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This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is the perfect cozy and healthy meal. Made with chicken, beans, chiles, and more, this dish is full of flavor and is ready in under 40 minutes.
The easiest white chicken chili
This white chicken chili is one of my favorite chicken recipes. It’s delicious, it’s easy to make, and it doesn’t require much prep at all. Plus, you can make it on the stovetop or in your slow cooker. It’s up to you!
This chili consists of a blend of chicken (of course) mixed with onion, garlic, beans, chiles, and more. By mashing some of the beans, we’re able to achieve a super cozy, thick consistency.
This dish is filled with SO much flavor and is wonderful for pairing with salad or cornbread, or for eating on its own. Trust me, you’re going to be going in for seconds!
Ingredients for this chili recipe
Though this chili recipe seems to require a lot of different ingredients, don’t be intimidated. The list may look long, but the ingredients are actually very simple and include a lot of spices and seasonings! No speciality items are required; everything can be found in a standard grocery store.
Main Dish Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- White beans
- Corn
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Green chiles
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chili powder
- Cayenne
- Lime
- Greek yogurt
Topping Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt
- Cilantro
- Cheddar cheese
- Jalapeño
- Lime
- Tortilla chips
Required kitchen tools
Whether you choose to use a slow cooker or your stovetop, the tools required to make this recipe are simple.
- Large pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Potato masher
- Optional: Slow cooker
How to make white chicken chili
This recipe requires minimal prep and includes a bit of dicing and a few minutes of sautéing. After that, you essentially throw everything into a pot and wait for it to fully cook!
To start preparing this easy chili recipe, begin by warming some olive oil in a pot on the stove. Sauté the onions until soft. Add the garlic, and saute for one minute.
In a separate bowl, mash 1 cup of beans with a potato masher until soft. This will be used to thicken the soup.
Add the broth, chicken, mashed beans, regular beans, green chiles, and corn to the pot.
Once everything comes to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, turn off the heat and take out the breasts. Shred them with two forks. You may need to let the chicken cool for a bit before handling.
Add the chicken back into the pot, then add the lime juice and the Greek yogurt.
Finally, serve with extra toppings including cilantro, Greek yogurt, cheese, tortilla strips, and jalapeños.
How to cook chicken chili in the slow cooker
You are more than welcome to make this recipe in a slow cooker. To do so, place all ingredients in the cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken with a fork and place back into the crockpot for serving.
That’s it!
How to prepare as a make-ahead meal
If you’d like, you can most certainly make this meal ahead of time!
Chop the necessary ingredients, and then store everything in a freezer bag. When it comes time to enjoy, allow everything to thaw before tossing it on the stove or in the slow cooker!
Enjoy your prepped meal within 3 months.
How to store this chili
With any extra chili, feel free to keep it refrigerated and enjoy within 3-4 days. I recommend storing it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Enjoy more recipes from Erin Lives Whole
There are more chicken recipes where this one came from! My website is filled with a wide selection of chicken meals cooked in many different ways. Enjoy!
- Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
- Healthy Cashew Chicken
- Baked Paleo Chicken Tenders
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot)
This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is the perfect healthy and cozy meal. Made with chicken, beans, chiles, and more, this dish is full of flavor and is ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts, raw (2 large breasts)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 4oz cans green chiles
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 can corn, drained and rinsed.
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I used 2%)
Topping:
- Greek yogurt
- cilantro
- cheddar cheese
- jalapeno
- lime
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Saute onions in olive oil until soft. Add in garlic for one minute and then add in all spices.Â
- In a separate bowl, mash 1 cup of beans with a potato masher until soft, we will use this to thicken the soup.Â
- Add broth, mashed and regular beans, green chiles, fire roasted tomatoes, and corn into pot. Then add in the chicken breasts and cook at medium-high heat.
- Once it comes to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through, this will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
- Once chicken is cooked, turn off heat and take out the breasts. When chicken is cool enough to handle, shred with two forks.Â
- Add the chicken back in, along with the juice of one lime and the Greek yogurt.
- Stir all together and serve with extra toppings such as cilantro, Greek yogurt, cheese, tortilla strips, and jalapenos.
