This Easy White Chicken Chili is a creamy and flavorful dream! Tender chicken, hearty beans, and a medley of spices come together in a single pot for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, ready in under an hour, and perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave a warm and cozy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and flavorful: The combination of chicken, beans, spices, and a touch of cream cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
Easy and convenient: This one-pot recipe means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Healthy and satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins.

Ingredients for Easy White Chicken Chili

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting chili. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the flavorful broth.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
Red Onion and Red Bell Pepper: Add sweetness and depth of flavor.
Chicken Breasts: Cooked to tender perfection in the chili.
Canned Green Chilies: Adds a mild chili flavor.
Navy Beans or Great Northern Beans: Adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein and fiber.
Frozen Sweet Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
Oregano, Garlic, Salt, Cumin, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper: A blend of spices that add warmth and depth to the chili.
Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy richness.

Optional Garnishes:

Shredded Mexican Cheese: Adds a cheesy topping.
Sour Cream: Adds a cool and tangy element.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Easy White Chicken Chili (Instant Pot)

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper with olive oil until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Step 2: Pressure Cook the Chili

Add the chicken breasts, green chilies, seasonings (oregano, salt, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper), beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Do not stir. Lock the lid in place and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Natural Release and Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure¹ manually. Press ‘Cancel’ and turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Turn off the Instant Pot. Shred the chicken using two forks and stir it into the chili.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chili hot in bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Crock Pot Instructions: If using a Crock Pot, sauté the vegetables and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (except for the cream cheese). Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Shred the chicken and stir in the cream cheese until melted.
Pre-Cooked Chicken: If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, simply sauté the vegetables and garlic on the stovetop, then add the shredded chicken and remaining ingredients to a pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in the cream cheese until melted.
Chili Consistency: If the chili is too thin, create a slurry with cornstarch and water and stir it into the chili.
Spice Level: For a spicier chili, use a can of jalapeños along with the green chilies.

How to Serve Easy White Chicken Chili

Cozy meal: Enjoy this chili as a hearty and satisfying meal on a chilly day.
Game day: Serve it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course for your next game day gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can use other types of white beans, such as cannellini beans or butter beans.

Can I make this chili without the cream cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cream cheese, but the chili will have a thinner consistency and less creamy flavor.

My chili is too spicy, what should I do?
If your chili is too spicy, you can add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to help cool down the heat.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as corn or bell peppers.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Easy White Chicken Chili. I hope you enjoy it!