When you need a comforting dinner fast, this Quick & Hearty White Chicken Chili is the perfect solution. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s packed with tender chicken, white beans, and warm spices. This chili is creamy, flavorful, and filling, making it a family-friendly option for weeknights when time is short but you still want something cozy and homemade.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this chili because it proves that comfort food doesn’t have to take hours. By using rotisserie chicken and canned white beans, you cut down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want to serve a hearty dinner quickly, and it always gets rave reviews at the table.
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Quick & Hearty White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Quick & Hearty White Chicken Chili is ready in just 30 minutes. Made with rotisserie chicken, white beans, and warm spices, it’s a creamy, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
½ cup sour cream
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for cooking
Toppings: sour cream, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and oregano; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
6. Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper.
7. Ladle into bowls and top with jalapeño slices, cilantro, or shredded cheese.
Notes
Use chicken breasts instead of rotisserie by cooking them with onions and garlic first.
Great Northern or cannellini beans work best for creaminess.
Add Monterey Jack cheese for extra creaminess.
Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: quick white chicken chili, 30 minute chicken chili, hearty chicken chili recipe
Ingredients List
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Toppings: sour cream, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Step 2: Stir in cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 5: Stir in sour cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Ladle into bowls and top with jalapeño slices, cilantro, and shredded cheese if desired.
Tip: Like my Fall-Favorite Hearty Chili, this recipe tastes even better with toppings that add freshness and crunch.
Why This White Chicken Chili Works So Well
Ready in 30 Minutes
Thanks to rotisserie chicken and canned beans, this chili comes together fast without losing its homemade flavor.
Hearty and Comforting
The combination of creamy broth, chicken, and beans makes this chili filling enough for dinner while still light enough for busy nights.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Kick
Add extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a chili with more heat.
Cheesy Upgrade
Stir in a cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier, cheesier version. Much like my Copycat Wendy’s Chili, this tweak adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of rotisserie?
Yes—cook diced chicken breasts in the pot with the onions and garlic until golden before adding the other ingredients.
What beans work best?
Great Northern beans or cannellini beans work perfectly for this chili’s creamy texture.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes—this chili stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully on the stove.
Can I freeze it?
Yes—freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This Quick & Hearty White Chicken Chili is a lifesaver for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With creamy broth, tender chicken, and hearty beans, it’s a family favorite ready in just 30 minutes. Much like my Best Beef Chili, it proves that comfort food can also be quick and weeknight-friendly. Keep this recipe in your back pocket—you’ll be glad you did.