White chicken chili is a hearty, comforting stew, made with white meat chicken, corn, cannelini beans, chopped chiles, and spices. It comes together easily and inexpensively, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. When the weather gets chilly, have some white chicken chili!
White Chicken Chili
Saturday, we hosted our church middle school youth group for a pumpkin carving party. Josh, the youth leader, supplied the pumpkins and carving tools, and we supplied the dinner.
I made white chicken chili the night before, so all I would have to do is heat it up in the Crock Pot, and make a salad.
For toppings on the white chicken chili, I put out shredded cheese, chopped onions, cilantro, sour cream, chips and salsa. We served the chili with a big green salad. Such a simple, hearty dinner, and with very little cooking effort. For dessert, we had Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes.
The late night turned into an impromptu sleep-over, with three girls on the pull-out sofa in the den. That meant an impromptu breakfast of Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, bacon and fruit.
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes.
I got this white chicken chili recipe, originally called “White Christmas Chili”, from a friend, more than a dozen years ago.
It’s definitely not a spicy chili, so if you like more heat, add more chiles or chili powder, as desired.
Here’s the white chicken chili recipe. Enjoy!
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 cups cooked chicken white or dark meat chicken, about 2 large chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 3-4 cups chicken broth depending on how thick you like it.
- 1 or 2 cans of chopped green chilies
- 2-3 teaspoons cumin
- 2-3 teaspoons oregano
- 2 Tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 4 cans of white beans either Great Northern or cannellini, rinsed and drained
- 1 bag of frozen corn
- salt and pepper to taste
- Chili powder optional, depending on how hot you like it.
- Grated cheese sour cream, sliced or chopped onions, cilantro and chips to garnish
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Saute onions 3-4 minutes in a large pot, add garlic and sauté another minute.
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Add everything else
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Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
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Simmer on low until hot.
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Season to taste,
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!