How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $12.82 total, $2.14 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into ½‑inch cubes)
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
  • 2 cans Diced Green Chilies (4‑oz each, drained)
  • 2 cans Great Northern Beans (15‑oz each, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can Chicken Broth (14.5‑oz, low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
  • ½ cup Sour Cream (add off heat to avoid curdling)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 small Jalapeño (thinly sliced, optional garnish)
  • to taste Hot Sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken breast into ½‑inch cubes. Drain and rinse the beans, and open the cans of green chilies and broth.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 1–2 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Brown the Chicken

    Add the cubed chicken to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces turn opaque on the outside but are not fully cooked through (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Add Seasonings and Liquids

    Stir in salt, pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin, cayenne (if using), the drained green chilies, the rinsed beans, and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: High heat

  5. Simmer the Chili

    Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and let the chili cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  6. Finish with Creams

    Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Serve and Garnish

    Ladle the chili into bowls. Top each serving with a drizzle of hot sauce, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeño if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
6g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili

Recipe by Allrecipes

A creamy, rich white chicken chili made with boneless skinless chicken breast, Great Northern beans, green chilies, heavy cream, and sour cream. This one‑pot recipe is quick to prepare, mildly spiced, and perfect for a comforting family dinner.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
45m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.82
Total cost
$2.14
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the chicken only until opaque before simmering
  • Adding heavy cream and sour cream off the heat to avoid curdling

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot pot
  • Do not add sour cream while the chili is boiling to prevent curdling

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of White Chicken Chili in American cuisine?

A

White chicken chili is a modern twist on traditional Tex‑Mex chili, blending the comfort of creamy soups with the heartiness of classic chili. It became popular in the American Southwest as a milder alternative to red chili, often served at family gatherings and casual dinner parties.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of White Chicken Chili in the United States?

A

In New Mexico, the chili may feature green chile roasted from Hatch, while in Texas versions often add queso fresco or corn. Some Southern adaptations include adding smoked sausage or using cream cheese for extra richness.

cultural
Q

How is White Chicken Chili traditionally served in the American Southwest?

A

It is typically served hot in a bowl, topped with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, and sometimes shredded cheese or a squeeze of lime. It pairs well with warm cornbread or crusty bread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is White Chicken Chili traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

White chicken chili is popular for casual get‑togethers, game‑day parties, and family dinners because it can be made in one pot and kept warm for guests. It’s also a favorite for potlucks and chili cook‑offs where a creamy, mild option stands out.

cultural
Q

How does White Chicken Chili fit into the broader Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?

A

Tex‑Mex cuisine celebrates bold flavors, beans, and chilies. White chicken chili maintains those core elements—beans, green chilies, and cumin—while substituting beef with chicken and adding dairy for a smoother texture, reflecting the fusion nature of Tex‑Mex dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for White Chicken Chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include boneless skinless chicken breast, Great Northern or cannellini beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, heavy cream, and sour cream. Acceptable substitutes are turkey breast for chicken, white kidney beans for Great Northern beans, half‑and‑half for heavy cream, and Greek yogurt for sour cream.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with White Chicken Chili?

A

Serve it alongside cornbread, warm tortillas, or a simple avocado salad. It also complements grilled corn on the cob, roasted sweet potatoes, or a side of sautéed greens for a complete meal.

cultural
Q

What makes White Chicken Chili special or unique in American cuisine?

A

Its creamy texture achieved without processed cream soups, the mild heat from green chilies, and the tender chicken cubes set it apart from traditional red chili, offering a comforting yet lighter alternative that appeals to both kids and adults.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making White Chicken Chili?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken before simmering, which makes it tough, and adding sour cream while the chili is boiling, which can cause curdling. Also, neglecting to season after adding the beans can result in a bland dish.

technical
Q

Why does this White Chicken Chili recipe add heavy cream and sour cream off the heat instead of during simmering?

A

Adding the dairy off the heat prevents the proteins in sour cream from coagulating, which would cause a grainy texture. The residual heat is enough to warm the cream, keeping the chili silky and smooth.

technical
Q

Can I make White Chicken Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the chili up to the simmering stage and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep the heavy cream and sour cream separate; add them just before serving and reheat gently on the stove.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Allrecipes specializes in home‑cooking tutorials that cover a wide range of cuisines, focusing on approachable, step‑by‑step videos that use everyday ingredients and equipment for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Allrecipes emphasizes clear, concise instructions with minimal jargon, often highlighting shortcuts and ingredient swaps that keep dishes budget‑friendly. Their videos frequently include user‑submitted tips and variations, creating a community‑driven feel unlike many professionally‑produced channels.

channel

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