White Chicken Chili: Click the link in my bio and then select the photo to get the recipe ️
White Chicken Chili: Click the link in my bio and then select the photo to get the recipe ❤️ is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chelsea on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 hrs | Total: 6 hrs 25 min
Cost: $19.60 total, $3.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Breast (boneless skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 cans White Beans (15‑oz cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can Corn Kernels (15‑oz can, drained)
- 1 can Diced Green Chilies (4‑oz can, mild)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded, for topping)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin (toasted optional)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder (mild)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, cut the chicken into bite‑size pieces, and drain and rinse the beans, corn, and green chilies.
Time: PT10M
Combine in Crock‑Pot
Add the chicken, onion, garlic, beans, corn, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the Crock‑Pot. Stir to distribute evenly.
Time: PT2M
Slow Cook
Cover and set the Crock‑Pot to Low. Cook for 6 hours without lifting the lid.
Time: PT6H
Add Cream Cheese
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese in small pieces until fully melted and the chili is creamy.
Time: PT5M
Finish and Serve
Spoon the chili into bowls, top with shredded Monterey Jack, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 6g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Nut-Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey Breast
- Instead of White Beans: Black Beans
- Instead of Corn Kernels: Frozen Corn
- Instead of Diced Green Chilies: Fresh Jalapeños
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt (1 cup)
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: Cheddar cheese
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Chili powder
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Thyme
- Instead of Chili Powder: Paprika
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice
- Instead of Cilantro: Parsley
Equipment Needed
- Crock-Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Prep Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not lift the lid during the 6‑hour slow cook
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully melted for a creamy texture
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the cumin briefly in a dry pan before adding for deeper flavor
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep without sacrificing taste
- Garnish with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness
Troubleshooting
Chili is too thick
Stir in an extra ½‑1 cup of chicken broth until desired consistency is reached
Chili is too thin
Continue cooking uncovered on high for 20‑30 minutes to reduce liquid
Flavor is bland
Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch more cumin and chili powder
Cream cheese didn’t melt fully
Break the cheese into smaller pieces and let it sit a few minutes longer, stirring gently
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare and chop all ingredients the night before and refrigerate them in separate containers
- The chili can be fully cooked a day ahead; reheat gently on low before serving
- Portion and freeze leftovers for quick meals later
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of White Chicken Chili in American Southwest cuisine?
White chicken chili is a staple of the American Southwest, blending Mexican influences (white beans, green chilies) with classic American comfort food techniques. It originated as a lighter alternative to traditional red chili, often served at family gatherings and community cook‑offs.
What are the traditional regional variations of White Chicken Chili in Texas and New Mexico?
In Texas, the chili often includes pinto beans and a smoky chipotle flavor, while New Mexican versions may add Hatch green chilies and a touch of red or green chile powder for extra heat. Both regions emphasize a creamy texture achieved with cheese or cream.
How is White Chicken Chili traditionally served in the Southwest?
It is typically served hot in a bowl, topped with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and sometimes sliced avocado or sour cream. It pairs well with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread.
What occasions or celebrations is White Chicken Chili traditionally associated with in American Southwest culture?
White chicken chili is popular at holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as at local chili cook‑offs, pot‑luck parties, and casual weekend family dinners.
How does White Chicken Chili fit into the broader Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?
It reflects Tex‑Mex’s blend of Mexican ingredients (beans, chilies) with American comfort‑food techniques (slow cooking, creamy dairy additions), illustrating the fusion that defines the cuisine.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for White Chicken Chili versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include chicken breast, white beans (cannellini or great northern), corn, green chilies, cumin, oregano, and cream cheese or Mexican crema. Substitutes can be turkey breast for chicken, black beans for white beans, Greek yogurt for cream cheese, and fresh jalapeños for canned chilies.
What other Southwest dishes pair well with White Chicken Chili?
Serve it alongside Mexican street‑style corn (elote), fresh guacamole, warm flour tortillas, or a simple cilantro‑lime rice for a complete meal.
What makes White Chicken Chili special or unique in Southwest cuisine?
Its creamy, milky base sets it apart from the tomato‑based red chilies common in the region, offering a lighter yet richly spiced flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making White Chicken Chili?
Common errors include lifting the lid too often, which releases steam and slows cooking; adding cream cheese too early, which can cause it to curdle; and under‑seasoning the broth before the long cook. Follow the timing steps carefully for best results.
How do I know when White Chicken Chili is done cooking in the Crock‑Pot?
The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork, the beans should be soft, and the chili should have a thick, creamy consistency. A quick taste test for seasoning confirms it’s ready.
What does the YouTube channel Chelsea specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chelsea focuses on simple, family‑friendly recipes that often use one‑pot or slow‑cooker methods, emphasizing comfort foods that can be prepared with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
How does the YouTube channel Chelsea's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Chelsea’s approach centers on ultra‑easy, step‑by‑step tutorials that require few ingredients and equipment, prioritizing convenience for busy home cooks while still delivering authentic, crowd‑pleasing flavors, unlike many channels that focus on elaborate techniques or gourmet plating.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
