White Chicken Chili (Printable)

Tender chicken, white beans, and corn simmered in a creamy, spiced broth. Gluten-free comfort in every bowl.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced, optional
06 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned and drained
07 - 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles

→ Beans and Broth

08 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans cannellini or Great Northern, drained and rinsed
09 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Dairy

10 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

→ Spices and Seasonings

12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
16 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
17 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnishes

18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
21 - Lime wedges

# How to Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
02 - Add the diced onion and jalapeño; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the chicken breasts, white beans, corn, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
06 - Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
07 - Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream; simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is creamy.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
09 - Serve hot, topped with cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, making weeknight dinner feel less like a chore and more like something you actually want to eat.
  • The cream cheese melts into the broth without any fuss, creating a luxurious texture that feels indulgent but tastes surprisingly clean.
  • It's endlessly customizable, so whether you want it mild or spicy, with extra beans or loaded with toppings, it bends to what you're craving.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the cream cheese before adding it, or you'll end up with stubborn lumps no amount of stirring will fix.
  • Rinsing your canned beans makes a surprising difference in the final texture, removing excess starch so the broth stays clear rather than cloudy.
03 -
  • Cook the chicken in larger pieces rather than cutting it first, since this prevents it from shredding too fine and getting lost in the broth.
  • Taste your broth before adding the cream cheese, because adjusting seasonings then is easier than trying to rescue it after the dairy goes in.
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