This Easy White Chicken Chili is a cozy meal that comes together fast. It’s got bite-size pieces of chicken, a little heat from green chiles, and a creamy finish thanks to cream cheese. Chicken and cream cheese are the perfect counterpart to beef and tomato-based chili. Several people have reported winning chili cookoffs with this recipe! As if it couldn’t get any better, you can have it on the table in just about 30 minutes.

Try our no-fuss chili for a ground beef option that’ll knock your socks off, or go all beef, no beans with our slow cooker Texas-style chili.

Why Our Recipe?

  • A spicy chicken chili with green chiles and finished with cream cheese for a velvety chili full of flavor.
  • Ready in just about 30 minutes making it the perfect weeknight comfort-food meal.
  • Serve it plain or top it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado.
A spoon scooping out a helping of white chicken chili.

Feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite toppings. We’re all about shredded cheese and sour cream. This recipe is particularly good with shredded Monterey jack and diced avocado. You can serve it plain or load it up, either way, it’s sure to hit the spot.

Ingredient Notes

An overhead view of the ingredients needed to make white chicken chili.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces and trim off any fat.
  • White Onion: White onions have a sharper flavor, but yellow onions also work.
  • Celery: Dice or slice it.
  • Green Bell Pepper: You could technically use any color, but green is the preferred color for this one.
  • Garlic: Fresh has significantly better flavor than the jarred variety so we’ll always recommend freshly minced. The jar will still work if that’s what you have.
  • Spices: If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth as it gives you more control over seasoning.
  • White Cannellini Beans: These creamy beans are perfect for chili, but you can substitute with great northern beans or white navy beans.
  • Frozen Corn: We prefer frozen for the best flavor and texture. You can also use canned corn. Just be sure to drain it.
  • Diced Green Chiles: If you want a spicier kick, you can opt for hot green chiles or add canned diced jalapeños.
  • Cream Cheese: Be sure to cut it into cubes so it melts evenly.
  • Fresh Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out or substitute with chopped green onions.

Thickening Chili

As written, this chili has a thinner, more soup-like broth. If you prefer a heartier, thicker chili, there are a couple of easy ways to adjust the consistency.

Mash about half of the cannellini beans before adding them to the pot—this releases their natural starches and thickens the broth as it cooks.

Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and let it simmer for a few minutes. If you want it even thicker, you can add more slurry until it reaches your desired consistency.

An overhead view of a black bowl full of white chicken chili with a spoon resting in the middle.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is delicious on its own, but the right sides and toppings can take it to the next level. Serve it with warm cornbread or buttery biscuits—perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. And you can never go wrong serving chili with tortilla chips for dipping.

When it comes to toppings, shredded Monterey jack or cheddar cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and fresh or pickled jalapeños are all great choices. Hit it with a squeeze of lime juice for an extra pop of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate any leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 5–7 minutes. To reheat in the microwave, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between for even heating.

More bowls of comfort food goodness…

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.