried herbs, pale pink salt, reddish brown spice, and a light brown spice. To the right, a small bowl with diced cooked pickled vegetables sits next to another brown bowl filled with white flour. In the bottom right corner, a white jug holds white milk. All items are neatly arranged and well-lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this White Chicken Chili Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important part in creating layers of flavor and texture, from the gentle warmth of cumin to the delicate creaminess of milk. These essentials come together to produce a chili that’s rich, hearty, and ever so inviting.

1 tablespoon olive oil: A good base for sautéing your veggies and adding subtle richness.
1 small white onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the chili’s flavor.
1 jalapeño, cored and chopped: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the dish without overwhelming it.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an irresistible aroma and savory punch.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the chili for a perfectly creamy texture.
3 cups chicken stock: Provides a flavorful, savory liquid foundation.
3 to 4 cups shredded cooked chicken: Tender and protein-packed, essential for that true chili feel.
2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles: Adds brightness and a touch of tangy heat.
2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans: Creamy beans that give substance and smoothness.
1/2 cup whole-kernel corn: A pop of sweetness and texture to balance the spices.
2 teaspoons ground cumin: The warm, earthy spice that defines the chili’s character.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note.
2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and mellows out the chili’s spice.
Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Garnishes (optional): Chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled tortilla chips, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, and/or sour cream for extra flair.

How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating your olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and chopped jalapeño, and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then so the onion softens and becomes translucent. Once that’s looking good, add the minced garlic and stir for another 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen. This foundational step builds layers of flavor that make the chili so inviting.

Step 2: Combine Flour and Simmer

Sprinkle in the flour and give it a good stir to coat those veggies evenly. Cook it for about a minute; this little trick helps thicken your chili later. Then, gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once combined, mix in the shredded chicken, chopped green chiles, Great Northern beans, corn, cumin, and oregano. Let everything come to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low and cook gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Add Milk and Season

Stir in the milk and allow your chili to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, giving the dish that lovely creamy consistency. Now it’s time to taste and season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust according to your preference because seasoning is the final step that turns all these great ingredients into something magical.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Your White Chicken Chili Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed. Ladle it into bowls and don’t forget to dress it up with your choice of garnishes, adding another dimension of freshness and texture.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe

A large white pot filled with creamy chicken soup that has a light beige broth mixed with shredded light yellow chicken pieces, small white beans, golden corn kernels, and bits of green herbs and vegetables. The soup surface is sprinkled with black pepper, giving it small dark specks. To the side, there is a white plate with sliced light green jalapenos and cubed light green avocado on a white marbled surface. A mustard yellow cloth is partially visible under the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes can elevate your White Chicken Chili Recipe to restaurant-quality comfort food. Fresh chopped cilantro brightens every bite, while crumbled tortilla chips introduce delightful crunch. Creamy diced avocado and shredded Monterrey Jack cheese give subtle richness, and sliced jalapeños boost the heat if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t miss sour cream—it’s that cool, tangy finish that balances the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement rather than compete. Think warm cornbread or fluffy rice, perfect for soaking up that creamy broth. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables add refreshing contrast and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or want to impress, serve this White Chicken Chili Recipe in small appetizer cups for a cozy party starter. Or layer it in a bread bowl for a rustic presentation that feels extra special. Adding a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese right before serving makes it visually appealing and even more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This White Chicken Chili Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those wonderful flavors and creamy textures. It tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to meld.

Freezing

You can freeze this chili for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Keep in mind the milk might slightly change texture after freezing, so stir well when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your White Chicken Chili Recipe slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and prevent scorching. If the chili seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or milk to bring back its comforting consistency.

FAQs

Can I use different beans for the White Chicken Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! While Great Northern beans are traditional for this recipe’s creamy texture, you can try cannellini or navy beans if you prefer. Just be sure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding them in.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili Recipe?

The dish has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the jalapeño and green chiles, but it’s easy to adjust the heat level. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño or add more if you want that extra warmth.

Can I make this recipe without dairy?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk to keep it creamy and dairy-free. Just be aware that the flavor and texture will shift slightly but still remain delicious.

Is it necessary to use cooked chicken?

Using cooked shredded chicken saves you time and works perfectly in this recipe. You can use leftover roasted chicken or even rotisserie chicken from the store. If you prefer, cook raw chicken separately, shred it, then add to the chili.

Can I prepare this White Chicken Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply sauté the veggies and garlic on the stovetop as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker, adding remaining ingredients except the milk. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the milk at the end and heat through before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of hearty White Chicken Chili Recipe on a chilly day or when you want something cozy with layers of flavor that just hug you. This recipe is wonderfully versatile, simple to make, and effortlessly delicious, making it a must-try for any home cook. Once you make it, I’m confident it will become one of your favorite go-to dishes, perfect for weeknights or gatherings that call for comfort food done right.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need