Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

The Creamiest Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe Ever Made

Have you ever craved a seriously delicious white chicken chili that packs incredible nutrition and flavor?

Warm spices dance through tender chicken and creamy beans in this knockout recipe.

Comfort meets wellness in every single bite of this hearty meal.

Lean protein and rich, smooth textures create a perfect balance for health-conscious food lovers.

Our twist transforms traditional chili into a nourishing powerhouse your taste buds will absolutely adore.

Each spoonful brings together wholesome ingredients that satisfy and energize you completely.

You won’t believe how simple yet spectacular this chili can be – grab your ingredients and let’s make magic happen!

Features Of Healthy White Chicken Chili

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken breast, fiber-rich white beans, and vibrant vegetables, this chili delivers a knockout nutritional punch for health-conscious eaters.
  • Spice Up Your Comfort Zone: Featuring a perfect blend of warming spices like cumin, chili powder, and cayenne, this recipe offers a delightful flavor profile that transforms a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience.
  • Quick Kitchen Champion: Requiring minimal prep and cooking steps, this white chicken chili comes together in just a few minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks craving a satisfying and wholesome meal.
  • Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows personalization with optional toppings like Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, enabling each person to craft their perfect bowl of comfort.

Essential Ingredients For Healthy White Chicken Chili

Proteins:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean meat that provides the main protein source for the chili.
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy topping that adds protein and a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
Aromatics and Spices:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor base for the chili.
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that create a warm, complex flavor profile with a hint of heat.
Liquid and Vegetables:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base and enhances the overall chicken flavor.
  • White Beans, Corn, Green Chilies: Hearty vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and southwestern character to the chili.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and prevents sticking.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's flavors.
  • Cilantro, Lime: Fresh garnishes that brighten the chili with herbal and citrus notes.

How To Make Healthy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Place a large pot on the stove and drizzle olive oil, heating it over medium flame. Toss in diced onions and gently cook until they become translucent and soft, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and let it dance around for a quick minute, releasing its delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

Add chicken breast pieces along with these spices:
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Oregano
  • Cayenne pepper

Stir and cook until chicken transforms into a golden brown color on all sides.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

Combine these ingredients into the pot:
  • White beans
  • Corn kernels
  • Green chilies
  • Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Perfect the Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Enjoy your hearty and nutritious white chicken chili!

Tips To Improve Healthy White Chicken Chili

  • Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan version of the chili.
  • Reduce cayenne pepper for a milder taste or increase for extra heat, depending on your spice preference.
  • Drain and rinse canned white beans to lower sodium content and improve digestibility.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep or leftover grilled chicken for added flavor variety.
  • Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for convenient meal planning and future quick lunches.

Alternative Twists On Healthy White Chicken Chili

  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or white beans for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute corn and beans with cauliflower rice and add extra green chilies for volume.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and omit cheese toppings for those with dairy restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, increase cayenne pepper, and top with pepper jack cheese for heat lovers.

Ideal Pairings With Healthy White Chicken Chili

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warming meal that hugs your soul on chilly evenings.
  • Fiesta Topping Party: Arrange small bowls of fresh toppings like diced avocado, crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and extra cilantro so everyone can customize their chili.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for quick, protein-packed lunches at work or school, keeping the flavors fresh and exciting.
  • Accompaniment Perfection: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crisp green salad, or fluffy quinoa to transform this chili into a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Store White Chicken Chili

  • Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the chili in a sealed container to preserve its flavor and texture.
  • Freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label containers with the date and contents to track storage time, which can be up to 4 months in the freezer.

FAQs

  • Is white chicken chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper you add. Start with a small pinch for mild flavor, or increase for more kick.

  • Can I use canned beans?

Absolutely! Canned white beans work perfectly and save time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the pot.

  • How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add extra chicken or stir in some Greek yogurt at the end for additional protein boost. You can also include quinoa or additional beans.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and spice labels to confirm no hidden gluten sources.

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Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired white chicken chili showcases tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices in a comforting one-pot meal. Home cooks can enjoy this nutritious, protein-packed dish that delivers robust southwestern flavors with minimal preparation time.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) diced green chilies
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Liquids:

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Serving Accompaniments:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
  3. Incorporate raw chicken pieces along with ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and a hint of cayenne pepper, stirring continuously until meat transforms to a golden-brown exterior.
  4. Pour in white beans, sweet corn kernels, roasted green chilies, and rich chicken broth, elevating temperature until liquid reaches a robust boil.
  5. Reduce flame to low, allowing chili to gently simmer and develop complex flavors for 15-20 minutes, ensuring chicken cooks thoroughly and ingredients meld harmoniously.
  6. Calibrate seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
  7. Ladle steaming chili into warm serving bowls, garnishing with dollops of creamy Greek yogurt, freshly chopped cilantro leaves, and zesty lime wedges for a bright, tangy finish.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breast for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and add more flavor depth during busy weeknights.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and create a healthier version of this hearty chili.
  • Dial down cayenne pepper for kid-friendly meals or increase for a spicier kick that warms you from inside out.
  • Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick meal prep, keeping this chili fresh up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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