YT Recipe

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a easy American (Tex-Mex) recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by TENNESSEE NIKKI on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $37.68 total, $6.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color, diced)
  • 1 can (15 oz) Corn (drained)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 4 cups Shredded Chicken (use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast, shredded)
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium; 2 cups added initially, 1 cup later)
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (full‑fat for richness)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened block, will melt into sauce)
  • 2 packets White Chicken Chili Seasoning Pack (store‑bought seasoning mix)
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Pack (store‑bought ranch seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables

    Dice the onion and bell pepper into bite‑size pieces. Open and drain the corn, beans, and Rotel.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat the large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil if desired, and sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add Main Ingredients

    Stir in the corn, Rotel (with its liquid), drained beans, shredded chicken, 2 cups chicken broth, heavy cream, both seasoning packs, and the softened cream cheese block.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. First Simmer

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  5. Adjust Consistency

    Add the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth, stir, and let the chili come back to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Final Simmer

    Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the cream cheese to fully melt.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  7. Serve

    Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls. Top with optional sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro if desired.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

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

Dietary info: High‑Protein, Gluten‑Free if using gluten‑free seasoning, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (possible in seasoning packs)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

White Chicken Chili

Recipe by TENNESSEE NIKKI

A quick, one‑pot white chicken chili packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, beans, corn, and a creamy blend of heavy cream and cream cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or stormy evenings, this recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

EasyAmerican (Tex-Mex)Serves 6

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

Source Video
13m
Prep
37m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$37.68
Total cost
$6.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft – this builds the flavor base.
  • • Fully melt the cream cheese; incomplete melting leaves lumps.
  • • Simmer long enough for the chili to thicken and flavors to integrate.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the hot pot and steam with care to avoid burns.
  • • Cream cheese can splatter when added to hot liquid; add gradually.

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 (Tex‑Mex) cuisine?

A

White chicken chili blends traditional Mexican ingredients like green chilies and beans with Southern comfort‑food elements such as cream cheese and heavy cream. It became popular in the American Southwest as a milder, creamier alternative to classic red chili, often served at family gatherings and casual dinner nights.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of White Chicken Chili in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

In New Mexico, cooks often add roasted green chilies and use pork instead of chicken. In Texas, many recipes incorporate corn, cream cheese, and a ranch seasoning blend, as shown in this video. Some versions also feature queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack on top.

cultural
Q

How is White Chicken Chili traditionally served in the Southern United States?

A

It is typically served hot in a bowl, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Many families pair it with warm cornbread, crusty biscuits, or over rice for a hearty meal.

cultural
Q

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

A

White chicken chili is a popular choice for casual gatherings, game‑day parties, and especially for storm‑y evenings when a comforting, quick one‑pot meal is needed. It’s also featured at holiday pot‑luck spreads in the South.

cultural
Q

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

A

It reflects Tex‑Mex’s love for bold flavors and convenience, using pantry staples like canned beans and Rotel while adding Southern dairy richness. The dish showcases the fusion of Mexican spice profiles with American comfort‑food textures.

cultural
Q

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

A

Authentic ingredients include shredded chicken, Great Northern or cannellini beans, corn, Rotel‑style green‑chili tomatoes, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Substitutes can be frozen corn, canned beans of any white variety, half‑and‑half for cream, or Neufchatel cheese for a lighter option.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with White Chicken Chili?

A

Serve it alongside Mexican street‑style corn (elote), fresh guacamole, a simple avocado salad, or warm flour tortillas for dipping. A side of cilantro‑lime rice also complements the creamy chili nicely.

cultural
Q

What makes White Chicken Chili special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Its creamy texture from heavy cream and cream cheese sets it apart from the tomato‑based red chilies typical of the region. The combination of ranch seasoning and white chili mix adds a distinctive herbaceous flavor that is both comforting and mildly spicy.

cultural
Q

How has White Chicken Chili evolved over time in American cooking?

A

Originally a home‑cooked comfort dish, it gained popularity in the 1990s with the rise of packaged seasoning mixes. Modern versions often incorporate convenience ingredients like rotisserie chicken and canned soups, making it faster for busy households.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about White Chicken Chili?

A

Many think it must be spicy, but the classic version is mild and relies on creamy richness. Another myth is that it requires a lot of fresh ingredients; in reality, a pantry‑friendly version can be made entirely with canned goods and pre‑shredded chicken.

cultural
Q

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

A

Avoid overcooking the cream cheese, which can cause lumps; keep the heat low once the cheese is added. Also, don’t skim the broth too early—let the chili simmer long enough for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

technical
Q

Why does this White Chicken Chili recipe use both a white chili seasoning pack and a ranch seasoning pack?

A

The white chili mix provides the classic cumin‑and‑garlic base, while the ranch packet adds a tangy herb flavor that enhances the creaminess and gives the dish its signature Southern twist.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, the chili improves after a few hours as the flavors meld. Cool it quickly, store in airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to four days or freeze for two months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel TENNESSEE NIKKI specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel TENNESSEE NIKKI focuses on quick, family‑friendly Southern and comfort‑food recipes, often using pantry staples and offering tips for cooking during busy or stormy days.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel TENNESSEE NIKKI's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

TENNESSEE NIKKI blends Southern hospitality with Tex‑Mex flavors, emphasizing speed, simplicity, and the use of canned or pre‑made ingredients, whereas many other channels prioritize fresh‑only or gourmet techniques.

channel
More like this:American (Tex-Mex) RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by TENNESSEE NIKKI

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

This is White Chicken Chili, you’re gonna love it!
23

This is White Chicken Chili, you’re gonna love it!

A hearty, one‑pot chicken chili made in a crock‑pot with beans, corn, tomatoes, and melty cheeses. Perfect for busy days and easy to customize with toppings like tortilla strips, sour cream, and guacamole.

5 hrs 50 minServes 6$18
American
Easy White Chicken Chili (Stovetop Recipe)
8

Easy White Chicken Chili (Stovetop Recipe)

A comforting, creamy white chicken chili made with pantry staples like white beans, corn, and a secret ranch seasoning. Perfect for cool evenings, this easy recipe can be made ahead, reheated, and customized with your favorite toppings.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$19
American
White Chicken Chili: Click the link in my bio and then select the photo to get the recipe ❤️
7

White Chicken Chili: Click the link in my bio and then select the photo to get the recipe ❤️

A creamy, slow‑cooked white chicken chili that’s perfect for busy evenings. Toss all ingredients into a Crock‑Pot, let it simmer, and enjoy a hearty, award‑winning bowl of flavor that has won chili‑cookoff first places.

6 hrs 25 minServes 6$20
American
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe - I Cracked The Code On Flavor!
5

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe - I Cracked The Code On Flavor!

A creamy, hearty white chicken chili made in a slow cooker. Uses rotisserie chicken, a mix of beans, corn, tomatoes with green chilies, and a touch of cream cheese for richness. Perfect for family meals or gatherings.

6 hrs 45 minServes 6$16
American
Ree Drummond's Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili
6

Ree Drummond's Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili

A hearty, comforting white chicken chili made in a slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts, soaked Great Northern beans, and a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and white pepper create a flavorful broth, finished with masa, milk, sweet corn, lime juice, and Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with sour cream, extra cheese, cilantro, and warm corn tortillas.

9 hrs 40 minServes 6$36
American (Tex-Mex)
Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili
6

Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili

A rich, spicy, and comforting Cajun‑style white chicken chili made with tender chicken thighs, white beans, corn, and a splash of heavy cream and cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game‑day crowd‑pleaser.

1 hr 5 minServes 6$50
American (Cajun)
🔥 Trending Recipes← All Recipes