This white chili recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional chili, offering a creamy and flavorful experience. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and a blend of spices to create a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every kitchen. Great northern beans and green chilies are essential for this dish but may require a trip to the supermarket. Make sure to check the international or canned goods aisle for these items.

Ingredients For White Chili Recipe
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a rich flavor base.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the chili.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the dish.
Chicken breast: The main protein, cooked and shredded for easy incorporation.
Chicken broth: Enhances the flavor and provides the liquid base for the chili.
Great northern beans: These beans add a creamy texture and are a key component of white chili.
Green chilies: Adds a mild heat and unique flavor to the chili.
Cumin: A spice that adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Oregano: Provides a slightly bitter, aromatic taste that complements the other spices.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the chili.
Heavy cream: Contributes to the rich and creamy texture of the dish.
Technique Tip for White Chili
When preparing this white chili, ensure to cook the onion until it is fully translucent before adding the garlic. This step is crucial as it allows the onion to release its natural sweetness, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Additionally, when adding the sour cream and heavy cream at the end, make sure the heat is low to prevent curdling. Stir continuously to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile.
Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar savory base without the meat.
Great northern beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar texture and mild flavor.
Green chilies - Substitute with jalapeños: Jalapeños add a similar heat and flavor, though they are spicier.
Cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, slightly citrusy flavor that complements the dish.
Oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without the black specks.
Sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a rich, creamy texture with a slight coconut flavor.
Alternative Recipes Similar to White Chili
How to Store or Freeze White Chili
- Allow the white chili to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
- Transfer the white chili to an airtight container. Make sure to leave a little space at the top if you plan to freeze it, as liquids expand when frozen.
- Label the container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
- Store the white chili in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This ensures it stays fresh and flavorful.
- For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. The white chili can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its quality.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the white chili in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- Reheat the white chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every minute to ensure even heating.
- If the white chili appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, just before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place the leftover white chili in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the chili appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Heat until it is steaming hot and thoroughly warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave Method: Transfer the white chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the chili is hot throughout. Be careful when removing the cover as steam can be very hot.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the white chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chili is heated through. Stir halfway through the reheating process to ensure even warming.
Slow Cooker Method: Pour the leftover white chili into your slow cooker. Set it to low and let it heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great for maintaining the chili's texture and flavor without the risk of burning.
Double Boiler Method: Fill the bottom part of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the white chili in the top part of the double boiler. Stir occasionally and heat until the chili is hot throughout. This gentle method helps prevent the chili from sticking or burning.
Sous Vide Method: Place the white chili in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag with the air removed. Set your sous vide machine to 165°F (74°C) and immerse the bag in the water bath. Heat for about 30-45 minutes, or until the chili is thoroughly warmed. This method ensures even heating and preserves the chili's texture and flavor.
Essential Tools for Making White Chili
Large pot: Used to cook the chili and combine all the ingredients together.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.
Knife: Essential for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and garlic.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, sour cream, and heavy cream.
Can opener: Required to open the cans of great northern beans and green chilies.
Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing the beans.
Mixing bowl: Handy for holding the shredded chicken before adding it to the pot.
Ladle: Perfect for serving the hot chili into bowls.
How to Save Time on Making White Chili
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken breast.
Pre-chopped onions: Buy pre-diced onions to skip the chopping step.
Canned beans: Opt for canned beans to avoid soaking and cooking dried beans.
Minced garlic in a jar: Use jarred minced garlic to save the time of peeling and mincing fresh garlic.
One-pot cooking: Cook everything in one pot to reduce cleanup time.

White Chili Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can Green Chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add shredded chicken, chicken broth, beans, green chilies, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for White Chili
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