Creamy White Chicken Chili: Your Ultimate Comfort Food (Easy Stovetop & Slow Cooker Recipe!)
When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something hearty and comforting, nothing quite hits the spot like a warm bowl of chili. But forget traditional red chili for a moment, because my Mom’s White Chicken Chili recipe offers a deliciously creamy, flavor-packed alternative that will warm you from the inside out. This incredible dish features tender shredded chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, rich sour cream, vibrant green chiles, a perfect blend of spices, and just enough jalapeño to give it a gentle kick. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile – prepare it quickly on your stovetop or let it simmer to perfection in your slow cooker for an effortless meal.
This creamy white chicken chili isn’t just a recipe; it’s a family legacy. Whenever my mom visits and helps with the kids, this is the meal they eagerly request. And, much to my chagrin, there’s rarely a spoonful left by the time I get home! So, if I want to savor this delightful dish, I’ve learned that making it myself is the only sure way to get a taste. Its comforting embrace is truly a lifesaver on cold days, making it an essential addition to your recipe rotation. This chili isn’t just food; it’s an experience of warmth and contentment, perfect for a cozy night in.
The Heartwarming Inspiration Behind This Creamy White Chicken Chili
Interestingly, this particular recipe wasn’t a staple in our household when my brother and I were growing up. My mom introduced it much later, and I’m still not entirely sure where she first encountered it. My best guess is that she received it from a friend or colleague at work, a testament to how the best recipes often travel through word-of-mouth. Regardless of its origin, we’re all incredibly grateful she discovered it. It stands out as a wonderfully delicious and lighter alternative to the more common, tomato-based beef chilis, offering a unique flavor profile that quickly captivated our family’s taste buds.
The beauty of this white chicken chili also lies in its adaptability. I often prepare a large batch of shredded chicken, either by cooking chicken breasts in flavorful chicken stock or by picking up a convenient rotisserie chicken. Having pre-cooked chicken on hand makes this recipe incredibly quick to assemble. It’s also a brilliant way to utilize leftover turkey after holidays, transforming what might otherwise be plain leftovers into an exciting new meal. This flexibility means you can whip up this chili even on the busiest weeknights, using whatever chicken (or turkey) you have available.
What Makes White Chicken and White Bean Chili So Unique?
White chicken chili offers a delightful contrast to traditional red chili, almost as if it’s designed to be its delicious opposite. While red chili is typically dark, robust, and often beef-based with red tomatoes and kidney beans, white chicken chili presents a lighter, creamier profile. Instead of dark red or brown, it’s a beautiful, inviting white. It swaps beef for tender chicken, red chiles for mild green ones, and beef stock for savory chicken stock. It typically features light-colored beans, such as Great Northern or navy beans, which contribute to its distinctive appearance and texture. Despite these differences, there’s no doubt that this is still a true chili at heart – deeply flavorful, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
The combination of these “white” ingredients creates a rich and subtly spiced dish. The green chiles provide a mild, earthy warmth, while the Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream melt into a luxuriously creamy base. This unique blend makes it a fantastic choice for those who prefer a less intense heat than some red chilis, or simply want to explore a different, yet equally comforting, chili experience. It’s a wonderful example of how stepping outside the box of traditional ingredients can lead to surprisingly delicious results.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If this creamy white chicken chili recipe has already captured your culinary imagination, make sure you don’t lose it! Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board, such as “Easy Dinner Ideas” or “Comfort Food Recipes,” so you can easily find it when you’re ready to cook up this comforting meal. Share the warmth and flavor with your friends and family!
Essential Ingredients for Mom’s White Chicken Chili Recipe
To create this unforgettable white chili, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry staples that combine to form its distinctive flavor profile:
- Cooked Chicken: Whether you opt for flavorful leftover chicken, fresh shredded chicken you’ve prepared, or even a convenient rotisserie chicken, this is the hearty base of our chili.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onions are sautéed to create a fragrant foundation, while cilantro and green onions add a burst of freshness and color.
- Heat & Flavor: Jalapeños provide a gentle heat (remove seeds for milder chili), complemented by the warm, earthy notes of ground cumin, a hint of zesty oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper for subtle spice.
- Broth & Body: Chicken stock forms the liquid base, enriched by chicken bouillon (or soup base) for an extra layer of savory depth.
- White Elements: Mild green chiles are essential for the “white” chili character, alongside creamy Great Northern Beans or navy beans.
- Creamy Finish: Sour cream adds luxurious richness and a tangy counterpoint, perfectly balanced by the melty, mild flavor of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Find the full, detailed, and printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post!
Great Northern Beans vs. Navy Beans: What’s the Difference?
While Great Northern Beans and Navy Beans are distinct varieties, they are perfectly interchangeable in most recipes, including this white chicken chili. Many home cooks, myself included, sometimes struggle to find one over the other, so it’s reassuring to know that either will yield fantastic results. Both are mild-flavored white beans, though they have subtle differences in appearance and texture.
Great Northern beans are typically larger than navy beans, with a slightly kidney-like shape and a thinner skin, resembling small white lima beans. Navy beans, on the other hand, are smaller, plumper, and have a denser, creamier texture when cooked. For this chili recipe, either choice will contribute to the desired creamy consistency and absorb the wonderful flavors of the broth and spices. If neither is available, cannellini beans (white kidney beans) can also make a suitable substitute, offering a similar mild flavor and tender texture.
