White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by Tina Farmer on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $10.18 total, $2.54 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (lean, fresh)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (full-fat)
- 1 tsp Garlic Paste (store-bought or homemade)
- 2.5 cup Chicken Broth (low-sodium)
- 1 can White Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tsp Cumin (ground)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp Slap Your Mama Seasoning (store-bought spice blend)
- 1 tsp Pepper Meal (freshly ground black pepper)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 2 tbsp Green Onions (sliced)
- 1 cup Fritos Corn Chips (crushed for topping)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice the onion, cube the cream cheese, measure all spices, and have the beans drained and rinsed ready.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion
Heat the large pot over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Brown Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it up with the wooden spoon, and cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Cream Cheese & Sour Cream
Stir in the garlic paste, cream cheese cubes, and sour cream, mixing until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Liquids and Beans
Pour in the chicken broth, add the drained white beans, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Season the Chili
Add cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, Slap Your Mama seasoning, pepper meal, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Simmer
Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Low heat
Finish and Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella, sliced green onions, and crushed Fritos.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free (if using gluten‑free Fritos), High-Protein, Low‑Carb (beans moderate carbs)
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chicken: Ground Turkey, Ground Pork
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel Cheese, Ricotta
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek Yogurt, Crème Fraîche
- Instead of Garlic Paste: Minced Garlic, Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable Broth, Water with Bouillon
- Instead of White Beans: Cannellini Beans, Great Northern Beans
- Instead of Cumin: Ground Coriander
- Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh Chopped Chilies
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Green Onions: Chives
- Instead of Fritos Corn Chips: Tortilla Chips
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
- Serving Bowls (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground chicken until fully cooked.
- Melt the cream cheese and sour cream into the base without scorching.
- Simmer the chili long enough for flavors to meld.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
- Toast the crushed Fritos lightly in a dry pan for added crunch.
- Use a mix of cannellini and great northern beans for varied texture.
Troubleshooting
Chili is too thick.
Add additional chicken broth or water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Chili is too watery.
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or stir in a bit more cream cheese to thicken.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chili flavors improve after refrigeration; reheat gently on the stove.
- Prepare toppings (mozzarella, green onions, crushed Fritos) in advance and store separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of White Chicken Chili in American comfort food cuisine?
White chicken chili is a modern twist on traditional Texas chili, swapping beef for chicken and tomatoes for beans and cream, creating a milder, creamier version that became popular in the Southwest during the late 20th century.
What are the traditional regional variations of white chicken chili in the Southwestern United States?
In New Mexico the chili often includes green chilies and corn, while in Texas cooks may add roasted poblano peppers or use a blend of white beans for a richer texture. Some versions also incorporate queso fresco instead of mozzarella.
How is white chicken chili traditionally served in Southwestern American cuisine?
It is typically served hot in a bowl topped with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos, accompanied by warm cornbread or a side of rice.
What occasions or celebrations is white chicken chili traditionally associated with in American culture?
White chicken chili is a popular choice for casual gatherings, game‑day parties, and cold‑weather family meals, especially during football season and holiday pot‑luck events.
How does white chicken chili fit into the broader American Southwest cuisine tradition?
It reflects the Southwest’s love for bold spices, beans, and dairy, blending Mexican influences (chili peppers, beans) with American comfort elements like cream cheese and shredded cheese.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for white chicken chili versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground chicken, white beans (cannellini or great northern), chicken broth, cream cheese, sour cream, cumin, and green chilies. Substitutes can be ground turkey for chicken, Greek yogurt for sour cream, or vegetable broth for chicken broth.
What other Southwest dishes pair well with white chicken chili?
Serve it alongside cornbread, Mexican street‑style rice, avocado slices, or a fresh cilantro‑lime slaw for a balanced meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making white chicken chili at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken so it becomes dry, adding the cream cheese too early which can cause curdling, and not allowing enough simmer time for the flavors to meld.
Why does this white chicken chili recipe use cream cheese and sour cream instead of milk or heavy cream?
Cream cheese and sour cream provide a thicker, tangier body that holds up during simmering, preventing the chili from separating, whereas milk or heavy cream can thin the broth and may curdle at high heat.
Can I make white chicken chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the chili can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
What does the YouTube channel Tina Farmer specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tina Farmer focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes, meal‑prep ideas, and comfort food classics, often sharing batch‑cooking tips for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Tina Farmer's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Tina Farmer emphasizes quick weekend batch‑cooking, practical ingredient swaps, and clear step‑by‑step narration, making classic dishes like white chicken chili feel achievable for cooks of any skill level.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
