White chicken chili is a hearty, comforting stew, made with white chicken meat chicken, corn, cannellini beans, chopped chiles, and spices. It comes together easily and inexpensively, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or game day meal.
(This post was originally posted on October 29th, 2012 and has been updated to contain nutritional information. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)
What makes white chili “white”?
I was given this white chicken chili recipe, from a friend, more than twenty years ago. It was the first time I’d ever tried “white chili”.
This version use white chicken meat, white cannellini beans and chicken broth. Instead of chili powder and tomatoes, this recipe gets its flavor from cumin and oregano. If you want a really white chicken chili, you can use white corn instead of yellow corn.
It’s definitely not a spicy chili, so if you like more heat, add more chiles or chili powder, as desired. Canned jalapenos come in a variety of heat levels.
Using Hatch chiles
While the original recipe calls or canned chilies, if you have Hatch chilies on hand, you absolutely substitute them! I now make this chili with Hatch when I have them and canned chilies when I don’t have Hatch. If you love Hatch chiles or would like more recipes using them, I have a delicious and low-carb Hatch Chile Rellenos Casserole, Hatch Chile Egg Bites and a Hatch Chile and Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
Can you make White Chicken Chili ahead?
Yes! You can make it the day before and just warm up on the stove or in a slow-cooker. It’s even better the second day.
How to make White Chicken Chili
The best part about this recipe is how quick and easy it is, especially if you’re starting with leftover white chicken. (I usually buy a rotisserie chicken if I don’t have any leftover). Once you get past the initial saute of the onions and garlic, just toss the remaining ingredients in cook until hot and bubbly.
- Saute the onions and garlic in a large Dutch oven like this.
- Add pre-cooked diced or shredded chicken.
- Stir in canned or Hatch chiles.
- Add frozen white or yellow corn
- Bring to simmer and cook until hot, about 30-35 minutes.
Can you make White Chicken Chili in a crock-pot?
Absolutely! Start by sauteing the onions and garlic to soften in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker or crock-pot and set to low for 5 hours. Alternatively, you can make the chili on the stove-top and just keep in warm in the slow cooker or crock-pot.
Make a Chili Bar
White chicken chili is the perfect party, potluck or game day food. To make a chili bar, set out bowls of shredded cheese, chopped onions, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, chips and salsa, and let the guests make their own bowls. Serve homemade cornbread and a big green salad on the side.
White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups cooked chicken white or dark meat chicken, about 2 large chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 4-5 cups chicken broth Less broth for a thicker chili, more for a thinner, ore soup-like consistency.
- 8 ounces green chilies chopped (canned or frozen Hatch)
- 2-3 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2-3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3 cans white beans Great Northern or cannellini, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups frozen corn
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat over over a medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another minute.
- Add chicken broth, chicken, chiles, beans, corn and spices and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer on low until hot, about 30-35 minutes.
- Add lime or lemon juice and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
Crock Pot Instructions
- Follow first step above. Add onions and garlic to crock-pot add remaining ingredients and set slow-cooker or crock-pot to low.
- Heat on low until hot, about 6 hours.
Leslie Macchiarella says
Looks like fun! I’m all over your pumpkin pancakes. They look delish!
Cynthia says
They’re perfect for this time of year too!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
This sounds awesome Cynthia! Love a good White Chili recipe, always so refreshing and perfect recipe for the first week of fall! 🙂
Jodie@Jodies Kitchen says
Sounds like you all had a wonderful time.Everyone did a great job on the pumpkins.I feel you on those pumpkin seeds too.I hate having to clean but love to eat.
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
I love white chili so much, this looks just perfect for those colder, darker nights coming at us soon!
Cynthia says
It makes plenty for leftovers and lunches too!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
So fun, love all these photos! This chicken chili sounds delicious!
Cynthia says
Thank you kimberly!
Ginny McMeans says
That is a beautiful chili! Love the pumpkin carving story too 🙂
Cynthia says
Thank you Ginny!
fabiola@notjustbaked says
Super pretty chili! Pinning for a cooler day!
Cynthia says
Thank you Fabiola!
Susan says
Looks like a fun event and those pumpkins look awesome! This chili looks perfect for a cold night!
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
This looks so healthy and hearty! I might make as soon as the weather cools down here in San Diego.
Cynthia says
Yes, it’s both hearty and healthy!
Carol Borchardt says
Those are some awesome-looking pumpkins along with this chili! I love white chicken chili and your version looks wonderful! Pinned to try this fall!
Cynthia says
Thanks carol. I wish I could take credit for the pumpkins! My husband is the expert carver!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
What a fun evening of pumpkin carving! And this really does look like the perfect chili to serve at an event like that – mild and kid-friendly, with lots of fun toppings and the option to spice it up if you’re a spice lover. Really great … and with fall coming and all the football and tailgating that goes with it, it’s the perfect time for this recipe, all over again this fall! 😀
Cynthia says
Thanks Shelly, it really is my go-to recipe for feeding a crowd easily. And like you said, you can keep all the add-ins on the side so everyone can dress it up to their liking!
allie says
What a great chili recipe and I can’t get over the beautiful carved pumpkins! Masterpieces for sure.What a fun youth group activity.
Cynthia says
Thank you Allie! My husband is the “Master carver” in our family!
Healhty Seasonal Recipes says
Love make-ahead simple and delicious meals. Especially ones that use leftover chicken! Awesome recipe!!
Cynthia says
Yes, and this is so fast and easy!
Carol says
This looks fabulous and simple! Just wish our weather would behave as it should in February instead of being salad weather!! I will try this soon, anyway.
Cynthia says
right? I can’t believe what a warm year it’s been so far!
Carol says
Made your White Chicken Chili again tonight when my husband asked for chili for dinner. Nothing better for another cold rainy day! So tasty and warming. Thanks for the great recipe!
Cynthia says
That’s so awesome! It certainly has been “soup and chili” weather for sure!
Julie says
What a hearty and flavor filled chili! One my family will definitely enjoy.
Cynthia says
Thank you!
Kylie Archer says
I’ve just put this in the slow cooker and it smells amazing! Thanks for a great recipe.
Cynthia says
perfect in slow-cooker, stove or crock-pot!
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
This chili is so hearty and comforting. Love that it gets its flavor from cumin and oregano. Unique yet delicious!
Cynthia says
Yes, a bit different than regular chili
Michelle says
Such a delicious and easy chili to make, perfect for cold rainy days! Yum!
Cynthia says
yes indeed. Great for cool days!
Biana says
Looks so delicious! Perfect for spring, will be making it soon.
Cynthia says
Definitely lighter than regular chili
Lima Ekram says
I love regular beef chili – cant wait to try this! The ingredients look really intriguing!
Cynthia says
Yes, it’s a nice change from regular chili…a little lighter.
Julie says
So delicious and easy!
Cynthia says
thank you!
mimi rippee says
Love love love this. Why have I never made chicken chili? I didn’t grow up with chili at all. The first time I experienced it was in Dallas, so maybe that’s why I just think there’s only “one” way to make chili, meaning beef. I absolutely love all of the ingredients in your white chili so I’m printing it and will make it! Thaks!
Joan says
This recipe is insanely easy and oh, so delicious! Where has it been all my life! I like it better than beef chili! Thanks for the recipe!
Cynthia says
thanks so much! I agree, it’s lighter than beef chili
Giftbasketworldwide says
All your projects are very impressive. Looking forward to see what is next.