Name: Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (14 oz.) cans low-sodium chicken broth, about 3.5 cups; 2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chiles; 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained; 2 (15 oz.) cans white beans (cannellini or great Northern beans), drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken, about 1 lb.; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped; Fresh chopped cilantro; A dollop of sour cream; Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, shredded; Tortilla strips; Sliced avocados; Sliced jalapenos

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm, thick chili that just hugs you from the inside. This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe offers that cozy feeling with a smooth, velvety texture and a punch of gentle heat that’s perfect for any time you want a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

The image shows a ladle lifting a thick creamy soup filled with visible chunks of yellow corn, white beans, shredded light chicken, and small green herb pieces. The soup inside the white pot has a warm creamy yellow-orange color with specks of black pepper and green herbs scattered throughout. In the background, some slices of avocado add a touch of fresh green color resting on the soup surface. The texture appears smooth but chunky with bits of ingredients spread evenly. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited anytime I get to share this creamy white chicken chili with friends—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, but without any heaviness. What I adore most is how simple ingredients come together to create something both flavorful and soothing.

Rich Creaminess: The cream cheese blends right in, making the chili smooth without being overly thick or heavy.
Balanced Heat: A gentle kick from the spices and green chiles gives warmth without overpowering the flavors.
Hearty and Filling: With white beans, chicken, and corn, this chili satisfies your hunger and keeps you energized.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want more spice or a dairy-free option, this recipe lends itself well to tweaks and personal touches.

A bowl filled with creamy yellow soup containing chunks of white beans, yellow corn, and shredded light brown chicken pieces, topped with thinly sliced white cheese, green avocado slices, and crunchy golden brown tortilla strips on one side. A dollop of thick white cream rests near the center, garnished with fresh green herbs and freshly ground black pepper. Two lime wedges, showing a pale green outer skin and light yellow-green flesh, are placed on top. The ceramic bowl is white with subtle brown speckles and sits on a dark brown plate, all set on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl at the front photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe lies in the balance of creamy, savory, and subtly spicy ingredients—all working together to create a delicious, comforting bowl. When shopping, I like to grab the best-quality rotisserie chicken I can find; it really boosts flavor and saves time. Also, low-sodium broth lets you control the seasoning without things getting too salty.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion, two whole brown garlic cloves, fresh diced green chiles in a small white ceramic bowl, drained whole kernel corn in a small white ceramic bowl, drained white beans in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of cumin powder, another small white bowl containing chili powder, oregano, paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper arranged side by side, a few whole white eggs with clean shells, cubed cream cheese on a simple white plate, shredded cooked rotisserie chicken neatly piled, a small white bowl of lime juice, fresh chopped cilantro scattered and in a small white bowl, a dollop of sour cream on a white ceramic dish, shredded Monterey Jack cheese on a white plate, thin golden tortilla strips on a plain white dish, sliced green jalapenos and sliced avocado arranged simply on white ceramic dishes, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly symmetrical layout placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet, mellow base when sautéed that builds depth of flavor.
Garlic: Minimally cooked to keep its aroma sharp but not overwhelming.
Chicken Broth: The main liquid that carries all the flavors together.
Diced Green Chiles: Adds gentle heat and earthiness without spiciness overpowering the dish.
Whole Kernel Corn: Offers a subtle sweetness and fun texture contrast.
White Beans: Such as cannellini or great Northern, providing creaminess and protein.
Spices (cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, ground coriander, cayenne): Build complex layers of flavor with warmth and a slight smoky undertone.
Cream Cheese: The secret to that silky richness, melting seamlessly into the chili.
Shredded Chicken: Keeps the chili hearty, and using pre-cooked saves so much time.
Lime Juice and Cilantro: Added at the end to freshen up and brighten the whole pot.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep things flexible when making this creamy white chicken chili recipe. Sometimes I add extra jalapenos for more zip; other times, I swap the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative, and it still turns out luscious. You can definitely make it your own.

Variation: I once used homemade smoked chicken instead of rotisserie, and that added a subtle smoky layer that was out of this world.
Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut cream or cashew cream to get that richness without any dairy.
Make It Spicier: Double the cayenne or add fresh chopped jalapenos for more heat if you like things fiery.
Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the chicken with more beans and roasted veggies for a hearty meatless chili.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. This slow sauté unlocks the natural sweetness of the onion. Then, add the minced garlic and cook just for 30 seconds more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic overcooked can turn bitter, so keep your eye on it!

Step 2: Add Broth, Chiles, Corn & Beans

Pour in the chicken broth and immediately add the green chiles, drained corn, and rinsed white beans. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, ground coriander, cayenne, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a rolling boil. It smells incredible at this stage—as all those spices meld and mingle.

Step 3: Simmer and Blend for Creaminess

Reduce your heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to marry the flavors. Then, scoop out about a cup of the chili and puree it in a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. This step is key for that luscious texture—you want just enough blended to thicken without losing the hearty bits. Stir that blended portion back into the pot and mix well.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese & Chicken

Drop in the softened, cubed cream cheese and shredded chicken, stirring until the cream cheese melts fully into the chili. This adds that essential creamy texture and rich flavor punch that defines this recipe. Let it simmer another 5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and everything is perfectly melded.

Step 5: Finish with Lime & Fresh Cilantro

For the final touch, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. These fresh elements brighten up the bowl and balance the spices and creaminess beautifully. Let the chili rest for a few minutes off the heat; it will thicken slightly as it cools. Then serve it piping hot with your favorite toppings.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these small tips made a huge difference in perfecting the creamy white chicken chili recipe. I’ve had times where the chili was too thin or missing that silky smoothness, so here’s what I learned.

Puree a Portion: Blending just a part of the chili thickens the whole pot naturally without dulling the texture of the beans and chicken.
Soften Cream Cheese First: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to avoid lumps and speed up melting.
Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but homemade shredded chicken works just as well.
Don’t Skip the Lime: The acidity wakes up all the flavors and prevents the dish from feeling too heavy.

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

white chicken chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a fan of simple, fresh garnishes that add texture and a pop of color. I usually pile on fresh chopped cilantro, a cool dollop of sour cream, and a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese. For crunch, tortilla strips are my go-to. If I’m feeling fancy, sliced avocado and a few fresh jalapenos bring creaminess and just the right heat.

Side Dishes

This chili is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with warm cornbread for soaking up every last drop. Sometimes I serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve ladled the chili into mini bread bowls and topped each with little piles of cheese and jalapenos—always a crowd favorite. Another fun idea is layering the chili with crushed tortilla chips and cheese in deep ramekins and serving them as individual chili pots.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the chili cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers are wonderful the next day.

Freezing

This creamy white chicken chili freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, avoid adding fresh cilantro—add that fresh at serving time instead.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chili over low heat on the stove, stirring often so the cream cheese stays well blended. If it seems too thick, a splash of chicken broth or water helps bring back the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Start by sautéing the onions and garlic on the stove, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream cheese at the end and stir until melted.

What’s the best way to get it creamier without adding extra dairy?

Pureeing a portion of the chili creates that smooth, creamy texture naturally without needing more cream or cheese. You can also mash some of the beans with a fork to thicken.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Definitely! Poach or roast chicken breasts or thighs, then shred and add them to the chili. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it in.

How spicy is this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?

It has a mild heat from the green chiles and spices, balanced by the cream cheese and corn. However, you can easily adjust the cayenne and jalapenos to suit your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe feels like passing along a little slice of comfort. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, the texture and balance of flavors don’t disappoint. I hope you find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again—because sometimes the simplest meals turn out to be the best remedies for busy days and cold nights.