The beauty of this White Chicken Chili lies in its comforting creaminess, vibrant green veggies, and robust blend of spices—all ready in under an hour thanks to the Instant Pot. Cannellini beans and tender shredded chicken soak up rich broth and subtle heat from jalapeños, while a swirl of sour cream adds that irresistible tangy finish.
Whether you’re seeking a hearty dinner for a cold evening or prepping a cozy meal ahead of a busy week, this chili hits all the right notes. Garnish with cilantro, serve with warm tortillas or crumbly cornbread, and watch it disappear—fast. It’s a dish both adults and kids will request again and again.
Full Recipe:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
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2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
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3 ribs celery, chopped
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1 medium yellow onion, chopped
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2 teaspoons ground cumin
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2 teaspoons dried oregano
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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2 teaspoons salt
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2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
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1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
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Set the Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add bell pepper, jalapeños, celery, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in cumin, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute.
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Add cannellini beans, then layer chicken on top. Pour in chicken broth—do not stir.
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Seal the lid and cook on manual/high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pot build pressure (about 10 minutes).
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After cooking, do a quick pressure release.
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Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Stir in sour cream and cilantro.
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Adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve warm with tortillas, cornbread, or rice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 519 kcal | Servings: 4–6 servings
Introduction to White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili has become a favorite alternative to the classic beef-and-tomato-based chili that many people know and love. It brings together hearty ingredients like tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and bold green vegetables into a one-pot meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Made famous through home cooks and food bloggers alike, this version often includes rich sour cream, a medley of spices, and is frequently made in an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot for speed and ease. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a dish for a fall gathering, White Chicken Chili delivers on flavor, texture, and nutrition.
What Makes It “White” Chili?
Unlike traditional chili, which uses tomatoes and red kidney beans as its base, white chicken chili replaces these ingredients with lighter counterparts. Instead of tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, the liquid base is often a clear or slightly creamy chicken broth. The beans used are typically white—like cannellini, navy, or Great Northern—giving the dish a lighter color and a milder flavor profile. Chicken replaces beef, and green vegetables such as bell peppers, jalapeños, and celery are common additions. The result is a vibrant, creamy stew that’s equally hearty but unique in both appearance and taste.
A Family-Friendly Twist on a Classic
One of the standout qualities of white chicken chili is its universal appeal. It’s flavorful without being overly spicy, making it perfect for kids and spice-sensitive adults alike. While jalapeños can add a subtle heat, the overall profile is more savory and tangy, thanks to ingredients like sour cream and ground coriander. Even picky eaters often find this dish approachable, especially when served with familiar sides like rice, tortilla chips, or cornbread. For families trying to sneak in more veggies or swap out red meat for lean protein, this chili is a welcome and nutritious solution.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights
From a nutritional standpoint, white chicken chili has a lot to offer. First, the use of boneless, skinless chicken provides a lean source of protein without the added fat that can come with ground beef. White beans are rich in fiber, which supports digestion and helps keep you full longer. Many versions are also packed with vegetables—onions, celery, and green bell peppers—that add essential vitamins and minerals without sacrificing taste.
A standard serving can offer upwards of 35 grams of protein and significant portions of potassium, Vitamin C, and iron. Additionally, because it’s made in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, the cooking method preserves more nutrients than traditional boiling or extended stovetop simmering.
Pressure Cooker Perfection
One of the reasons White Chicken Chili has exploded in popularity in recent years is its compatibility with the Instant Pot and other electric pressure cookers. These devices not only reduce cooking time significantly but also concentrate flavors, giving the chili a slow-cooked depth in a fraction of the time.
Using a pressure cooker allows home chefs to sauté, cook, and finish the dish all in one pot, cutting down on cleanup. From start to finish, the dish can be on the table in about 40 minutes—15 of which are active prep. This convenience has made it a staple in many households and an especially appealing option for busy professionals or parents.
Tips for Customizing Your White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili is highly customizable, which adds to its versatility. For those seeking extra richness, adding cream cheese or Monterey Jack cheese toward the end of cooking gives the dish an even creamier finish. If you’re following a dairy-free diet, simply omit the sour cream and consider adding a touch of coconut milk or a squeeze of lime to mimic the tang.
Heat lovers can leave in the jalapeño seeds or even add diced green chiles or hot sauce for an extra kick. On the flip side, those who prefer a more neutral flavor can scale back on the cumin or coriander and let the chicken and beans take center stage.
You can also swap out or add different beans depending on what you have on hand. Navy beans and Great Northern beans both work well and maintain that creamy texture white chili is known for. Similarly, boneless thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a slightly richer flavor and more tender bite.
Toppings and Side Pairings
Just like traditional chili, white chicken chili is made better with the right toppings and sides. Common toppings include:
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Freshly chopped cilantro
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Diced red or yellow onions
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Sliced jalapeños
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Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
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Crumbled tortilla chips or Fritos
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A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Lime wedges for squeezing
Side dish pairings are equally important to round out the meal. Warm flour or corn tortillas make for an excellent companion and can be used to scoop the chili directly. Cornbread, with its slightly sweet profile, balances the savory chili perfectly. Rice—especially cilantro-lime rice—turns this chili into a hearty, one-bowl meal.
Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Another reason this recipe is so popular is its meal-prep friendliness. White chicken chili stores well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and often tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making it an excellent option for batch cooking.
To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a pot over medium heat. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the chili if it has thickened in the fridge.
Freezing tip: If you plan to freeze portions, it’s best to do so before adding sour cream. Add the dairy when reheating to maintain a creamy texture and avoid separation.
Serving Occasions and Seasonal Appeal
While white chicken chili is good all year round, it truly shines in fall and winter. The warmth of the broth and spices makes it perfect for cooler months, football game days, holiday gatherings, and Sunday family dinners. Its visual appeal—thanks to its creamy base and green veggie contrast—makes it an excellent dish to serve when entertaining.
It’s also a great choice for potlucks and tailgates, as it can be kept warm in a slow cooker or electric warming pot. And for health-conscious crowds, it’s a lighter alternative to beef-based stews, often gluten-free and adaptable to low-carb lifestyles.
Conclusion
White Chicken Chili is more than just a recipe—it’s a modern comfort food classic. With its easy preparation, balanced nutrition, and deliciously creamy texture, it’s easy to see why this dish has earned its spot in kitchens across the country. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, storing it for meal prep, or serving it at a party, white chicken chili offers something for everyone.
Its mild but flavorful taste makes it versatile and welcoming, and with endless ways to customize and serve it, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation year-round.
