Name: Creamy White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 can (4 oz) green chiles; 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy White Chicken Chili is the cozy comfort meal you didn’t know you needed until that first spoonful. It has all the heartwarming charm of a classic chili but with a luscious creamy twist that makes it utterly irresistible. Packed with tender shredded chicken, soft white beans, sweet corn, and mild green chiles, this dish simmers together in a silky, spiced broth that will warm you right through.

It’s the perfect one-pot meal when the temperatures drop and you need something soul-soothing yet easy to throw together. Whether you’re making it on a lazy Sunday or for a busy weeknight dinner, this white chili feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Chicken Chili

This chili brings together convenience and big flavor in the best way. With pantry staples and leftover or rotisserie chicken, you can whip it up in under an hour. The cream cheese and sour cream give it that luscious texture while green chiles and spices add just the right amount of gentle heat. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and perfect for freezing.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

This recipe is beautifully flexible. You can use freshly cooked chicken breasts, leftover roast chicken, or even a rotisserie chicken from the store. Shredded chicken thighs also work great for extra richness. As long as it’s tender and easy to shred, it will soak up all that creamy chili goodness.

Ingredients for the Creamy White Chicken Chili

To bring this flavorful chili together, you don’t need anything fancy. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that balance of spice, creaminess, and hearty texture.

Cooked shredded chicken – This is the heart of the dish. Use rotisserie for convenience or leftover roasted chicken.
White beans – Cannellini or Great Northern beans work best for a creamy, mild bite.
Chicken broth – Builds the base of your chili with a savory depth.
Green chiles – Adds a gentle heat and smoky flavor without overpowering.
Corn – Sweet bursts of texture that contrast the creamy broth beautifully.
Onion – For that subtle aromatic base that brings it all together.
Garlic – A must for depth and warmth.
Cream cheese – Makes the broth thick and luscious.
Sour cream – Adds tang and creaminess.
Cumin & chili powder – The spice blend that gives it that signature chili feel.
Salt & pepper – Always needed to bring everything into balance.

How To Make the Creamy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a bit of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, green chiles, corn, and white beans. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the Chicken and Spices

Add the cooked shredded chicken to the pot. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer another 10 minutes so the chicken can soak up all that delicious flavor.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely into the broth. Then add the sour cream and mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the creamy chili into bowls and serve hot. Top with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, or crushed tortilla chips if you like an extra crunch.

How to Serve and Store Creamy White Chicken Chili

This recipe serves about 6 generous portions, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping. You can serve it on its own or alongside warm cornbread, a crisp salad, or tortilla chips.

To store, let it cool completely and transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to bring back the creaminess.

What to Serve With Creamy White Chicken Chili?

Cornbread Muffins

The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is a classic side that complements the chili perfectly.

Crispy Tortilla Chips

Add some crunch with tortilla chips. They’re great for dipping and scooping up every last bite.

Avocado Slices or Guacamole

Cool, creamy avocado balances the warm spices and adds a fresh touch.

Lime Wedges

A squeeze of lime brightens everything up and adds a zesty contrast.

Mexican Rice

If you’re serving a crowd, a side of Mexican rice makes it even more filling and festive.

Pickled Jalapeños

For those who love heat, these bring an extra punch of flavor.

Shredded Cheese

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack sprinkled on top adds melty goodness.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chili.

Want More Cozy Soup & Chili Ideas?

If Creamy White Chicken Chili is your kind of comfort food, you’ll love exploring more cozy bowls from the site:

Cajun Potato Soup for a bold, spiced spin.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli if you’re craving veggie-loaded comfort.
Delicious Texas Style Chili for a rich tomato-beef classic.
Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup if you want to switch things up with exotic flavors.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it spicier? Add extra toppings? Maybe even turn it into a freezer meal?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. If you have questions, ask away and let’s make this the coziest bowl of chili ever.

Explore more wholesome dinner inspiration on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite comfort food!

Conclusion

Creamy White Chicken Chili is one of those go-to meals that hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s perfect for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or cozy weekend meals. Plus, it’s so flexible you can tweak it to your family’s taste. If you haven’t made white chili before, this is the one to try.