Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe Ready in Under 30 Minutes

If you want a warm and comforting meal that comes together fast this Easy White Chicken Chili is perfect. It has tender chicken creamy broth mild spices and simple pantry ingredients. You can make it in under thirty minutes which makes it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 half teaspoon paprika
• 1 quarter teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 can great northern beans fifteen ounces drained and rinsed
• 1 can white kidney beans fifteen ounces drained and rinsed
• 1 can green chiles four ounces
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 half cup canned corn optional
• 1 half cup heavy cream
• 1 half cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 quarter teaspoon salt or more to taste
• Juice of one half lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for topping

Step by Step Instructions for White Chicken Chili Recipe

Sauté the aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium. Add the olive oil and chopped onion. Cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add the spices

Add the cumin chili powder paprika and black pepper. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic and let the flavors bloom.

Add chicken and beans

Place the shredded chicken into the pot. Add both types of beans and the can of green chiles. Stir everything together so it mixes evenly.

Pour in the broth

Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir again. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Cook for about ten minutes so the flavors can blend together.

Add cream and cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir slowly until the cheese melts and the broth becomes creamy and smooth.

Adjust seasoning

Taste the chili. Add salt if needed. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice for brightness.

Serve warm

Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with chopped cilantro for freshness. You can also add a spoon of sour cream or extra cheese if you like.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This chili is very flexible so you can adjust it to match your taste. If you like a thicker chili mash some of the beans with a spoon before adding the cheese and cream. This creates a naturally creamy base. If you want extra heat add a pinch of cayenne or use hot green chiles. You can swap the heavy cream for half and half if you prefer a lighter version. Use rotisserie chicken to save even more time. If you want extra vegetables add diced bell peppers or more corn. For a richer flavor simmer it a few extra minutes although it still tastes wonderful even with a short cook time.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this white chicken chili provides a balanced mix of protein carbohydrates and fat. The chicken offers lean protein while the beans add fiber that helps keep you full. The broth cream and cheese add comforting richness. Depending on portion size an average bowl contains around four hundred to five hundred calories. It offers a nutrient packed meal that feels hearty without being too heavy. You can lighten the recipe by using low fat milk or reducing the cheese amount if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is delicious on its own but you can make it even better with simple sides. Serve it with warm crusty bread that can soak up the creamy broth. Cornbread is another great option since its sweet flavor pairs nicely with the spices in the chili. A fresh green salad adds a crisp contrast. You can also serve it over rice for an even heartier meal. If you want extra toppings try sliced avocado chopped jalapenos shredded cheese or a spoon of plain yogurt. Children often enjoy this chili because the spice level is mild and the creamy texture is very comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions