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    Home » Recipes

    Easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

    Published: Nov 14, 2022 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    A closeup of white chicken chili in a bowl with a spoon.
    A closeup of white chicken chili in a bowl with a spoon. this …

    This easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is one of the best chili recipes out there! The chili itself is made with white beans, tender chicken, green chilis, and just the right amount of spice. The cream cheese adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish, and the result is a comforting, hearty meal everyone will love. Serve with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

    A closeup of white chicken chili in a soup bowl.

    Now that the weather has turned chilly, I am making warm and comforting meals that fill up the belly and leave everyone happy.

    Chili is one of my favorite meals to make as soon as the weather turns colder. And this white bean chicken chili is hearty and filling and perfect for these colder days.

    The best part is that you can make this whole dish in one pot! The chicken is cooked in a flavorful broth and comes out tender and flavorful.

    This delicious chili is perfect for a chilly night in, and it's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

    Serve it with cornbread or Air Buns for a complete meal your family will love.

    For more great dinner ideas using chicken, try my Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe or my Easy Chicken Pot Pie With Puff Pastry!

    Jump to:
    • What is white chicken chili made of?
    • Why you will love this recipe
    • Ingredients and substitutions
    • Variations
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Equipment
    • White Chicken Chili Crockpot Instructions
    • White Chicken Chili Instant Pot Instructions
    • Storage
    • Top tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • What to serve with white chicken chili
    • Related Soup and Stew Recipes to Try!
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is white chicken chili made of?

    White chicken chili is typically made with white beans, chicken, chicken broth, and green chilies. It also includes corn, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder.

    Why you will love this recipe

    • Ultimate comfort food. It's warm, creamy, hearty, filling, and packed with flavor.
    • Easy to make. This chili is made in one pot and is an easy recipe to make, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
    • Great for a crowd. It can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a large group.
    • Economical. This is the perfect way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.
    • It's delicious. I might be biased, but I think this is the best white chicken chili recipe. You will love the creamy texture!
    • Great for meal prep. Leftovers reheat really well, so it's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    The ingredients for this creamy white chicken chili can easily be found at your local grocery store.

    The ingredients for the white chicken chili on a white counter.
    • Olive oil. This is for browning the chicken. You can also use avocado oil.
    • Chicken breasts. I used boneless skinless chicken breasts. You could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Any leftover chicken will work, including rotisserie chicken.
    • Chicken broth. I used low-sodium chicken broth. If you use regular chicken broth, you may want to omit the salt.
    • Cayenne pepper. This adds a bit of heat to the dish. If you prefer your chili with less heat, simply omit it from the recipe.
    • Green chilis. Adds a burst of flavor to the chili. I like to use mild green chilies, but you could also use canned green chilies or fresh jalapeños.
    • White kidney beans. I used white kidney beans. Another name for these beans is Cannellini beans. Great northern beans also work well in this recipe. You can also use navy beans or kidney beans.
    • Cream cheese. This makes the chili thicker, richer, and creamier.
    • Corn. I used a can of sweet corn niblets. You could also use leftover Smoked Corn on the Cob or grilled corn.
    • Cornstarch and Water. These two ingredients are mixed together to make a slurry to thicken the chili, if desired.

    See the printable recipe card for quantities. Full ingredient info below.

    Variations

    • Spicy -If you like things hot, add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the chili. You can also use an extra can of green chilies or more cayenne pepper.
    • Protein - Change up the protein by using leftover turkey instead of chicken.
    • Cheesy - Give it a cheesy flavor by adding some shredded cheddar cheese on top when serving.
    • Veggies - Add in some chopped bell peppers for a heartier dish.
    • You can also squeeze in some fresh lime juice for extra flavor.

    Looking for a more traditional chili recipe? Be sure to try my Smoked Chili recipe.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Place a dutch oven or large pot on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-high, and add 2 tablespoon of olive oil.

    Place whole chicken breasts in the pot, and brown them for 4 minutes.

    The chicken breasts getting browned in a dutch oven.

    Flip them over, and add onion and garlic. Cook for another 4 minutes, until browned.

    Onion and garlic added to dutch oven.

    De-glaze the pot with a few tablespoons of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to get all of the delicious bits up. Add the rest of the chicken broth to the pot.

    Add the entire can of green chilis, along with the cumin, chili powder, oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

    Once the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low so that it is boiling very lightly. Cover with a lid. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

    Remove the chicken from the dutch oven and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken.

    Shredded chicken on a cutting board.

    Add one can of white beans and cream cheese to the pot. Let the cheese melt for 2 minutes. Use a whisk to mix in the cream cheese. You can also use an immersion blender to blend the soup if desired. A great alternative if you don't have one is a potato masher; use it to mash some of the beans. This will help to thicken the soup.

    Add the other can of white beans and the can of corn. Stir well. Simmer 5-10 minutes more.

    A closeup of the chili simmering on the stove in a dutch oven.

    If you would like your white chicken chili thicker, mix cornstarch and water together until smooth. Pour the slurry into the chili, and stir until hot and thickened.

    Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapenos. Serve hot!

    Enjoy!

    A soup ladle scooping up some white chicken chili.

    Equipment

    To make this easy white chili recipe, I used a cast iron 6-quart Dutch oven. Any large Dutch oven or soup pot will work.

    This recipe can also be made in a crockpot or Instant Pot.

    White Chicken Chili Crockpot Instructions

    You can also make this recipe in the crockpot dish. Simply add all of the ingredients (except the cornstarch and water) to the pot and set it on low.

    Cook the chili for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Crockpots vary in temperature, so be sure to check the chicken periodically to ensure that it doesn't overcook.

    Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it with a fork. Add the shredded chicken back into the chili and stir. Add the cornstarch slurry if you would like it thicker. Turn the heat to high and stir until thickened.

    Serve hot with your favorite toppings and a side of cornbread.

    White Chicken Chili Instant Pot Instructions

    Short on time? You can easily make this recipe in an instant pot. To begin, simply saute chopped onions and garlic in the pot until they are softened.

    Then, add in the rest of the ingredients except for the cream cheese and the cornstarch and water.

    Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.

    Next, add the cream cheese. Replace the lid for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

    Add the cornstarch slurry if you would like it thicker.

    Once the chili is finished cooking, it can be served with your favorite toppings.

    Storage

    • How to store: Let the chili cool until room temperature. Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    • How to freeze: Let the chili cool until room temperature. Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
    • How to reheat: When reheating white chicken chili, heat it on the stove until hot and bubbly.

    Top tips

    • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the base of your chili. This will help prevent it from becoming too greasy.
    • Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor. It gives the chili a rich, velvety texture.
    • Make a slurry with cornstarch and water to thicken the chili if desired.
    A dutch oven and a bowl filled with white chicken chili.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can you freeze white chicken chili?

    Yes, you can freeze white chicken chili. To do so, place the chili in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove.

    What is the difference between white chili and regular chili?

    White chili is a type of chili that is made with white beans and typically doesn't contain tomatoes. It is usually made with chicken, but can also be made with pork. Regular chili is typically made with red kidney beans and diced tomatoes and can be made with any type of meat.

    What to serve with white chicken chili

    Serve this creamy white chili with cornbread, garlic bread, or Air Buns.

    You can also serve it with a side of Sweet Potato Fries, Sweet Potato Wedges, or Broccoli and Cauliflower.

    A closeup of white chicken chili in a bowl

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      Healthy Buttercup Squash Soup Recipe with Carrots
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    If you like this post on White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese, please take a moment to rate the recipe 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and leave a comment below with your thoughts!

    📋 Recipe

    A closeup of white chicken chili in a soup bowl.

    Easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

    This easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is one of the best chili recipes out there! The chili itself is made with white beans, tender chicken, green chilis, and just the right amount of spice. The cream cheese adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish, and the result is a comforting, hearty meal everyone will love. Serve with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 230kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Dutch oven or soup pot

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1½ pounds
    • 1 medium onion finely chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
    • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 2 teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 can canned green chilis 127 mL
    • 2 cans white kidney beans drained and rinsed
    • 8 oz cream cheese room temperature, cut in chunks
    • 1 can corn niblets drained
    • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 2 tablespoon cold water
    • Desired toppings

    Instructions

    • Place a dutch oven or large pot on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-high, and add 2 tablespoon of olive oil.
    • Place whole chicken breasts in the pot, and brown them for 4 minutes. Flip them over, and add onion and garlic. Cook for another 4 minutes, until browned.
    • Deglaze the pot with a few tablespoons of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to get all of the delicious bits up. Add the rest of the chicken broth to the pot.
    • Add the entire can of green chilis, along with the cumin, chili powder, oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
    • Once the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low so that it is boiling very lightly. Cover with a lid. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
    • Remove the chicken from the dutch oven and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken.
    • Add one can of white beans and cream cheese to the pot. Let the cheese melt for 2 minutes. Use a whisk to mix in the cream cheese. You can also use an immersion blender to blend the soup if desired. This will help to thicken the soup.
    • Add the other can of white beans and the can of corn. Stir well. Simmer 5-10 minutes more.
    • If you would like your white chicken chili thicker, mix cornstarch and water together until smooth. Pour the slurry into the chili, and stir until hot and thickened.
    • Serve with your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapenos.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.
    Storage:
    • How to store: Let white chicken chili cool until room temperature. Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    • How to freeze: Let white chicken chili cool until room temperature. Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let the chili thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
    • How to reheat: When reheating white chicken chili, heat it on the stove until hot and bubbly.
    Top Tips:
    • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the base of your chili. This will help to keep the chili light and prevent it from becoming too greasy.
    • Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor. It gives the chili a rich, velvety texture.
    • Make a slurry with cornstarch and water to thicken the chili if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 1288mg | Potassium: 542mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 308IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 1mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bill Waisnor

      January 11, 2023 at 8:49 pm

      5 stars
      OMGoodness, this is off the chart awesome.
      Over the past 42 years I've tried in excess of a dozen white chicken chili recipes. I've only kept 2. Today the link to your White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese recipe arrived via a news feed. What, immediately, intrigued me was the addition of cream cheese. I had to try it. So, tonight White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese was served as dinner for 8 (family & neighbors) unsuspecting guests who are very used to my cooking. Dinner was served with grated cheese, sliced avocado and tortillas.
      The conversation began almost immediately. "is this something new"? "This is so smooth"! "This is absolutely delicious". This is now the Go-To White Chicken Chili recipe and part of the rotation.
      I did double the recipe, added 3 diced bell peppers (personal preference). The beans were replaced with homemade navy beans & chicken broth was replaced with a homemade version of Better Than Bouillon (personal preference).
      It takes a very creative mind to create something so delicious. Thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • Jeri Walker

        January 15, 2023 at 1:33 pm

        Wow! Thank you SO, SO much Bill! I am absolutely thrilled that you tried my recipe and that you liked it! I am truly honored that you have added this recipe to your rotation. 🙂 I love your substitutions - thank YOU for sharing 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jeri!

    I'm a passionate home cook who loves creating easy and delicious recipes for busy families! My goal is to help you make tasty meals quickly so you can spend more time on what matters most-- family!

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