One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy, and downright satisfying meal, you’ve got to try this One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together in just one pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying every delicious bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or to impress your friends at game day, this chili warms the soul with its tender chicken, hearty beans, and just the right amount of spice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pot Convenience: This recipe simplifies dinner by cooking everything in a single pot, saving you time and effort on cleanup.
  • Comfort with a Kick: You’ll enjoy the gentle heat from jalapeño and green chiles balanced with creamy sour cream and avocado.
  • Protein-Packed & Hearty: With shredded chicken and white beans, it’s filling enough for any appetite.
  • Versatile & Adaptable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs without losing the heart of this dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how a handful of simple ingredients could create such a bold and creamy chili. Each item plays its part — from aromatics to spices to fresh toppings — creating layers of flavor that come together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting.

  • Neutral oil: Use canola, vegetable, or avocado oil for sautéing without overpowering the flavors.
  • Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
  • Jalapeño: Seeds removed to control heat—feel free to leave some for extra kick if you like.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a warm, fragrant note.
  • Dried oregano: Earthy and mildly bitter, balances the chili spices.
  • Ground cumin: The star spice of any chili, adding that signature smoky warmth.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into thirds so they cook evenly and shred easily.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: Controls the saltiness and keeps the broth rich and flavorful.
  • Green chiles (canned): Brings color, mild heat, and subtle smokiness.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust according to your broth’s salt content.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Adds fresh, bright spice.
  • White beans (canned): Rinsed and drained to remove excess sodium and starch for a creamier texture.
  • Frozen corn: Sweet crunch that balances the heat and creaminess.
  • Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for tangy creaminess that cools the spice.
  • Avocado: Thinly sliced for garnish, adds buttery richness and visual appeal.
  • Fresh cilantro: Bright, herbal contrast—definitely don’t skip it if you love freshness.
  • Crushed tortilla chips: Adds a lovely crunch to every bite.
  • Monterey Jack cheese: Melts perfectly on top, blending creamy and mild flavors.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to tweak this One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe depending on the season or who’s coming over. It’s so forgiving, you can easily make it yours!

  • Spicy Upgrade: Add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat — my family requests this version on chilly game nights.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with extra beans and add chopped zucchini or mushrooms for earthiness; you won’t miss the meat at all.
  • Slow Cooker Style: Brown the aromatics and chicken first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it simmer all day; results in ultra-tender, flavorful chili.
  • Dairy-Free: Skip the sour cream and cheese, or use coconut yogurt and a dairy-free cheese alternative—still creamy but lighter on the tummy.

How to Make One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your neutral oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and seeded jalapeño, and stir them occasionally until they’re nice and softened—usually about 8 minutes. This slow cooking really draws out their sweetness and mellows the heat from the jalapeño, which I love because it makes the chili rich without overwhelming your palate.

Step 2: Spice It Up and Add Chicken

Next, toss in the garlic, oregano, and cumin. Stir for about a minute until you can smell those warming spices fill your kitchen—this is when the magic starts! Now, add the chicken pieces, pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the canned green chiles. Season with salt and pepper, then bring everything to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce to a simmer and leave it uncovered so the flavors concentrate, letting the chicken cook through in about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Simmer Beans

When the chicken is cooked, scoop it out onto a plate and shred it with two forks—this step is so satisfying to me because the tender chicken pieces just fall apart. Back in the pot, add the rinsed and drained white beans. Simmer for around 10 minutes, smashing about one-quarter of the beans with a wooden spoon to help thicken the chili naturally. You’ll love the creamy texture this creates without needing any extra thickeners.

Step 4: Finish with Corn, Chicken & Sour Cream

Stir in the frozen corn and shredded chicken, letting everything warm through for just a minute or so. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream for that lovely creaminess that balances the spices perfectly. At this point, your kitchen will smell irresistible, and I promise you’ll be excited to dig in.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the chili into bowls and go wild with your favorite toppings: sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, and a sprinkling of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Each garnish adds a fresh or crunchy contrast that makes every spoonful feel special—trust me, this is not your average chili night!

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Pro Tips for Making One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Tempering Your Spices: Toast the dried oregano and cumin with garlic for just a minute to unlock their true aroma and flavor—this step makes a big difference.
  • Chicken Size Matters: Cutting the chicken breasts into thirds helps them cook quickly and shred easily, which speeds up your whole process.
  • Be Gentle with Beans: Smashing only a quarter of the beans keeps some beans whole for texture while naturally thickening the chili.
  • Control Heat Gradually: Remove seeds from jalapeño for mild warmth, then adjust with the chiles or add hot sauce at the table to keep everyone happy.

