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 instantly comforting about a bowl of soup that’s rich, flavorful, and has just the right touch of creaminess. This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe hits that mark every time, blending tender chicken with softly spiced broth and a touch of velvety cream cheese that makes it downright irresistible.

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 love sharing this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe because it’s cozy yet vibrant, and it comes together faster than you’d expect for something this indulgent. Once you make it, it’ll become your go-to on cooler evenings or whenever you need a comforting hug in a bowl.

Ultimate Comfort Food: Cream cheese and chicken in a chili? Yes! It’s like creamy warmth meets smoky goodness.
Easy to Make: With pantry staples like canned beans and corn, you won’t need to hunt for obscure ingredients.
Customizable Flavors: You can dial up the heat or keep it mild, adding your favorite toppings for extra fun.
Great for Leftovers: This chili actually tastes better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

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

This recipe harmonizes simple ingredients that each bring their own texture and flavor. The beans add creamy heft while corn offers sweet pops, and spices create the signature chili warmth without overwhelming the palate.

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: Adds subtle sweetness and forms the flavor base once sautéed.
Garlic: A must-have aromatic to deepen the savory profile.
Chicken Broth: The cooking liquid that keeps everything moist and flavorful; low sodium lets you control seasoning.
Diced Green Chiles: Provide mild heat and a slight tang that pairs beautifully with creamy elements.
Whole Kernel Corn: Adds a fresh burst of sweetness and texture contrast.
White Beans (Cannellini or Great Northern): Creamy and filling—they absorb the spices and help thicken the chili.
Spices (cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, coriander, cayenne): Each layers complexity; cayenne adds just a gentle kick.
Cream Cheese: The magic ingredient that turns a broth into a luscious, creamy chili.
Shredded Chicken: The hearty protein that makes this chili satisfying; rotisserie chicken speeds things up.
Lime Juice & Cilantro: Brighten and freshen every spoonful, balancing richness with zesty notes.

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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 it classic, but really, this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is a blank canvas. You can easily tweak the spice level or swap out ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or pantry. It’s all about what makes you happy at the table.

Variation: One time I added black beans and chopped poblano peppers for a bit of a smoky twist, which was fantastic and brought extra layers of flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken or substitute with hearty mushrooms or tofu cubes for a meatless delight.
Extra Heat: Toss in extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like things spicy and bold.
Dairy-Free Approach: Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free cream or coconut milk to keep the creaminess but avoid dairy.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by warming up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced yellow onions and let them soften until they're translucent and slightly golden—that usually takes about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This step really wakes up the base flavors, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add the Broth, Veggies, Beans & Spices

Pour in the chicken broth followed by the diced green chiles, drained corn, and rinsed white beans. Sprinkle in your cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, ground coriander, cayenne, plus salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This is where all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Blend a Cup for Creamy Texture

To get that signature creaminess without making it too thick, I scoop out about a cup of the chili and blend it either in a food processor or with an immersion blender right in the pot. Then I stir that smooth mixture back into the chili. This little trick adds body and velvetiness to every bite.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese & Chicken, Then Simmer

Next, toss in the softened cream cheese cubes and shredded cooked chicken. Stir gently and let the chili simmer another 5 minutes so the cream cheese melts perfectly into the mix and the chicken warms up. Be patient here—the cream cheese is what transforms this dish into a creamy masterpiece.

Step 5: Finish with Lime & Cilantro for Freshness

Right before serving, stir in the lime juice and freshly chopped cilantro. This brightens the rich flavors and balances the creaminess. Let it simmer a few more minutes—you’ll notice the chili thickens slightly as it stands. Then it’s ready for your favorite toppings!

Top Tip

Having made this chili quite a few times, I've picked up little tricks that make all the difference between a "good" chili and a truly memorable one. These tips will help your Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe shine every time.

Softening the Onion Properly: Don’t rush sautéing the onions; soft, slightly caramelized onions deepen the flavor more than raw or just translucent ones.
Blend for Creaminess: Blending a portion of the chili before adding the cream cheese is my secret for a silky texture, no heavy cream needed.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds a great smoky flavor without extra effort—perfect for busy days.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go, especially after adding canned items, to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

white chicken chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for fresh, colorful toppings to add texture and bursts of flavor. A dollop of sour cream cools the spice just right. Then, a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese melts beautifully on top. I’m a fan of crunchy tortilla strips for that satisfying crunch, along with sliced avocados for creaminess and fresh jalapeños if I’m feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or simple tortilla chips. Sometimes, I make a crisp green salad with a citrusy dressing to balance the rich, creamy chili. On chilly nights, some warm, crusty bread is also perfect for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, I like to serve this chili in small, colorful bowls alongside a toppings station so everyone can customize their bowls. For a dinner party, try serving it in mini pumpkin bowls during fall—it’s charming and seasonal! Even evidence of a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side elevates the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chili in airtight containers in the fridge—it keeps great for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing works well too. I portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Avoid freezing with sour cream or fresh garnishes on top—add those fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium heat on the stove with a splash of water or chicken broth if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure an even temperature. Microwave works too—just cover and stir a couple times during heating for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Start by sautéing the onions and garlic, then add all ingredients except the cream cheese and cilantro to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream cheese and cilantro about 15 minutes before serving for that creamy finish.

What type of beans works best in this chili?

Cannellini or great Northern beans are ideal for this recipe because of their creamy texture and mild flavor. However, you can substitute with other white beans, like navy beans, and still get delicious results.

Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible! For more heat, add extra jalapeños, use hotter peppers, or increase cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne and green chiles. The toppings like sour cream also help tone down spice if needed.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to cream cheese in this chili?

You can substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese or use coconut cream to maintain the creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free. Just be mindful that coconut cream may add a slight coconut flavor to the chili.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that makes me feel cozy and content every time I make it. It’s not just a meal; it’s a little moment of comfort you can savor, whether you’re sharing with family or just enjoying some quiet time yourself. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, bringing warmth and creamy delight to your table just like it has to mine.