Name: White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (from 2 cans of 14 oz. each); 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken (about 1 lb.); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chiles; 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained; 2 (15 oz.) cans white beans (cannellini or great Northern), drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh chopped cilantro; A dollop of sour cream; Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, shredded; Tortilla strips; Sliced avocados; Sliced jalapenos

If you're on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful bowl that’s just a little different from the usual, this White Chicken Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It's creamy, packed with spices, and so satisfying that every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through making it just right.

white chicken chili - A large ladle filled with thick creamy soup is being lifted from a white pot, showing three main layers: light creamy broth with specks of black pepper and chopped herbs, soft yellow corn kernels scattered throughout, and shredded white meat pieces visible near the surface. In the background, sliced green avocado adds a fresh color contrast. The soup’s texture looks rich and smooth with some visible small chunks. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make White Chicken Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
White Chicken Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, white chicken chili has become one of those recipes I turn to when I want something comforting but still packed with flavor. It’s not your everyday red chili — it’s creamy, tangy, and brimming with gentle spices that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s pretty straightforward to make, which is always a win in my busy kitchen.

Unique Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives this chili a silky, rich feel that makes every bite smooth and indulgent.
Loaded with Flavor: The blend of cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and coriander creates layers of taste that are both comforting and exciting.
Quick & Convenient: Using rotisserie chicken means you’re skillet-to-table in under an hour — perfect for weeknights!
Super Customizable: Whether you like it spicy or mild, chunky or smooth, there’s plenty of room to make this chili your own.

white chicken chili - A close-up image shows a spoonful of creamy soup held above a white bowl filled with the same creamy soup. The soup is thick and light orange in color with visible chunks of yellow corn and small pieces of green herbs. There are pieces of white chicken meat in the soup, covered in the sauce. In the background, slices of bright green avocado and some tortilla chips can be seen partially inside the bowl. The surface under the bowl has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here lies in combining fresh aromatics with pantry staples to create that quintessential chili base, then elevating it with creamy cheese and fresh lime. Each ingredient plays a role to balance heat, tang, and texture, so you get a bowl that’s bursting with flavor but never overwhelming.

white chicken chili - Flat lay of diced yellow onion with its translucent layers, two cloves of peeled garlic showing their smooth white surfaces, bright green diced chiles with a glossy texture, vibrant golden whole kernel corn glistening under the light, creamy white cannellini beans with a smooth finish, shredded rotisserie chicken showing tender, juicy fibers in warm beige tones, fresh cilantro sprigs with bright green feathery leaves, and sliced fresh jalapenos displaying shiny dark green skin and seeds inside, all beautifully arranged with a natural, slightly scattered layout that highlights their fresh textures and colors, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Yellow Onion: A sweet and savory base that softens and mellows as it cooks, building complexity in every spoonful.
Garlic: Just a touch adds aromatic depth and warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that carries all the spices and textures together.
Diced Green Chiles: They add subtle heat and a touch of brightness, enhancing this chili’s unique profile.
Whole Kernel Corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cream cheese.
White Beans: Creamy and mild, these help thicken the chili while adding protein and fiber.
Spices (cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, coriander, cayenne): This carefully balanced blend provides warmth, subtle heat, and earthiness—just right for white chili.
Cream Cheese: The secret to richness and softness—melts right into the chili giving it a creamy body.
Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor, but cooked leftover chicken works just as well.
Lime Juice & Cilantro: Added at the end, they brighten the whole dish and add a fresh, lively finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this white chicken chili recipe? You can really make it your own. I like to encourage you to experiment with what you have and how you like your heat and creaminess — it’s meant to be flexible and forgiving.

Variation: I’ve swapped cream cheese for a mix of sour cream and Greek yogurt to cut calories, and it’s still deliciously creamy with just a slight tang.
Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne and jalapenos. For a kick, add fresh chopped jalapenos or a dash of ancho chili powder.
Fresh Herbs: Sometimes I toss in fresh parsley or even a pinch of fresh thyme instead of or along with cilantro for a different herbal note.
Slow Cooker Option: Throw everything (except cream cheese and cooked chicken) into a slow cooker on low for about 6 hours, then add those last ingredients — this is especially great for busy days.

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

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is key — getting the onions softened without browning them ensures a sweet, mellow base. Then add your minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant; garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it.

Step 2: Add Broth, Veggies, and Spices

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in your diced green chiles, drained corn, and rinsed white beans. Sprinkle in your cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, and season generously with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then lower heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This simmering marries all those spices and ingredients, creating the chili’s signature depth.

Step 3: Puree for Creaminess

Once the chili has simmered, remove about a cup and blend it until smooth using a food processor or immersion blender. This little trick thickens your chili while keeping some of the beans and veggies whole for texture. Stir the puree back into the pot—it’s where the creaminess really starts to shine.

Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese and Chicken

Add in your softened cream cheese cubes and shredded rotisserie chicken. Stir well, allowing the cream cheese to melt fully into the chili, creating that luxurious smooth texture. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the chicken warms through, and the flavors harmonize.

Step 5: Brighten and Finish with Freshness

Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. This step adds a burst of brightness that balances the creamy richness and spices perfectly. Let the chili simmer for a couple more minutes; it will thicken up a bit more as it rests.

Top Tip

From my many batches of making this white chicken chili recipe, the difference between ‘just okay’ and ‘absolutely crave-worthy’ often comes down to a few insightful tweaks.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves so much time and adds an extra layer of flavor since it’s already seasoned.
Don’t Skip the Puree Step: Blending a cup of soup not only thickens but also balances the texture wonderfully.
Softened Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before adding so it melts effortlessly and integrates smoothly.
Fresh Lime Juice: Add it last, right before serving, to preserve its bright flavor without cooking it away.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe

white chicken chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I absolutely love topping my bowl with fresh chopped cilantro — it adds that herby freshness that feels like sunshine in a bite. A dollop of sour cream adds cool creaminess, while shredded Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese melts beautifully over the hot chili. And if I’m in the mood to indulge, crunchy tortilla strips, sliced ripe avocado, and even some jalapeno slices make it extra special.

Side Dishes

This white chicken chili pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips. Sometimes I serve it alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness or steamed rice if I’m soaking up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I like serving this white chicken chili in mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls with individual topping jars on the side so guests can customize their own bowls. It’s a fun way to turn a cozy meal into a little celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the chili cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days and actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld even more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chili a few times, and it reheats really well. Just freeze it in portioned containers, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat slowly over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking and to help the cream cheese reincorporate smoothly. If the texture feels a bit thick after reheating, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can add raw chicken breasts or thighs to the pot while simmering the chili. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces or cook it whole, then shred once fully cooked. This will add extra time but works well.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly less thick and rich, but it will still provide creaminess.

How spicy is this chili?

This white chicken chili has a mild to medium heat level, thanks to the mild green chiles and a little cayenne pepper. It’s easy to adjust the spice by adding more or less cayenne or adding fresh jalapenos for extra kick.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! This recipe adapts beautifully to the slow cooker. Add all ingredients except cream cheese and cooked chicken and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Then stir in cream cheese and chicken and cook another 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This white chicken chili recipe is one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm blanket on a chilly day — and making it yourself means you can tweak every detail until it’s just perfect for your taste buds. I hope you give it a try soon, pop on your favorite toppings, and enjoy a bowl full of creamy, spicy, zesty goodness that’s become a staple in my kitchen and might just become yours too.