How to Serve One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy soup containing shredded light-colored chicken, white beans, yellow corn, chopped green herbs, and pieces of crushed pale yellow tortilla chips mixed throughout. On one side of the soup, there is a dollop of smooth white sour cream topped with a few small green herb leaves. Next to it, three bright green slices of avocado are neatly placed on top of the soup, also garnished with small herb leaves. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with part of another similar bowl visible at the top right corner and a glimpse of a white bowl of tortilla chips in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my white chicken chili with creamy avocado slices and fresh cilantro, which add a cool, vibrant contrast. The crushed tortilla chips give that addictive crunch, and a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese melts ever-so-slightly on the warm chili, making each bite a little celebration of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this chili is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I like to serve it alongside a simple green salad with a citrusy dressing or some warm, buttery cornbread. Sometimes I also whip up a quick guacamole to double down on avocado goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or dinner parties, I sometimes set up a chili bar with all the garnishes in small bowls—lettuce, jalapeño slices, chopped green onions, and different cheeses. It’s so fun to watch guests customize their bowls, and it turns the meal into an interactive experience that everyone enjoys.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the wonderful things about this One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe is that it tastes even better the next day. I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It thickens as it cools, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to get the perfect consistency again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chili several times with great success. Just cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. The flavor holds up wonderfully, making this a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer gently warming the chili on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for the best texture, but if you’re short on time, microwave in short bursts stirring in between works just fine.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a few more minutes to become tender enough to shred easily.

  2. How spicy is this chili, and can I make it milder?

    This chili has a gentle warmth from the jalapeño and green chiles. If you prefer milder flavors, remove all the seeds from the jalapeño and use mild green chiles. You can also leave out the jalapeño altogether. Feel free to add hot sauce at the table to customize each serving’s heat.

  3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just double-check labels on canned goods to be sure no gluten-containing additives sneaked in.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

    Definitely. Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more beans or your favorite vegetables for heartiness. For a vegan version, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese.

  5. What’s the best way to thicken this chili if I want it richer?

    Smashing some of the beans while simmering works beautifully to thicken the chili naturally. If you want it thicker still, you can simmer it a bit longer uncovered or stir in a bit of masa harina (corn flour) mixed with water near the end of cooking.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe has been a total game-changer in my kitchen. It’s the kind of meal I come back to again and again for its ease, comforting flavors, and how it gathers everyone around the table. I genuinely believe that once you make this, it will quickly become a go-to recipe for you, too. Give it a whirl—I promise you’ll be bragging about it just like I do!

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One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe

One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipes Recipe

4.6 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup/Chili
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This One-Pot White Chicken Chili is a hearty and creamy twist on the traditional chili, featuring tender shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy game day or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare using a single pot.


Ingredients

Scale

Chili Base

  • 1 tbsp. neutral oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin

Main Ingredients

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds
  • 5 c. low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 (4.5-oz.) cans green chiles
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 (15-oz.) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 c. frozen corn

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 c. sour cream
  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced, for serving
  • 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
  • 1/4 c. crushed tortilla chips, for serving
  • 1/4 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese, for serving


Instructions

  1. Heat the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the neutral oil. Add the chopped onion and jalapeño and cook, stirring frequently, until they soften, about 8 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic, oregano, and cumin and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken pieces into the pot along with the chicken broth and green chiles. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  3. Shred Chicken: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks.
  4. Cook Beans and Thicken: Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot and bring back to a simmer. Using a wooden spoon, gently smash about one-quarter of the beans to help thicken the chili. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Combine and Heat Through: Stir in the frozen corn and shredded chicken pieces, cooking for an additional minute to heat through evenly. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sour cream for creaminess.
  6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with thin avocado slices, freshly chopped cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • White chicken chili offers a creamy and protein-packed alternative to traditional red chili, making it ideal for chilly evenings or game day snacks.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by leaving the jalapeño seeds in or using a milder pepper.
  • This recipe is versatile—you can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier finish or add extra beans for a vegetarian variation.
  • Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 554
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1491 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 12 g
  • Protein: 49 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg