White Easy Creamy Chicken Chili Recipe

Introduction

White Easy Creamy Chicken Chili offers a delicious twist on traditional red chili by using white meat, creamy broth, and white beans. It’s a quick, comforting dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or meal prep.

A white bowl filled with a creamy soup that has a thick texture, bursting with chunks of white beans and shredded chicken mixed evenly throughout. The soup is topped with bright yellow shredded cheese melted slightly on the surface and small green herb pieces scattered for garnish. A wooden spoon lifts a portion of the soup, showing a rich blend of the creamy base, beans, chicken, and cheese. The soup's surface has a light sprinkle of black pepper, all set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cans white beans (Great Northern or navy), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can canned green chilis (mild)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons ground cornmeal (for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in the chicken broth, white beans, green chilis, cooked chicken, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and flavors meld together. If using cornmeal, whisk it in now to thicken the chili.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with about ½ cup of the hot chili broth, stirring well to temper the sour cream and prevent curdling. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir until fully incorporated. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Add chopped celery or other vegetables like peas or potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a faster shortcut.
  • Adjust the level of heat by choosing mild or spicy canned green chilis.
  • For a thicker chili, add cornmeal gradually while stirring to avoid lumps.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the chili heats evenly. You may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy chicken soup showing three main layers: a thick creamy base with white beans and corn, shredded white chicken pieces scattered throughout, and small bits of shredded orange cheese sprinkled on top, all garnished with chopped green herbs and a light sprinkle of black pepper. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side against the soup, with its handle extending out of the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use raw chicken breasts; just add them to the pot during simmering and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well for quicker prep.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute or add cream cheese for a richer texture. Just make sure to temper it with hot liquid before mixing it into the chili to prevent curdling.

Print

White Easy Creamy Chicken Chili Recipe

This White Easy Creamy Chicken Chili is a delicious twist on classic chili, featuring tender white chicken meat, creamy broth, and white beans instead of traditional red ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, taking only about 25 minutes total, and offers a lighter, creamier flavor profile that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy meal. The recipe includes savory aromatics, mild green chilis, sweet corn, and a blend of spices, finished with sour cream for a rich, smooth texture. Add optional cornmeal for authentic Tex-Mex thickness and feel free to toss in extra veggies for added nutrition.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (made by mixing Better Than Bouillon with water)
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (Great Northern or white navy), drained and rinsed
  • 1 (4-ounce) can mild green chilis (e.g., Old El Paso brand)
  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced or shredded (or use rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Optional Ingredient

  • 2 tablespoons ground cornmeal (for thickening and added Tex-Mex flavor)

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add main ingredients and simmer: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, the drained white beans, canned green chilis, diced chicken, and corn. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for approximately 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
  3. Prepare sour cream mixture and finish chili: In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup of sour cream. Slowly ladle about 1/2 cup of the hot chili broth into the sour cream, whisking constantly to temper it and prevent curdling. Pour this sour cream mixture back into the pot and stir thoroughly until the chili becomes creamy and well combined.
  4. Optional thickening step: If using, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of ground cornmeal into the chili while it’s simmering and stir well to incorporate. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a comforting meal that pairs well with fresh bread or tortilla chips.

Notes

  • You can customize this chili by adding extra vegetables like 2 cups chopped celery, diced potatoes, or peas depending on preference and what’s available.
  • Using canned beans significantly reduces cooking time since they are already cooked.
  • Tempering the sour cream before adding it to the pot prevents it from curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy chili.
  • Ground cornmeal is optional but adds authentic Tex-Mex flavor and helps thicken the chili naturally.
  • This recipe is great for meal prepping as it reheats well and maintains good texture and flavor.

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, easy chili recipe, white bean chili, quick chicken soup, Tex-Mex chili

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