5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe: A Quick and Hearty Comfort Food

Busy weeknights call for meals that are quick, easy, and satisfying, and this 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili is all of that—and more! It’s creamy, flavorful, and loaded with tender chicken, hearty beans, and mild green chilies. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes using only five simple ingredients, making it the perfect go-to recipe when you’re short on time but still want a comforting, delicious meal.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this white chicken chili is a no-fuss, one-pot wonder that delivers big on flavor without the extra effort. Let’s get started and bring this creamy, hearty chili to life!

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili Recipe

Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

1. Quick and Easy:
   With only five ingredients and just 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
2. Creamy and Hearty:
   The combination of shredded chicken, beans, and cream cheese creates a creamy, thick, and satisfying chili that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
3. Budget-Friendly:
   Made with pantry staples like canned beans and chicken, this recipe is easy on your wallet without compromising on flavor.
4. Customizable:
   Stick with the base recipe or add toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips for extra flair.
5. One-Pot Wonder:
   Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients for White Chicken Chili

This recipe keeps things simple with just five key ingredients:

1. Shredded Chicken

• Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs at home.

2. Canned White Beans

• Great Northern beans or cannellini beans work best for this recipe, adding heartiness and creaminess.

3. Chicken Broth

• A good-quality chicken broth forms the base of this chili and enhances its flavor.

4. Diced Green Chilies

• Canned green chilies add a mild, tangy heat that complements the creamy base.

5. Cream Cheese

• Cream cheese makes the chili rich, creamy, and indulgent. Use full-fat or light cream cheese, depending on your preference.

Optional Add-ins and Toppings

While this recipe is delicious as is, here are some extras you can add to take it to the next level:

• Spices: Add cumin, garlic powder, or chili powder for more depth of flavor.
• Corn: Stir in a cup of sweet corn for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Toppings: Garnish with shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.

How to Make 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

Follow these simple steps to whip up this creamy chili in no time:

Step 1: Heat the Ingredients

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shredded chicken, white beans (with their liquid), chicken broth, and diced green chilies. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese

• Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add it to the pot. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Simmer and Serve

• Let the chili simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This White Chicken Chili is hearty and delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with these serving ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the creamy broth.
• Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy element by serving with tortilla chips on the side or crumbled on top.
• Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of rice for a more filling meal.
• Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, and cilantro for a fun, customizable meal.

Tips for Perfect White Chicken Chili

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which is flavorful and convenient.
2. Don’t Overheat the Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese at a low simmer and stir continuously to ensure it melts smoothly without curdling.
3. Adjust Consistency: For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot. For a thinner consistency, add more chicken broth.
4. Spice Level: If you like it spicier, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or more green chilies.
5. Make It Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe

This 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving comfort food with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
• 2 cans 15 oz each white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), with liquid
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can 4 oz diced green chilies
• 1 block 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

Instructions

 

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shredded chicken, white beans (with their liquid), chicken broth, and diced green chilies. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Add the cream cheese cubes to the pot. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is smooth and creamy.
• Let the chili simmer for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
• Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with your favorite toppings, and serve hot!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This chili freezes well, but the cream cheese may slightly separate upon thawing. Stir well while reheating to restore the creamy texture.
• Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with more beans or diced tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 340mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 33IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 207mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Stovetop

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