Protein White Chicken Chili Recipe

Introduction

When you need a bowl of comfort that’s both hearty and nutritious, this High-Protein White Chicken Chili delivers. Featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, Greek yogurt, and a mix of spices, it’s filling but light. Perfect for cozy dinners, game nights, or freezer meals, it’s a tasty way to stay fueled and energized.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy soup containing three main layers: a base layer of light tan creamy broth mixed with shredded chicken and white beans, a middle layer of bright yellow corn kernels scattered throughout, and a topping layer of chopped green jalapeno slices and fresh green herbs sprinkled with crumbled white cheese at the center. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered lime wedges, green jalapeno slices, and light yellow tortilla chips around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained & rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Extra cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add the drained cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, shredded chicken, diced green chilies, corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the Greek yogurt and shredded cheese, allowing the chili to simmer for 5 more minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, jalapeño slices, or extra cheese. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra protein, add more shredded chicken or stir in cooked quinoa.
  • Use coconut milk instead of Greek yogurt and cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to increase the spice level.
  • Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with tofu or tempeh and using only white beans.
  • For a low-carb version, skip the corn and beans, and add zucchini and extra chicken instead.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months after cooling completely. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the chili becomes too thick.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy chicken soup layered with shredded light brown chicken, yellow corn kernels, and light tan beans mixed in a rich beige broth. On top, there are small green jalapeño slices and fresh green herb bits scattered and a sprinkle of white cheese crumbles in the center. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by lime wedges, scattered tortilla chips, and more jalapeño slices, adding a fresh and colorful touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What makes this chili high-protein?

The combination of shredded chicken, white beans, and Greek yogurt provides a rich protein boost, making this chili both hearty and nutritious.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Combine all ingredients except the Greek yogurt and cheese in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. Stir in the dairy ingredients just before serving.

Print

Protein White Chicken Chili Recipe

This Protein White Chicken Chili is a creamy, hearty, and nutritious chili made with shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and a blend of spices. Unlike traditional chili, it skips tomatoes and beef, opting instead for a lighter yet protein-packed version perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, and freezer meals. Topped with avocado, cilantro, and cheese, this dish offers a comforting yet energizing meal that’s both filling and delicious.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained & rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Extra cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Beans, Chicken & Spices: Stir in the drained cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, shredded chicken, diced green chilies, corn, and chicken broth. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chili for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and prevent sticking.
  4. Make It Creamy: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt and shredded cheese. Continue simmering for 5 more minutes until the chili becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, jalapeño slices, lime wedges, or extra cheese for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can make this chili in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients except for the Greek yogurt and cheese; cook on low for 6-7 hours and stir in dairy before serving.
  • Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut to save time.
  • You can substitute dry beans if you cook them beforehand.
  • For a dairy-free option, replace Greek yogurt and cheese with coconut milk.
  • Adjust spiciness with extra jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce as desired.
  • This chili freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently with a splash of broth.
  • For a low-carb version, omit beans and corn and add more chicken and vegetables like zucchini.

Keywords: white chicken chili, high protein chili, healthy chili, chicken and bean chili, creamy chili, one pot meal, meal prep chili

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