Notes
For crockpot:Â Place all ingredients in crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Shred chicken with fork and place back into crockpot for serving.Â
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Tom says
So fresh and delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Tom! I am so happy you liked it!
Lea says
Just to confirm…all the spices are added in step 3? Going to make this tonight! Mmmmm!
Erin says
Yes!! Enjoy!
Ellen says
What size is each serving? Thanks!
Erin says
about one cup!
Samantha says
AMAZING recipe as always! It’s so good topped with tortilla chips, avocado, and sour cream! I made it for lunch and it was so good that my family also wanted it for dinner!
★★★★★
Nathan says
Delicious! Perfectly seasoned, great recipe
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nathan, so happy you liked it!
Lauren says
Do I mash the beans if making in the crockpot?
Erin says
Yes!!
Stef says
Just made this and LOVE it! I didn’t have cumin so I added some taco seasoning instead. Soo good!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Stef, thank you for your kind words! I am so happy you loved it and made it your own! 🙂
Jaclyn says
Just made for the first time and I will surely be making this again and again. Easy and super yummy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jaclyn, I am so happy to hear that!! 🙂
Katelyn says
Made this tonight! So good! I added a jar of salsa verde for a little extra kick! So good and will make again! Thanks!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katelyn, I am so happy you love it!! 🙂
Kelani Kline says
Just made this for dinner tonight! I made it vegetarian with vegan chicken broth, leftover Quorn meatless roast (instead of chicken) and I threw in some chickpeas. I topped it with shredded cheese and avocado. SSOOO good!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelani, thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed it and made it your own!!
Kathy says
Delicious! Easy to make. I used ground chicken though.
I think you forgot to add the spices to the end of your instructions!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kathy, thanks for your kind words! Step 1 is to add in all spices after the garlic. Hope this helps! 🙂
Lea says
Delicious and so simple to make. Loved by 3 generations!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lea, I am so happy everyone enjoyed them!!
Abby says
Simple ingredients and good flavor! Loved it!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Abby, I am so happy you enjoyed it!
Rachael says
This was such a easy and fantastic recipe! Per Erin’s suggestion on Instagram, I also added a can of fire roasted tomatoes and it came out perfect! We will definitely be making this recipe again!
★★★★★
Erin says
So glad you liked it Rachel!
Erin says
Hi Rachael, thanks for your kind words and support! I am so happy you enjoyed it!!
Carissa says
Made this for dinner tonight and it was SO easy and delicious! I am on a dairy-free journey so I didn’t add the greek yogurt. I am used to loading my chili up with shredded cheese and sour cream but this recipe had so much flavor, it was perfectly good without! I did forget to buy a can of corn so had to do without but will be adding it next time I make it!
★★★★★
Erin says
Wow, love to hear this! Thank you for sharing!!
Erin says
Hi Carissa, thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed it and made it your own!
Alexandra says
This looks so good! I’m looking forward to trying it for the Superbowl this weekend!
Erin says
Hi Alexandra, thanks for your kind words! How did it come out?
Raquel Fanucchi says
Made a big pot of this and the whole family loved it
★★★★★
Erin says
This makes me so happy!! Thanks for sharing.
Erin says
Hi Raquel, I am thrilled you love it so much!!
Nichole says
Made this for dinner in the crockpot and it was so simple and had such a homey feel. My boyfriend was OBSESSED, will definitely be making again!
★★★★★
Erin says
I’m so glad you guys liked it! Thanks for sharing!!
Linda Shemely says
I made this tonight.
I didn’t have greek yogurt so used light sour cream (Aldi). So good, as usual!!!!
Erin says
SO glad you love it Linda!!
★★★★★
Jessica says
This is the easiest and most delicious recipe to throw together. My stubborn protein forward boyfriend who doesn’t think soup is a meal begged me to make this three weeks in a row. It’s healthy and tastes delicious. Erin is also wicked helpful when it comes to DMs and asking questions. A lot of bloggers with this size following wouldn’t have the time to get around to you, but Erin has answered all my messages within minutes. She really cares about her followers!
★★★★★
Erin says
YOU ARE SO SWEET! Thank you for this – so glad your non-soup eating BF liked it!!
Nicole says
Absolutely loved this soup, and so did my fiancé! Definitely added this to my list of things to make again!
★★★★★
Erin says
So glad you both liked it!!
