Best White Chicken Chili Recipe: Easy 30-Minute Comfort Food

If you’re in the mood for a quick, protein-packed soup that doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’re going to love this white chicken chili—it’s one of my absolute favorites. ♡

The combination of tender chicken and white beans simmered in a savory, earthy broth is just irresistible. Plus, it all comes together in around 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights when you still want something homemade and delicious.

To keep things super easy, I like to use a rotisserie chicken for this recipe (hello, time saver!). But feel free to cook your own chicken breasts or thighs, or even swap in ground chicken if that’s more your style. Lately, I’ve been using milk instead of cream for the broth—it still gives that dreamy creamy texture without making it too heavy, which I love.

And when it comes to toppings, I say the more, the merrier! Load up your bowl with avocado, cheese, onions, or whatever your heart desires—it’s all about making it your own. Enjoy!

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need to whip up this creamy, cozy white chicken chili:

Shredded chicken: This is where you’ll get a good dose of lean protein. I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked, shredded, or diced chicken will do. (Pro tip: I like to bake and freeze chicken breasts ahead of time to have them ready when I need them.)

Beans: White beans, like Great Northern or cannellini, are the traditional choice here. But honestly, you can get creative and use any beans or legumes you have on hand—this recipe is flexible like that!

Onion and garlic: These are your flavor builders. Sautéing them first creates a savory base that really makes the soup sing.

Chiles: For a little heat and tang, I go with a mix of fresh diced jalapeños and canned green chiles. Not into spicy? You can skip the jalapeños. Want it extra spicy? Throw in more!

Corn: Whole-kernel corn (whether canned or frozen) brings a bit of sweetness and lovely texture to every bite.

Chicken stock: This is the heart of your broth, adding a deep, umami flavor that ties everything together.

Milk: I like using whole milk to give the soup that creamy richness without feeling too heavy. But if you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, feel free to splash in some heavy cream.

Flour: A bit of all-purpose flour thickens up the broth and gives it that luscious, velvety texture. If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap in your favorite alternative thickener.

Seasonings: Ground cumin and dried oregano bring an earthy warmth that makes the broth cozy and comforting. Don’t forget to season with plenty of salt and pepper to taste!

Garnishes: Go wild here! Fresh cilantro, crunchy tortilla chips, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, cheese, sour cream—whatever you love, pile it on. The more, the merrier!

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe Variations

If you’re feeling creative or just want to mix things up, here are a few fun variations you can try with this easy white chicken chili recipe:

Swap the chicken for ground meat:

If you prefer, you can use ground chicken or turkey instead of shredded chicken. Just sauté it with the onion, jalapeño, and garlic until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.

Experiment with different beans:

Don’t feel limited to white beans! You can toss in pinto, black, or kidney beans, chickpeas, or even lentils—whatever you have in your pantry will work beautifully.

Boost with extra veggies:

This chili is perfect for adding more vegetables. Bell peppers, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, kale, sweet potatoes, or zucchini would all make delicious additions and up the nutritional value.

Make it gluten-free:

For a gluten-free version, you can skip the flour and thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry (just mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the soup while it simmers). Or, if you don’t mind a thinner broth, you can leave out the thickener altogether—it’ll still taste amazing!

These variations make the recipe even more versatile, so feel free to make it your own!

White Chicken Chili Recipe Summary

This Tex-Mex inspired white chicken chili is a lighter, comforting dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s loaded with flavor and protein, making it a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 3-4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 (4 oz) cans chopped green chiles
• 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans
• ½ cup whole-kernel corn
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnishes: cilantro, tortilla chips, avocado, jalapeños, Monterrey Jack cheese, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and jalapeño, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring until smooth. Add the cooked chicken, green chiles, beans, corn, cumin, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and simmer for another 5 minutes.
3. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm with your favorite garnishes like cilantro, tortilla chips, or cheese. Enjoy!

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Conclusion:

This White Chicken Chili is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and convenience—ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its creamy, savory broth, tender chicken, and delicious toppings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the recipe is easily adaptable to fit your taste, whether you want to add extra veggies, swap out the beans, or make it gluten-free.

So next time you’re craving something hearty yet light, give this recipe a try! Don’t forget to top your bowl with fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla chips, and a dollop of sour cream for that perfect finishing touch.

If you try this recipe, please leave a review below and let me know how you liked it! Also, feel free to share your favorite variations or tips in the comments— I love hearing from you.