Print

Creamy White Chicken Chili in 2025 Recipe

4.6 from 92 reviews

This Cozy & Creamy White Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for cooler days. Made in one pot with simple pantry staples, it features tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, sweet corn, and a velvety broth enriched with cream cheese and brightened with lime juice. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, this chili is a deliciously hearty meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Dairy

  • 2 medium chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

Canned Goods

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Cannellini, Navy, or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), with juice
  • 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained

Produce

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjustable)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep All Your Ingredients First: Drain and rinse the white beans and sweet corn, chop the onion, cube the cream cheese, and prepare the chicken breasts by trimming or slicing in half if large. This sets the stage for smooth cooking without delays.
  2. Sauté the Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent but not browned, stirring occasionally.
  3. Build the Flavor Base: Add 4 cups chicken broth, drained white beans, drained corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice) to the pot. Stir well to combine and create a brothy base.
  4. Season Like You Mean It: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix until the seasonings are fully dissolved and the broth smells rich and flavorful.
  5. Add the Chicken and Simmer: Submerge the raw chicken breasts fully into the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and partially cover the pot. Cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through. For thicker chili, simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.
  6. Remove & Shred the Chicken: Take the cooked chicken out and let it rest briefly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or a mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds.
  7. Add the Cream Cheese: While the pot is simmering on low heat, add the cubed cream cheese, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until it melts smoothly into the chili, creating a creamy texture.
  8. Add the Chicken Back + Lime Juice: Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to brighten flavors, then simmer for another 3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
  9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed—add more chili powder for heat, lime juice to balance saltiness, or simmer longer for thickness. Remember the chili thickens as it cools.
  10. Serve and Top Like a Pro: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge. Serve with tortilla chips or warm bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Rinsing canned beans and corn removes excess sodium and starch for a cleaner taste.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred; cook times may vary slightly.
  • Adjust chili powder and jalapeños to customize spice level to your taste.
  • If the chili is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
  • Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop or microwave and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Mise en place (prepping ingredients first) makes the cooking process smoother and prevents burning or delays.
  • Use a hand mixer to shred chicken quickly and easily if desired.

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, one pot dinner, easy chicken chili, comforting soup, ranch seasoning chili, gluten free chili