Easy 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili
Cooler weather calls for the ultimate comfort food and this white chicken chili is just the thing you need for an easy meal the family will love! It’s not only yummy the day you make it, but it warms up the next day like a champ to make delicious chili leftovers for lunch. You just can’t go wrong with this 5-ingredient white chicken chili.
No exaggeration, this is the best white chicken chili recipe for an easy weeknight meal and busy weekends filled with family activities. With white beans and shredded chicken, there is so much great flavor in this easy white chicken chili recipe. Chili cook-offs have nothing on your dinner plans!
What makes a chili considered a white chili?
So, what is white chili? It’s a type of chili that uses white meat instead of ground beef and red beans are replaced with white beans. This gives white chicken chili recipes a lighter flavor without sacrificing any of the amazing taste.
Traditional chili has chili powder and ingredients like frozen corn, pinto beans, black beans, and even navy beans, while white chili uses ingredients like green chilies and cannellini beans.
While some people think that white chili is not as flavorful, we are here to prove them wrong with the best chili recipe!
5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili
This white chicken chili is one of those recipes you’ll make again and again because it’s just so darn good! It’s sure to become one of your favorite recipes.
The perfect blend of spices with great chunks of chicken and white beans makes this dish irresistible. We love to top our chili with shredded cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for the perfect meal any night of the week.
How To Make White Chicken Chili
You’ll love how simple this easy chili recipe has a hint of spice and is to follow and even easier it is to make ahead for those hectic days. The white chicken chili seasoning can be adjusted to your liking, adding more jalapeños for a bit more of a kick.
Ingredients:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- White beans, drained and rinsed
- Jalapeños, chopped
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Ground cumin
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
Cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, shredded
To get started, heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a large stockpot or similar large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for 4-6 minutes until the onion is lightly brown.
Next, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Add chopped, diced or shredded chicken to the garlic mixture and sauté on medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Next add the seasonings, broth and chopped jalapeños (to taste).
Bring all of the ingredients to a slow boil and then lower heat to medium low and let simmer for 12-15 minutes. Add your choice of white beans (do not drain) and continue to simmer for another 45 minutes on low.
Spoon some chili into a big bowl and top with the shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream and serve.
Ingredient quantities & full instructions can be found below on the recipe card.
White Chili Variations
Making the perfect pot of chili with this simple recipe is quick and easy, but what if you want to switch it up a bit? Here are some ideas that will help you tweak your white bean chicken chili to make it the perfect white chili recipe for your family.
Slow Cooker
Although this recipe is made on the stove top, you can prep the ingredients and pop it into the slow cooker to simmer all day to come home to a delicious meal that’s ready to serve.
Whether you use a large saucepan or a crock pot, the perfect way to make this recipe is whatever is easiest for you. I am personally always a fan of the easy way!
Spice
One of the biggest factors in chili is getting the right amount of spice for your family or guests. If you’re not a fan of heat, these can be left out or you can substitute some mild green chilis.
Love the spice? Add the juice from the jalapeños for a kick. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper or top it with a green chili salsa for a punch.
Ingredients
Again, one of the great things about chili recipes is that they are so forgiving. If you love chopping garlic cloves, feel free to use fresh garlic.
Want to get out of the kitchen ASAP? Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken and toss everything in the crockpot.
Craving a creamy chili? Add cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream and let it simmer for an irresistibly rich flavor.
Favorite Toppings
With no right or wrong way to make chili, you know that toppings are an individual thing… Choose from fresh avocado, green onions, salsa verde and pepper jack cheese to make your perfect bowl of chili.
Not sure what your guests like? Set out out small bowls of topping options along with some tortilla chips and let them choose for themselves.
How to Store 5 ingredient White Chicken Chili
Storing your chili is just as easy as making it. Let the chili cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
This white chicken chili recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days or can be frozen for up three months. When you’re ready to eat, let the chili thaw in the fridge overnight and pop it into the microwave or use a medium saucepan to warm it on the stovetop.
You’ll love how simple this creamy white chicken chili recipe is to follow and even easier it is to make ahead for those hectic days. Your new favorite chili recipe is waiting! Try this easy recipe tonight!
