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

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Dice the onion, cube the cream cheese, measure all spices, and have the beans drained and rinsed ready.

    Time: PT5M

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Simmer

    Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low heat

  8. 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

Last updated: April 20, 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 Tina Farmer

A hearty, creamy white chicken chili perfect for chilly days, made with ground chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, white beans, and a blend of warm spices, topped with mozzarella, green onions, and crunchy Fritos.

EasyAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
12m
Prep
38m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.18
Total cost
$2.54
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure ground chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Be careful when crushing Fritos to avoid chips scattering.

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 comfort food cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of white chicken chili in the Southwestern United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is white chicken chili traditionally served in Southwestern American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is white chicken chili traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How does white chicken chili fit into the broader American Southwest cuisine tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for white chicken chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Southwest dishes pair well with white chicken chili?

A

Serve it alongside cornbread, Mexican street‑style rice, avocado slices, or a fresh cilantro‑lime slaw for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making white chicken chili at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this white chicken chili recipe use cream cheese and sour cream instead of milk or heavy cream?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make white chicken chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tina Farmer specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

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

A

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.

channel

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)