Effortless Stovetop Preparation for White Chicken Chili
Preparing this flavorful white chicken chili on your stovetop is a quick and satisfying process, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights. Start by heating a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a sturdy Dutch oven or a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing them gently until they become translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for building a rich flavor base.
Next, incorporate the pre-cooked shredded chicken, drained green chiles, chopped jalapeño, ground cumin, dried oregano, chicken stock, chicken soup base (or bouillon), chopped cilantro, and your chosen white beans (Great Northern or navy beans). Stir in the cayenne pepper for that subtle warmth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This simmering time allows all the incredible flavors to meld together beautifully.
Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the sour cream and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is completely melted and the chili is wonderfully creamy and heated through. Be careful not to boil after adding the dairy to prevent curdling.
Serve your delicious white chicken chili immediately, topped generously with fresh green onions, extra slices of jalapeño for those who enjoy more heat, and crispy tortilla strips or crumbled tortilla chips for added texture. Imagine dinner this good, ready in about 35 minutes total, including prep! If you prefer a more hands-off approach, the slow cooker method offers fantastic convenience.
How to Cook Mom’s White Chicken Chili in the Crockpot for Ultimate Convenience
For those days when you need a delicious meal with minimal effort, making this white chicken chili in your Crockpot is an absolute game-changer. The “set it and forget it” convenience allows you to come home to a warm, comforting dinner without the rush of stovetop cooking. Depending on your schedule, you can cook it on high, medium, or low temperature settings, making it incredibly flexible.
Beyond daily meals, a slow cooker also excels when entertaining a crowd. It keeps the chili warm and ready for guests to serve themselves, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. To adapt this recipe for the slow cooker, simply combine all the ingredients you would use for the stovetop method (onions, garlic, cooked chicken, chiles, jalapeño, cumin, oregano, broth, cilantro, beans, cayenne, and soup base) directly into your Crockpot. Stir everything together well.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the flavors have fully developed and the chili is piping hot. Crucially, wait to add the sour cream and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until the last 15-30 minutes of cooking time. Stir them in thoroughly, cover, and allow them to melt and create that signature creamy texture. This prevents the dairy from curdling over a long cooking period. Once done, give it a final stir, and your creamy, comforting white chicken chili is ready to be enjoyed.
Why You’ll Love This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Tips & Variations
This white chicken chili isn’t just easy; it’s incredibly versatile and satisfying, making it a staple for any home cook. Its creamy texture and mild spice profile appeal to a wide range of palates, and it’s particularly forgiving for those who prefer a gentler heat than traditional red chilis. The use of pre-cooked chicken makes it one of the quickest comfort food recipes you can prepare, transforming dinner from a chore into a joy.
Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili:
- Chicken Prep: For the most flavorful chicken, simmer chicken breasts with aromatics like bay leaves and a quartered onion before shredding. This adds depth to your chili.
- Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño. For more kick, leave some seeds in; for less, remove them entirely. A dash more cayenne can also amp up the warmth.
- Bean Variety: While Great Northern and Navy beans are recommended, feel free to experiment with Cannellini beans for a slightly different texture.
- Dairy Integration: Always add sour cream and cheese off the direct heat or at the very end of cooking on low. This prevents the dairy from separating or curdling, ensuring a silky-smooth chili.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish. They add a vibrant freshness that brightens the entire dish.
Delicious Variations to Try:
- Smoky Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a subtle smoky depth.
- Heartier Veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers (green or yellow work best for color), corn, or even a small amount of diced zucchini during the simmering stage.
- Cream Cheese Boost: For an even richer, thicker chili, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the sour cream and Monterey Jack.
- Lime Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can really brighten the flavors and add a zesty finish.
- Spicy Topping: Offer a variety of hot sauces or a spoonful of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce on the side for those who crave extra heat.
So, the next time you’re searching for a warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying meal, remember this amazing white chicken chili. Whether you opt for a speedy stovetop preparation or allow it to slow cook to perfection all day, this recipe is a definite keeper that promises to become a new family favorite!
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Now, let’s get right to the incredible recipe for this delicious White Chicken Chili that everyone will adore! 
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Print Recipe
White Chicken Chili
Equipment
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Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
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AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 5 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 2 4oz cans green chilies, drained
- 1 large jalapeno pepper seeds removed, chopped
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 40 ounces chicken stock
- 2 Tablespoons chicken soup base (chicken bouillon)
- 2 14-16 ounce sized cans Great Northern Beans
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cps sour cream
- Chopped green onion
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
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Heat a couple of Tablespoons of olive oil in a dutch oven on the stovetop. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent.
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Add cooked chicken, chilies, jalapeño, cumin, oregano, broth, cilantro, beans, cayenne and soup base. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 15 minutes. **OR put in your crockpot and set on low.
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Just before serving add sour cream and cheese, cooking over low heat until cheese is melted.
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Serve at once, topped with green onions, fresh jalapeños and tortilla strips if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on January 16, 2015. It was updated to improve user experience and re-shared on November 27, 2020.