Rachel says
This was definitely the best white chicken chili I’ve ever had, let alone made. SOOO good!!
★★★★★
Erin says
YAY! Love hearing this 🙂
Brie says
Loved this! Made it for a group of friends and I had no leftovers. Everyone said it was amazing! Added chopped green peppers as well- will definitely make again!
★★★★★
Erin says
love the addition of green peppers!! so glad you liked it.
Emma says
Made this a few nights ago and it was so good!! Definitely the best chili I’ve ever had🤩
Thank you for all the great recipes
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emma, thanks for your kind words!! I am so happy you enjoyed it!
Tori says
I’ve made this several times! So good! Definitely recommend Erin’s recipes! <3
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Tori! I am so happy you enjoyed it and thanks for your support!!
Lara Roseto says
LOVED this recipe! Super easy and affordable to make! Recipe made enough for several meals. It froze well too! It was so flavorful and tasty I ended up taking the portions I froze out of the freezer (which I had hoped to save for a later date) a few days after putting them in because it was just that good! Thanks Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lara, thanks for the kind words and love that you ate it faster than expected! Thanks for your support!
Emily says
Made this for the first time tonight and kinda mad… because I waited too long to try this amazing dish!! Everyone LOVED it and it was immediately put into our family recipe binder. Definitely a keeper!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emily, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed them!
Courtney Smith says
Hi Erin! Can this be made in the instant pot?
Erin says
Hi Courtney, yes! I just haven’t tested it yet, so I don’t have exact time measurements. Let me know how it goes for you.
Erika says
This chili was delicious! So easy to put together and the perfect meal for a Sunday night watching football. We paired with hint of lime chips 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erika, I am so happy you enjoyed it and great combo!
Emma says
This recipe is a staple in my family’s diet! Even the picky eaters like it! I have been making this recipe every other week since quarantine began and it is easily my favorite thing to make and eat! I do leave out the jalapeños but it is still amazing!! 10000/10
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emma, thank you for sharing! I am so happy you like it!
Jenna says
This was amazing! Made this for my parents for dinner and we all loved it! I will definitely be making this throughout winter!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jenna, I am so glad everyone enjoyed it!!
Cara says
How many ounces is the can of fire roasted tomatoes that you add?
Erin says
Hi Cara, the cans are 15oz. Let me know how your chili comes out!
Penny says
The recipe looks amazing! I was wondering what size cans of white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes and corn you recommend. Thanks! 🙂
Erin says
Hi Penny, thank you!! The cans are all 15oz. Let me know how your chili comes out!
Samantha says
AMAZING recipe as always! It’s so good topped with tortilla chips, avocado, and sour cream! I made it for lunch and it was so good that my family also wanted it for dinner!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Samantha, I am so glad you and your family enjoyed it!
Ali says
This soup is great! I made it earlier in the week and I’ve genuinely been so excited to eat it for lunch everyday! So warm and comforting
Erin says
Hi Ali, I am so glad you love it!
Samantha says
I made this both stovetop and slowcooker and both were delicious. The chicken is perfectly shreddable and practically fell apart in the slow cooker. This also freezes very well for make ahead dinners!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Samantha, thanks for sharing! I am thrilled you enjoyed it!
Teri says
This was delicious and so flavorful. I left out the corn but it was still so good. I made it in the crockpot and it turned out great.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Teri, I am so glad you loved it!
Jess says
This has become my go-to winter recipe! I love that it’s healthy but you have no idea when you’re eating it
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jess, so happy you love it!!
Katherine says
This is me and my boyfriends favorite chili recipe! We sub ground turkey for the chicken breasts and it’s just as amazing. We make this pretty much every Sunday – it’s our go to for a healthier but satisfying chili!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katherine, thanks for sharing! I am so glad you both loved it! 🙂
Lily says
This white bean chili is my absolute fav winter recipe!! It is so easy, delicious and so dang flavorful!!! Very easy to substitute as needed, it’s Dan favorite in my house!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lily, so happy everyone enjoys it!!
Emma says
Another delicious ELW recipe! Made this chili tonight and it is so easy and SO full of flavor, it didn’t even need any toppings. Will definitely be making this again soon!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emma, so glad you loved it!
