White Chicken Chili

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 43 min
Ingredients: 3 (15.5 ounce) cans great northern beans (rinsed and drained); 4 cups chicken broth (divided, low sodium); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; pinch cayenne pepper; 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles (mild); 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons cold water; ½ cup heavy cream; 4 cups fully cooked shredded chicken (skin removed); 1 cup frozen corn (no need to thaw); 1 tablespoon lime juice; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (loosely packed)

Jump to Recipe

With the help of a store-bought rotisserie chicken (or leftover cooked chicken), this creamy and comforting White Chicken Chili is on the table in under 45 minutes. It’s a go-to weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

Overhead view of a white bowl of white chicken chili with garnishes.

Nothing beats a big bowl of this flavorful chili, especially on a cold day. Loaded with chicken, white beans, corn and a zesty blend of seasonings, it’s a delicious variation to traditional classic chili. Serve it with cornbread for a satisfying meal!

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

Overhead view of ingredients for white chicken chili on a gray surface.

Beans – I typically use canned great northern beans, but white kidney beans can be substituted.
Chicken – this chili is loaded with it! I use four cups of cooked shredded chicken, which is about the equivalent of what you will yield with a whole rotisserie chicken (skin removed).
Diced green chiles – I use mild, but feel free to use hot if your taste buds are up for it!
Frozen corn – no need to thaw.
Seasonings – feel free to adjust to your personal taste.

How do you thicken white chicken chili?

I puree one cup of the beans, use a simple cornstarch slurry and add heavy cream to make this chili thick and creamy.

Overhead view of a stainless ladle ladling chili from a white Dutch oven.

How to Make It

Following is a very brief overview of how to prepare; please see recipe card for full detailed directions.

Four step by step photos showing how to make chili.

Puree one cup of the beans (that have been rinsed and drained) in a food processor and set aside. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mash the beans with a potato masher or a fork in a bowl, or omit this step entirely (your chili won’t be quite as thick).
Cook onion and garlic in olive oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot. Add seasonings.
Add broth, pureed beans and green chiles. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add a cornstarch slurry, whole beans, chicken, corn, heavy cream and lime juice. Give it a stir and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Topping Ideas

Shredded cheese
Sliced jalapeños
Sliced green onions
Tortilla chips
Sour cream
Sliced avocado

White chicken chili topped with toppings in a white bowl on a white plate.

Enjoy!

More Easy Dinner Ideas Using Cooked Chicken

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White Chicken Chili

This creamy and comforting chili is on the table in less than 45 minutes!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: white chicken chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 28 minutes

Total Time: 43 minutes

Servings:

Author: Amy

Ingredients

3 (15.5 ounce) cans great northern beans rinsed and drained
4 cups chicken broth divided, low sodium
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
pinch cayenne pepper
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles mild
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
½ cup heavy cream
4 cups fully cooked shredded chicken skin removed
1 cup frozen corn no need to thaw
1 tablespoon lime juice
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro loosely packed

Instructions

Rinse and drain beans in a colander. Transfer 1 cup of the beans to a food processor*. Pour in ¼ cup of the chicken broth, cover and pulse until beans are smooth. Set aside pureed and whole beans.
Heat olive oil in a 6 quart Dutch oven or soup pot over medium high heat. Add onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook (while stirring) for an additional minute.
Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add remaining chicken broth, pureed beans and green chiles. Stir to combine. Bring just to a boil, then reduce heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer (medium low). Simmer for 10 minutes (uncovered). During the last few minutes of simmering, prepare the cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
Pour in cornstarch slurry and stir to combine. Add heavy cream, whole beans, shredded chicken, corn and lime juice. Stir to combine. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until heated through (stirring occasionally).
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro when serving and top with your favorite toppings.

Notes

This recipe yields approximately 10 cups.
*If you don’t have a food processor, mash beans in a bowl with a potato masher or fork until they are a pasty consistency. This step can also be skipped, but chili won’t be as thick.
Feel free to adjust seasonings to your personal taste.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Nutrition

If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheBlondCook or tag #theblondcook!

Originally published October 2013. Updated with new photographs, new text, recipe revised and republished January 2021.

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

How to Make It

Topping Ideas

More Easy Dinner Ideas Using Cooked Chicken