This one‑pot creamy white chicken chili is the answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas. Imagine mixing everything in one Dutch oven, stirring once or twice, and ending up with a rich, velvety chili that practically cooks itself. That’s comfort food without chaos—and it’s exactly what this recipe delivers.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I fell in love with this recipe the day I needed dinner—and only had one pot between me and bedtime. A single Dutch oven became a hero, melding white beans, tender chicken, garlic, and velvety cream into a silky chili that felt luxe and soothing. In one pot, I knew I’d find minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Now it’s my shortcut to warmth, texture, and real-deal comfort on even the busiest nights.
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One Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili with White Beans
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
A rich, velvety white chicken chili made in one pot. Creamy, cozy, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow or white onion, finely diced
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Juice of half a lime
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in Dutch oven. Sauté onion until soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Add garlic, chicken, and spices. Cook 2–3 minutes until chicken starts to brown.
3. Stir in beans, green chiles, and chicken broth. Bring to simmer.
4. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add heavy cream and simmer 5 more minutes.
6. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
Top with cheese, tortilla chips, or avocado.
For thicker texture, mash some beans before adding cream.
Store leftovers in fridge 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: one pot white chicken chili, creamy chili, white beans chili
All the Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these easy-to-find staples before you start—it makes the process smooth and enjoyable:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, finely diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Juice of half a lime
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
This one-pot version is structured for ease and flavor—simple, effective, and rewarding:
- Warm the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, chicken pieces, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the chicken starts to brown lightly.
- Stir in the white beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—cover partially.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so flavors meld and the chicken cooks through.
- Stir in heavy cream and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and become silky.
- Finish with lime juice and cilantro for a fresh, bright touch before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This chili shines with simple toppings—try shredded cheese, extra cilantro, or a swirl of sour cream. For a visually vibrant twist, add cubed avocado or serve with tortilla chips. If you’d rather let the slow cooker handle it, check out the Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili – Dump & Go version.
Flavor Add‑Ons and Paro Tips
Craving more depth? Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or add a diced poblano for smoky spice. Need extra body? Mash half the beans before adding cream, stirring into a thicker base. Swap in Greek yogurt in place of cream for a lighter feel. Want to make it heartier? Stir in a cup of corn or diced bell pepper early in the cooking process.
Storage & Make‑Ahead Advice
Cool your chili completely and store in an airtight container. It lasts 4 days in the fridge and freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to avoid dryness. For meal prep convenience, batch-make this and store in single-portioned freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Health Notes
This recipe packs protein and fiber from the chicken and beans, with creamy satisfaction from the dairy. To lighten it up, swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. Need a boost of vitamins? Stir in baby spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking. Prefer a slower cooking method? The softer textures work beautifully in a slow cooker—see the creamy twist in our Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese for inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead?
Yes! Use about 2 cups of cooked beans—add them in when you’d add canned beans.
What if I want to make it dairy-free?
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or omit it entirely—just expect a thinner, less creamy result.
Can this work as a freezer meal?
Absolutely. Cool fully, divide into freezer containers, then thaw overnight before reheating on the stove or in the slow cooker.
Related Recipes on the Site
Love this? You might also want to explore: Quick Hearty White Chicken Chili for fast stovetop cooking, the one-pot comfort of The Best White Bean Chicken Chili, or a rich, indulgent spin with Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese.
Conclusion
Simplicity, comfort, and creamy satisfaction—this one‑pot chili delivers in every way. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or making meal prep easy, it’s proof that minimal fuss can yield major flavor. Ready for the Midjourney image prompts, SEO elements, or the Tasty Recipe Card for this recipe? Just say the word!