Name: Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth; 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies; 1 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes; 1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh corn; 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans; 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken; 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving; Tortilla chips or strips, Monterrey Jack cheese, sliced avocado for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 89 reviews

If you’re craving something comforting but still fresh and a bit different from your usual chili, you’re going to absolutely love this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and just the right amount of spice to warm you up without overwhelming your taste buds. I first made this when I wanted a cozy dinner that was quick but still felt a little special—and now it’s become a family favorite I keep coming back to!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Creamy Texture: The blend of Neufchatel cheese and pureed beans creates a luscious, velvety chili that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Quick and Easy to Make: Using shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken saves tons of time—no need to cook chicken from scratch.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The spices bring warmth and depth, while the fresh lime juice and cilantro brighten it up beautifully.
Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Everyone I’ve served this to asks for seconds, making it a reliable weeknight winner.

A large blue pot filled with creamy soup that has a light orange color with green cilantro leaves scattered on top. Inside the soup, there are chunks of white chicken, pieces of yellow corn, and bits of green vegetables. On one side, thin slices of light green avocado are placed in a neat row, partially submerged in the soup. A dark wooden spoon is stirring the soup from the left side. The pot sits on a white cloth with blue stripes on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are some light beige tortilla chips and lime wedges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Chicken Chili, easy white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, quick chicken chili recipe, comforting white chili

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays an important role in creating the signature flavor and creamy texture of this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe. When you shop, aim for fresh aromatics and good quality canned goods for the best results.

Flat lay of a small yellow onion whole with a few diced pieces nearby, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of shredded cooked rotisserie chicken, a small white bowl of diced green chilies, scattered dried cumin seeds beside small white bowls containing paprika, dried oregano, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper powders, a small white bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a handful of fresh corn kernels, a small white bowl of canned cannellini beans, small cubes of fresh Neufchatel cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small wedge of fresh lime with a few lime wedges, and a small bunch of fresh cilantro sprigs placed symmetrically, all arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - White Chicken Chili, easy white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, quick chicken chili recipe, comforting white chili

Yellow onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth, so don’t skip sautéing it well.
Olive oil: Choose extra virgin for the best flavor in sautéing the base.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that essential aromatic punch.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Low sodium lets you control the seasoning and keep it from getting too salty.
Diced green chilies: They bring subtle heat and a touch of smoky flavor without overpowering the chili.
Spices (cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper): These spices create a warm, Mexican-inspired flavor profile that defines this chili.
Neufchatel cheese: This light cream cheese melts beautifully to add creaminess without extra heaviness.
Corn: Fresh or frozen, corn adds a sweet crunch that balances the spices perfectly.
Cannellini beans: For protein and a creamy texture after pureeing part of them.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to—it’s flavorful and keeps the chili tender.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens the whole dish with a fresh citrusy pop.
Fresh cilantro: Adds an herbal freshness that’s signature to white chili.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences, you can adjust ingredients and still end up with a delicious meal.

Spice Level: If you like it hotter, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or extra cayenne pepper. I sometimes add chipotle powder for a smoky twist that my family can’t get enough of.
Beans: I’ve swapped cannellini beans with great northern or even pinto beans without losing the chili’s classic taste.
Dairy-Free: You can skip the Neufchatel cheese and stir in some coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy, dairy-free version that’s still satisfying.
Meat Alternatives: Leftover shredded turkey or even shredded tofu work well if you want to change things up.

How to Make Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Until Tender and Fragrant

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. This step is crucial—it builds a flavorful base for the chili. Then add the finely minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, just until you start to smell that delicious garlicky aroma but don’t let it brown or burn.

Step 2: Layer in Broth, Spices, and Green Chilies

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, and toss in the diced green chilies. Then sprinkle in cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Once everything’s combined, bring the mixture just to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This simmering lets the flavors marry beautifully and deepen the chili’s character.

Step 3: Prepare the Beans for Creaminess

Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Then take 1 cup of these beans and, along with about 1/4 cup of the broth from your chili, puree them in a food processor until smooth. This trick was a game-changer for me—the pureed beans add creaminess without any cream, making the chili rich but light. If you don’t have a food processor, you can skip this—but trust me, the texture is worth it.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese, Corn, Beans, and Simmer

Cube the Neufchatel cheese and add it into the pot along with the corn, the whole remaining beans, and the pureed beans. Give everything a good stir to combine. Let the chili simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes so the cheese melts and the flavors fully blend together. You’ll notice the chili becoming thick, creamy, and so inviting.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Lime, and Cilantro

Finally, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, the fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. The lime juice brings a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness, and the cilantro adds a herbal finish that’s just irresistible. Give it one last stir, taste to adjust seasoning if needed, and you’re ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds a savory flavor punch that plain cooked chicken breasts just can’t match.
Don’t Skip Pureeing Beans: It’s the secret to creating a creamy chili without heavy cream or thickeners.
Adjust Seasonings After Simmering: Sometimes spices mellow during cooking, so taste and tweak before serving.
Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Since your chicken is pre-cooked, just warm it through at the end to keep it tender.

How to Serve Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this chili with a handful of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for melty, gooey goodness and vibrant chopped cilantro for fresh green color. Slices of creamy avocado add another layer of richness and coolness that balances the subtle heat perfectly. And don’t forget the tortilla chips or strips for a fun crunchy contrast—you’ll find it hard to eat this chili without them!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include warm cornbread (because who doesn’t love soaking chili into fluffy cornbread?), a fresh green salad for crunch, or even simple roasted veggies. The mild flavors of these sides complement the chili beautifully without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinner parties, I sometimes serve the chili in small soup crocks with mini bowls of toppings arrayed buffet-style so everyone can customize their own bowl. For a festive touch, add a lime wedge and sprinkle extra cilantro before serving. It’s surprising how these little details make the meal feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the chili cool completely, then transfer it into airtight containers to store in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have melded nicely together. Just give it a stir before reheating.

Freezing

This chili freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion out into freezer-safe bags or containers and it will last up to 3 months. Just leave out the tortilla chips and fresh garnishes until serving to keep things crisp and fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chili gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly and the cheese stays smooth. You can also microwave individual portions, but I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! You can sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all the ingredients except the cheese, chicken, lime juice, and cilantro to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cheese, chicken, lime juice, and cilantro during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
What can I use if I don’t have Neufchatel cheese?

Neufchatel cheese is a lighter alternative to cream cheese, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute regular cream cheese, sour cream added at the end, or even Greek yogurt stirred in off the heat for creaminess.
Is this chili spicy?

The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the green chilies and a little cayenne pepper. You can always adjust the heat by adding more cayenne or diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicier chili.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! Just cook the dried beans ahead of time until tender. Then proceed with the recipe as usual. Using dried beans can add a little extra texture but requires advance planning.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can omit the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for body. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding a smoky spice like chipotle for depth.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe turns out every time—it’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet surprisingly easy and quick to throw together. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or just want a cozy meal for the week, this chili hits the spot. I always keep the ingredients on hand because you never know when you need a fast, satisfying dinner that tastes like you spent hours stirring away. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how it becomes one of your go-to favorites, just like it did for me!