Creamy White Chicken Chili is a fantastic take on a classic beef chili that is so flavorful and so easy you'll keep it on repeat from now on. My version comes together in under 30 minutes and could not be simpler. Using a rotisserie chicken and store bought salsa verde, this chicken chili really packs a punch in the flavor department with minimal effort.
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Sometimes you just need a twist on an old favorite. While we all love a classic beef chili around here, this White Chicken Chili is just the thing when I need a big bowl of flavor in zero time, with little effort.
Using a rotisserie chicken for this chili recipe cuts down on the prep time tremendously while the salsa verde has so much flavor that there is little else that needs to be done.
Simply add in some wonderful spices like cumin, coriander, oregano, and chili powder and your kitchen will smell amazing in no time. I add frozen corn, canned beans, and a healthy dollop (or cup) of sour cream to finish it off.
All that's left to do is decide on your toppings and what kind of chip to dip. Or, tortilla. Or, crusty bread.
a word about what you'll need
Shredded Chicken - I'm making life easy and using a rotisserie chicken. Make your life easy, too.
Chicken broth - Use a good quality one. It makes a massive difference in taste. I am a huge proponent of saving the carcasses from your rotisserie chickens and weekly roast chicken to make bone broth. Try it once and you'll see what I'm saying. Do it.
Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper - Is it even a soup without garlic and onion? I think not. The red bell pepper gives us just a touch of sweet and it's pretty. You eat with your eyes first, amiright?!
Spices - The usual in Mexican-inspired spices. You can also use your favorite taco seasoning.
Salsa Verde - This will add a ton of flavor with zero effort. Use store bought or better yet, try my recipe! It's so simple to make and a flavor powerhouse!
Great Northern Beans and Frozen Corn - Use your favorite bean and variety of corn. These just happen to be my favs and the ones my family likes, too!
Sour Cream or Mexican Crema - For creamy, tanginess that makes this white chicken chili so good. Sour cream is great. Crema is wonderful if you can find it.
how to make it and tricks of the trade
This Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe comes together so quickly you'll wonder if you've missed something. You haven't. It's just that wonderfully simple.
First step in our chicken chili situation - sauté the onion and red bell pepper in a little bit of avocado oil until soft. Then, add the garlic, cooking until fragrant. Next, add the salsa verde and chicken broth. At this point, I will check for salt and pepper levels and add any if I need to.
Pro Tip: Everyone will use a different brand of salsa verde and everyone's chicken broth will be slightly different. That's why I wait until this step to check for salt. You can always add it, but you can't take it out. Words of wisdom coming in hot.
Next, you're basically going to dump the remaining chicken chili ingredients into the pot and warm it through. This is very technical I know, but in all actuality, that's it.
Once the chicken chili is warmed through and piping hot, add all the garnishes your heart desires. I love everything from fresh cilantro, to extra sour cream, to sliced jalapeños. You cannot go wrong.
recipe frequently asked questions
Is this creamy chicken chili recipe gluten-free?
My White Chicken Chili is gluten-free. No need to make any substitutions for that dietary need!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
The only thing that you would need to swap to make this White Chicken Chili dairy-free is the sour cream or Mexican Crema. You could omit this entirely or use some unsweetened, full fat coconut milk to recreate the creaminess.
What is Salsa Verde?
Salsa verde is a wonder ingredient and is perfect for Chicken Chili. It's made from tomatillos, green chiles, lime, and cilantro. Use store-bought or I have a wonderfully easy recipe!
What is Mexican crema?
Mexican crema is arguably one of my favorite ingredients ever. It's like sour cream on steroids. It's a little thinner and has a wonderful tang and is absolutely perfect for this recipe. If you cannot find crema, sour cream is a great alternative for this recipe.
Tips, Variations, and Storage Instructions
- Freeze this soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, simply remove from the freezer and let it hang out in the fridge a day or so.
- To reheat, warm on the stove top or throw it in the microwave.
- Use any protein you like. I've thrown in ground beef, leftover shrimp, and even pulled pork. It all works!
Recipe
Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 med onion, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (16 oz) bottle Salsa Verde I used mild
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon coriander
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 2 (15.8 oz) cans Great Northern Beans
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen sweet corn
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and red bell pepper in a the avocado oil until soft. Add the garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the salsa verde and chicken broth. At this point, I will check for salt and pepper levels and add any if I need to.
- Next, you're basically going to dump the remaining ingredients into the pot and warm it through. This is very technical I know, but that's all you need to do.
- Once the chicken chili is piping hot, ladle into soup bowls and add your favorite toppings. I love everything from fresh cilantro, to extra sour cream, to sliced jalapeños.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
If you guys make this White Chicken Chili, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating in the recipe card! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments! And, as always, be kind. I'm only human.
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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Barbara says
So easy and so good. Leftovers even better and my picky husband even ate it. Will make again.