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White Chicken Chili

A creamy, comforting white chicken chili that's perfect for potlucks and family dinners, featuring roasted chicken, white beans, and plenty of cheese.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Roasted for added flavor
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided Used for roasting and sautéing
  • 3 cups chopped onion About 2 medium onions
  • 3 Tbsp minced garlic About 4–5 large cloves
  • 3 cans 15-oz white beans, drained (cannellini or great northern) Provides creaminess and substance
  • 2 cans 4-oz chopped green chiles (hot or mild) Adds flavor and heat
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 4–6 cups low-sodium chicken broth Start with 4 cups and add as needed
  • 6 cups shredded cheese, divided (half Monterey Jack, half cheddar) For creaminess and flavor
  • 2 cups sour cream, divided Adds creaminess
Seasonings
  • 2 Tbsp chile powder, divided Use multiple types for layered flavors
  • 3 Tbsp ground cumin, divided
  • 1 tsp salt, divided Plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust to taste
Garnishes
  • chopped scallions
  • chopped cilantro
  • hot sauce Optional for extra heat
  • extra sour cream
  • extra shredded cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread chicken breasts in a roasting pan.
  2. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 2 tsp chili powder, 1 Tbsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and a pinch or two of cayenne.
  3. Roast chicken for 30 minutes until cooked through. Let cool, then shred or cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Cooking
  1. In a large pot, heat remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds more.
  3. Add drained white beans, shredded chicken, chopped green chiles, oregano, 2 Tbsp chili powder, 2 Tbsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp cayenne. Stir to combine.
  4. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Reserve extra broth to thin later if needed. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and let sit for about 5 minutes. With the pot off the heat, stir in 3 cups of shredded cheese, adding 1 cup at a time until melted smoothly. Then stir in 1 cup sour cream.
  6. Return the pot to low heat and gently simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra chicken broth to reach desired consistency if needed.
  7. For added texture, mash about half the beans and chicken in the pot with a potato masher and stir to combine.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with garnishes such as scallions, cilantro, extra sour cream, shredded cheese, and hot sauce on the side.

Notes

For best flavor, make-ahead and allow chili to deepen overnight. Reheat gently and adjust consistency with chicken broth.