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0 from 45 votes

Creamy White Chicken Chili

The Best White Chicken Chili Recipe made with shredded chicken, jalapeno, onion, spices, in a creamy chicken broth with salsa verde, cream cheese, white beans, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 385 kcal
Course: Soup , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 1 Jalapeno pepper (finely diced)
  • 4 to 5 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. Chicken Breast * (boneless, skinless) or 2 cups of shredded chicken
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 3/4 cup salsa verde
  • 1 to 2 14-ounce cans White beans (drained)
  • 8 ounces cheese, grated (Pepper Jack, Cheddar, etc)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Toppings:
  • Cilantro, Avocado, Sour Cream, Tortilla Strips, Cheese

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Drizzle with oil. Add onions and cook for 8-10 minutes, until onions are softened. Add jalapenos and cook for 2 minutes longer.
  2. Add chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in chicken breast. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. If using chicken tenderloins, it may take 15 minutes.
  3. Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 15 seconds until softened. This will help the cream cheese to melt into the soup.
  4. Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot (or if using rotisserie chicken, add it now). Add cream cheese, salsa verde, white beans, cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro. Heat until the cream cheese and cheese are completely melted.
  5. Taste for seasonings and add more spices if needed. When ready to serve, top it with cheese, avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

  • Can I add corn to this white chicken chili?
  • Absolutely! Add the frozen corn in the last 15 minutes of cooking to maintain its sweetness and texture.
  • What type of beans to use in White Chicken Chili?
  • There are many varieties and names of canned white beans. I suggest using the following canned white beans -- Great Northern White Beans, Cannellini White Beans, Navy White Beans, or White Chili Beans. I suggest draining and rinsing the beans before adding them to the white chicken chili.
  • The White Chili Beans will usually be soaked in a chili sauce with spices.
  • What type of chicken to use in this White Chicken Chili Recipe?
  • You can use any type of shredded chicken. If you want to make it extra simple, use shredded rotisserie chicken. 
  • This recipe calls for the chicken to simmer with the other ingredients until cooked through. You can also use poached shredded chicken or shredded chicken cooked in a slow cooker.
  • Can this White Chicken Chili Recipe be made in a Slow Cooker or Crockpot?
  • Absolutely! This is the easiest method to make this slow cooker white chicken chili recipe. I suggest adding all of the ingredients except the beans, salsa verde, cheese, and fresh cilantro. These will be added when you shred the chicken and will just be heated up. Adding the beans toward the end of the cooking time will ensure they don't become mushy. 
  • The crockpot white chicken chili will cook for about 6-7 hours on low. 
  • Can I substitute another ingredient for cream cheese?
  • Yes! You can add heavy cream, half-n-half, or even sour cream. The sour cream will give the soup a little tang and I suggest adding it at the end. 
  • Can I make this White Chicken Chili spicier?
  • Absolutely! I suggest adding an extra jalapeno for some extra spice. You can also add in some red chili flakes, hot salsa verde, and pepper jack cheese.
  • Can I make this White Chicken Chili milder?
  • Yes! You can remove any of the seeds and center membrane from the jalapeno which houses most of the spice. You can also use a milder pepper, such as a poblano pepper, in place of the jalapeno for less spice. This isn't a very spicy soup with the addition of cream cheese.
  • How can I thin out this white bean chili?
  • You can add an extra 1 cup of chicken broth, for a total of 6 cups if you desire a soup type consistency.

Nutrition Information

Calories 385kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 23g (35%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 119mg (40%) Sodium 1640mg (68%) Potassium 641mg (18%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 1015IU (20%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 305mg (31%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 385

% Daily Value*

Calories 385kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 119mg 40%
Sodium 1640mg 68%
Potassium 641mg 14%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 1015IU 20%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 305mg 31%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.