Bowl of easy white chicken chili garnished with cilantro and tortilla strips

Easy White Chicken Chili

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Easy White Chicken Chili is a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for any time of the year. With tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of spices, this chili is both hearty and satisfying. It’s also a great recipe for busy weeknights, as it comes together quickly in just one pot. Plus, it’s a kid-friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy!

How to Make Easy White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
5.25 cups chicken broth
3 (15 ounce) cans cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed and drained
2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chiles
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 pinches cayenne pepper, or to taste
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or to taste
salt to taste

Directions:

  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook chicken, onion, and garlic in hot oil until chicken is browned on both sides, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer chicken to a cutting board; cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Return chicken pieces to the Dutch oven. Add chicken broth, cannellini beans, green chiles, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Divide cilantro among 4 bowls. Ladle chili over cilantro and top with cheese.
  • Season with salt to serve.

How to Serve Easy White Chicken Chili

Serve the chili warm in bowls. It’s great on its own, but you can also add toppings like extra cilantro, cheese, or sour cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it with warm cornbread or tortilla chips on the side.

How to Store Easy White Chicken Chili

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Easy White Chicken Chili

  1. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to match your spice preference.
  2. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. Simply shred it and add it to the pot with the broth.
  3. Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving can brighten the flavors even more.

Variation

For a different flavor, try adding corn or bell peppers to the chili. You can also swap the cannellini beans for navy beans for a slightly different texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just brown the chicken and onions in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

2. Is this chili spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted. Use less cayenne pepper for milder chili or add more if you like it hot.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef can be used instead of chicken for a different taste. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.