There is something truly comforting about a bowl of chili that warms your soul and satisfies your hunger all at once. The One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy days when you want hearty, wholesome flavors without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. This creamy, mildly spiced chili combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and a hint of zesty lime for a dish that’s both soothing and vibrant. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prep because it comes together in one pot and delivers layers of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a starring role—from the tender chicken that provides protein, to the spices that add warmth and depth, to the creamy beans that bring a velvety richness and texture. Let’s walk through the must-haves that make this dish shine.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and chicken, adding a smooth base flavor and healthy fats.
- Yellow onion: Diced and cooked until translucent to add subtle sweetness and fragrance.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the chili with aromatic richness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, protein-packed bites.
- Diced green chilies: A mild heat and smoky undertone to brighten the chili.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy, warm notes essential to classic chili seasoning.
- Dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal complexity.
- Chili powder: The spice foundation that brings everything together.
- Ground coriander: A citrusy spice that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly and balance all flavors.
- Cannellini beans: Rinsed and drained to create a creamy, filling texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The liquid base that simmers everything together beautifully.
- Frozen corn: Adds sweetness and pops of color.
- Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for creaminess and a slight tang.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a gentle richness.
- Lime juice: A fresh burst of acidity to brighten every bite.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish, adding a lovely herbal finish and a splash of green.
How to Make One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion and cook it gently until it turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This process unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness, setting a flavorful foundation. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release its aromatic essence without letting it burn.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor with those lovely caramelized bits, making every mouthful more satisfying.
Step 3: Add the Chilies and Spices
It’s time to add the diced green chilies, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the chicken and onions. This is where the warm, earthy, and mildly spicy undertones develop, creating the heart of the chili’s flavor.
Step 4: Combine Beans, Broth, and Corn
Next, pour in your rinsed cannellini beans, low-sodium chicken broth, and frozen corn. Give it a good stir and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally as the flavors meld together and the chicken cooks thoroughly in the broth.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Lime
When the chicken is cooked through and your chili has thickened up beautifully, stir in the sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and the fresh lime juice. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts into the chili, adding luxurious creaminess balanced by the lime’s brightness.
How to Serve One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top brings a burst of herbal freshness and color contrast to your creamy white chili. If you like a little extra zest, consider topping with diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or even a dollop of additional sour cream. These simple touches not only elevate flavor but make the dish look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or soft cornbread to soak up all the delicious broth. A side of tortilla chips adds crunch and a classic chili companion, while a light green salad can offer a refreshing balance to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe in small bowls topped with shredded cheese and cilantro at a casual dinner party. Or use it as a filling for soft tacos with some crisp shredded lettuce and a squeeze of lime. It’s also fantastic ladled over baked potatoes or rice for a cozy bowl supper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and creamy texture. The beans and chicken will continue to absorb the spices, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe is freezer-friendly too! Transfer cooled chili into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its delicious qualities, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm the chili gently in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to keep the cream and cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time. Just add the cooked chicken during the last 10 minutes of simmering to warm through and let the flavors mingle.
How spicy is this white chicken chili?
This recipe has a mild heat level due to the green chilies and chili powder, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or more chili powder based on your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream, and swap the Monterey Jack cheese for a dairy-free shredded cheese to keep it creamy without dairy.
What beans work best if I don’t have cannellini beans?
Pinto beans, great northern beans, or navy beans make excellent substitutes as they have similar textures and mild flavors that complement the chili well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes. All the ingredients in this One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and hearty option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sinking your spoon into a warm bowl of this One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe. It’s a easy, comforting, and flavorful meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. With simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and so much deliciousness in every bite, this recipe is a keeper for family dinners and casual gatherings alike. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
One-Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and creamy One-Pot White Chicken Chili loaded with tender chicken, cannellini beans, and flavorful spices simmered to perfection. This easy-to-make gluten-free chili is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner and garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5–7 minutes, ensuring they are sealed to retain moisture.
- Add Spices and Chilies: Stir in the diced green chilies, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken and onions with the spices for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Beans, Broth, and Corn: Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, low-sodium chicken broth, and frozen corn to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors.
- Finish with Dairy and Lime: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the chili has thickened, stir in the sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and lime juice. Continue to simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chili is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, mash some of the cannellini beans before adding them to the pot.
- You can substitute with rotisserie chicken to save time — just reduce the simmering time accordingly.
- Adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce if desired.
