The Best White Bean Chicken Chili for Cozy Nights

Why I Love This Recipe

Because it brings me back to the very first winter I spent living on my own. I remember standing in my tiny kitchen, scrolling through recipes, wanting something warm, simple, and actually satisfying. I didn’t have a slow cooker or fancy gadgets—just a big pot, some canned beans, and leftover rotisserie chicken. I made do with what I had, tossing in garlic, cumin, onion, and those creamy white beans. The result? A bowl so good I called my mom just to tell her. Now, years later, this white bean chicken chili has become a go-to whenever the weather drops or I just need a little comfort. It’s easy, hearty, and packed with flavor. And best of all? It’s built with real ingredients that don’t require a culinary degree. If you’re looking for the kind of chili that’s full of texture, light creaminess, and warmth in every bite, you’re in the right place.

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All the Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses real, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1–2 poblano or jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (optional for heat)
• 2 cans (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your own pot of quick hearty white chicken chili in under 40 minutes.

1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Add diced onion and optional peppers, cooking until soft.
2. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Cook 1 minute to bloom spices.
3. Stir in green chiles, beans, and chicken broth. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. Blend 1/3 of the beans with broth, return to pot for thickness.
5. Add shredded chicken and corn, simmer another 10–15 minutes.
6. Stir in yogurt/sour cream, lime juice, and chopped cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions & Texture Tips

Top with avocado, cheese, cilantro, or tortilla chips. This creamy white chicken chili with cream cheese variation also works if you’re after a richer result. Leftovers keep for 4 days refrigerated or freeze up to 2 months.

Flavor Add-Ons and Variations

Want to turn up the heat? Add crushed red pepper or an extra jalapeño. For extra richness, blend in a spoonful of cream cheese as used in our classic chili recipe. Rotisserie chicken makes prep faster, and canned corn works perfectly when fresh isn’t available.

Nutrition and Health

This dish is packed with fiber and protein, and the Greek yogurt keeps it lighter. It’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for dairy-free diets. Craving something with lean protein? Our healthy turkey chili is another great pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This white bean chicken chili proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours of simmering to get cozy, bold flavor. With a blend of spices, real ingredients, and step-by-step prep, it’s perfect for weeknights or lazy Sundays. Try it once and it might just become your new winter staple.