Description

Craving a comforting bowl of chili that’s packed with flavor but light enough for any night? What if you could whip up a creamy, protein-rich white chicken chili with tender chicken, white beans, and mild green chiles in under an hour? White Chicken Chili is your answer—a quick, zesty dish with a 4.8-star rating from 52 reviews, perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep with a Southwestern flair

Ingredients

Here’s the lineup for 4-6 servings. Each ingredient plays a key role, and I’ll explain why it’s important plus offer swaps for flexibility.

Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté veggies for rich flavor. Sub: Olive oil or avocado oil.
Garlic (2 cloves, finely chopped): Adds aromatic depth. Sub: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Jalapeño (1 small, stemmed, seeded, finely chopped): Brings mild heat and fresh flavor. Sub: Serrano for more heat or green bell pepper for no heat.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Provides sweet, savory backbone. Sub: Shallot or 1 teaspoon onion powder.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhance all flavors. Sub: Sea salt or low-sodium alternatives.
Ancho chile powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds smoky, mild heat. Sub: Regular chili powder or smoked paprika.
Ground coriander (1/2 teaspoon): Brings citrusy, earthy notes. Sub: Ground cumin or fennel seeds.
Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm, nutty depth. Sub: Chili powder or ground coriander.
Chicken stock (4 cups): Forms the flavorful base. Sub: Vegetable stock or water with bouillon.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4, about 1 1/2 pounds): Lean protein that shreds easily. Sub: Chicken thighs or canned white beans for vegetarian.
White beans (two 15-ounce cans, with liquid): Add creamy texture and protein. Sub: Cannellini, navy, or great northern beans.
Mild chopped green chiles (two 4-ounce cans): Bring tangy, mild heat. Sub: Fresh roasted Anaheim chiles or diced green bell pepper.
Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, chili-lime corn nuts, tortilla chips, sour cream, sliced radishes, pickled jalapeños, avocado, grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack, chopped bacon, shredded cabbage. Sub: Use any combo or swap for Greek yogurt, lime wedges, or crushed crackers.

These ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the mix of protein, fiber-rich beans, and nutrient-packed veggies makes this a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté the veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped jalapeño, 1 chopped onion, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 6 minutes. Tip: Chop veggies finely for even cooking and better texture.
Add spices: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds to bloom flavors. Tip: Stir constantly to prevent spices from burning.
Simmer the base: Add 4 cups chicken stock and bring to a brisk simmer over medium-high heat. Add 4 chicken breasts and simmer until just cooked through (165°F internally), 15-20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate to cool slightly. Tip: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Blend the beans: Add two 15-ounce cans of white beans (with liquid) to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes. Transfer about half the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth (careful with hot liquids—vent the lid). Return blended mixture to the pot. Tip: Blend less for a chunkier chili or more for a creamier texture.
Finish the chili: Add two 4-ounce cans of mild green chiles to the pot. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend flavors. Shred the cooled chicken with two forks and add it back to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning for a bold, balanced flavor.
Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and serve with toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, chili-lime corn nuts, tortilla chips, sour cream, sliced radishes, pickled jalapeños, avocado, grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack, chopped bacon, or shredded cabbage. Tip: Set up a topping bar for fun customization.