Joanna says
Delicious recipe. Love that it is thickened with beans and yogurt. This is a great way to sneak extra protein in. Easy and flavorful and a family favorite.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Joanna, I am thrilled you love it so much!
Olivia Wills says
I loved this recipe so much!!!! I have been wanting to make chicken chili for a long time now and decided to look up your recipe and make it, and it was one of my favorites!!! Will definitely be making this again!!!! 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Olivia, I am so happy you enjoyed it!!
Lily says
This chili is fan favorite in my house hold!! Flavorful, easy to make and just darn right delicious! Easy to substitute as needed for what you have in the fridge as well. I make this at least once a week. I have made it on the stove top and in the instant pot, both just as good! 10/10!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lily, I am so happy everyone loves it! Thanks for sharing!!
Tessa says
I’ve made this chili about five times now…SO good every time! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Tessa, I am so happy you love it so much!
Taylor says
This. Is. So. Flipping. DELICIOUS!!! And so easy!!!! Absolutely adding to my regular rotation of recipes. Perfect if you’re prepping multiple meals for lunches etc.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Taylor, I am so thrilled you loved it!!
Alyssa says
Literally my favorite white bean chili recipe to date! I usually sub Lima beans or green peas since I can tolerate corn and nonetheless it’s delicious 😋
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alyssa, so happy you enjoyed it!
Erin says
Such a simple meal to make on a weeknight. I’m recovering from jaw surgery & wanted a different soup so I hopped on over to my favorite food blogger & found this recipe! I substituted Greek yogurt for cashew milk yogurt (dairy allergy) & didn’t shred the chicken because I have to purée everything right now anyway. My final product wasn’t as thick as Erin’s (likely due to the consistency of the yogurt used), but the flavor is fantastic (even puréed 😂). Can’t wait to find another recipe to try!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, I am so happy you enjoyed it and made it your own and hope you feel better soon!
Meaghan Johnson says
I’ve made a few chili recipes over the years and especially white chicken chili and this is by far my favorite. So so good!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Meaghan, so happy you loved it!
Brittany says
If your making it in the crockpot do you add the Greek yogurt in the beginning or only at then end ?
Erin says
Hi Brittany, you’d add it to the end. Let me know how yours comes out!
Kristyn Conrad says
I was looking to make a soup on this cold, snowy day & didn’t want to run to the store for ingredients. Sure enough I had most of the ingredients for the white chicken chili. I only had to substitute a can of kidney beans because I only had one can of white which I smashed. The chili was easy to make & super tasty! The fresh lime & yogurt made it extra!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kristyn, ah love hearing that! So glad you enjoyed it!
nikki says
this is one of my favorite recipes I’ve made!! so flavorful & so delicious! i threw everything in the crockpot & it was too easy! (I just saw in the comment & recipe about mashing the beans, but I didn’t do that & it was still really good!) Will definitely make again- easiest meal prep ever!!!! thank you Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nikki, I am so happy you enjoyed it so much!! 🙂
Beckie Maddox says
This is fantastic and super easy! Only sub I did was use a white onion vs yellow and it was delicious. Such a great recipe for a Sunday football playoff day or any day really. Make this for your family. They will love it!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Beckie, I am so happy you liked it and made it your own!
Kelli says
So good! Probably the best white chicken chili I have ever made. Even better on day 2.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelli, so happy you loved it!!
monica says
SO delicious, flavorful, hearty, makes you feel good after eating it, and great meal prep dish for the week!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Monica, so glad you liked it!
Leah says
Could I sub in a rotisserie chicken?
Erin says
Hi Leah, sure! I haven’t tried it that way before, but let me know how it comes out!
Molly says
So yummy and a new favorite! Even my friend who doesn’t typically like soup loved this recipe.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Molly, so happy you both enjoyed it!!
Laura says
So good! Made in the crockpot so it was easy to throw together in the am. Used diced tomates with green chilis because that’s what I had on hand, also used frozen corn. All turned out great. Realizing now that since I used my crockpot, I missed the step about mashing some beans so the more soup like consistency makes sense – it was still great! Had plenty of leftovers for lunch and the freezer. When reheating the next day, adding some ditalini pasta. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laura, I am so happy you enjoyed the chili and made it your own!!