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) pkg Neufchatel cheese (aka light cream cheese), cut into small cubes; 1 1/4 cup 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 39 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and downright simple to make, then you’re going to adore this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, whether you’re new to chili or looking to shake up your weeknight dinners, this recipe is foolproof and ridiculously tasty. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it perfectly every time.

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy and Quick: Prep mostly comes down to chopping and stirring, which means you can have this on the table in under an hour—no fuss, no stress.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, flavorful, and hearty without being too heavy, making it a perfect dinner for chilly evenings or any time you want that “made-with-love” feeling.
Versatile Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and easily adaptable to what you have on hand—plus you can customize with your favorite toppings.
Family Friendly: Mild enough to please kids but with enough spices to satisfy adults, so everyone gets a bowl they love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that fabulous depth of flavor you want in a white chicken chili. From the gentle heat of the green chilies and cayenne to creamy Neufchatel cheese smoothing everything out, this recipe balances freshness and richness perfectly.

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe - Ingredients

Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a wonderful base flavor when sautéed gently.
Olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic, bringing out their aromatics without overpowering.
Garlic: Tiny but mighty, it brightens everything up and gives a nice punch.
Chicken broth: Low sodium is best to control salt levels; it’s the liquid foundation of this soup’s flavor.
Diced green chilies: They bring mild heat and a tangy kick without being too spicy.
Cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne: This spice blend layers warmth, earthiness, and just the right amount of heat.
Neufchatel cheese: Using this light cream cheese makes the chili luxuriously creamy without heaviness; it melts beautifully.
Corn: Adds a bit of sweetness and texture that contrasts nicely with the beans.
Cannellini beans: Their mild flavor and creamy texture help thicken the chili and add protein.
Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great here—super convenient and juicy.
Fresh lime juice and cilantro: These finishing touches brighten the whole dish and add freshness.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is. Once you’ve got the basics down, feel free to mix it up—add more spice, toss in extra veggies, or use whatever beans you prefer. It’s all about making it suit your tastes and pantry.

Extra heat: If you want more kick, adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch more cayenne really amps things up, which I do during the colder months.
Swap the cheese: I’ve sometimes used regular cream cheese or even a dollop of sour cream at the end for creaminess—totally your call.
Make it vegetarian: Leaving out the chicken and using vegetable broth works great, and adding roasted veggies like zucchini makes it hearty.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe - Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics just right

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion and sauté it for about 4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent—don’t rush this; you want the onions to develop that natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 more seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, or it’ll turn bitter. This simple step builds your chili’s flavor foundation, so take your time.

Step 2: Build the broth with spices and chilies

Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced green chilies along with cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Season lightly with salt and pepper as well. Bring it just to a boil, then reduce the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This simmering step lets those spices bloom and infuses the broth with that warm, cozy flavor you’re after.

Step 3: Prep the beans the secret way

Drain and rinse your cans of cannellini beans. Here’s a little trick I’ve learned—the secret to a creamy chili is pureeing part of the beans. Put 1 cup of beans in a food processor with about ¼ cup of your broth and blend until smooth. This step is optional if you don’t have a food processor; the chili will still taste fantastic but just less creamy. Set aside the remaining whole beans for texture.

Step 4: Bring it all together

Add the Neufchatel cheese cubes to the pot along with the corn, pureed beans, and whole beans. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. This is where that silky texture comes alive and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: The finishing touches

Finally, stir in your shredded cooked chicken, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Give the chili a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This last step adds brightness and freshness, making the dish pop. Serve it up with your favorite garnishes and watch it disappear quickly.

Pro Tips for Making Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Use rotisserie chicken: It saves tons of time and adds juicy, tender bites that homemade chicken sometimes can’t match.
Don’t skip the pureed beans: Blending some beans is my game-changer for creamy chili without heavy cream or cheese overload.
Simmer low and slow: Be patient during the simmering stages to really let all the spices and flavors meld together cleanly.
Be cautious with salt: Since chicken broth and canned beans can be salty, add salt gradually and taste frequently to avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my bowl with shredded Monterrey Jack cheese because it melts perfectly and adds a lovely richness. Fresh cilantro sprigs bring a burst of color and freshness, and avocado slices make every bite silky and smooth. If you want a little crunch, tortilla chips or strips on the side are a must-have—plus some lime wedges for an extra zing.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs beautifully with cornbread—homemade or store-bought. I also love serving it alongside a simple green salad or some roasted veggies to lighten things up. If you want a heartier meal, steamed rice or warm flour tortillas are fantastic for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I like serving this in mini cast iron skillets with a dollop of sour cream and a few sprigs of cilantro on top—it feels fancy but is super easy. Layering tortilla chips across the bottom of your bowl before ladling on the chili adds a fun texture surprise. You could even transform leftovers into chili-stuffed baked potatoes for a cozy meal twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. This chili keeps wonderfully for 3 to 4 days, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to mingle. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh.

Freezing

This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge. It’s perfect for batch cooking and having ready for those “I need comfort food ASAP” days.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover chili is gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it feels a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps heat it evenly without drying it out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Start by sautéing the onion and garlic on the stove, then transfer everything to the slow cooker ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Add the Neufchatel cheese near the end so it melts smoothly. It’s a great hands-off option that still yields delicious results.
What can I substitute for Neufchatel cheese?

You can use regular cream cheese or even a mix of sour cream and shredded cheese if you don’t have Neufchatel. Just add it at the end and stir until smooth to maintain that creamy texture.
How spicy is this chili?

This recipe has a gentle warmth from the green chilies and cayenne pepper but isn’t overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more cayenne, jalapeños, or even hot sauce to suit your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This chili is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check your canned ingredients for any additives.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?

Definitely! If you use dried beans, soak and cook them until tender before adding them to the chili. The fresh beans will add wonderful flavor and texture but keep in mind you’ll need extra cooking time.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe—it’s played a starring role in so many weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers at my house. The creamy texture, fresh pops of lime and cilantro, and cozy warmth make it a go-to comfort dish that’s as approachable as it is delicious. So next time you want something quick, satisfying, and with just the right touch of spice, give this recipe a try—I promise, you’ll find yourself making it over and over.