...
white chicken chili - Featured

Pure Joy White Chicken Chili: 1 Pot

User avatar placeholder
Written by Alex Hayes

June 14, 2025

Life gets busy, right? Sometimes the last thing you want to think about after a long day is what’s for dinner. I totally get that! I used to be the same way, convinced I wasn’t a ‘kitchen person’ at all. But then I discovered the pure joy of cooking simple, soul-satisfying food that actually brings people together. That’s where this amazing white chicken chili comes in! It’s ridiculously creamy, packed with flavor, and basically a dump-and-go miracle for your slow cooker. Seriously, you can throw everything in and let it do all the work. It’s the perfect answer to those ‘what’s for dinner?’ nights, proving that incredible meals don’t have to be complicated.

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili

Honestly, this white chicken chili is a game-changer for busy folks like us! It’s:

  • Crazy Easy: Seriously, it’s a dump-and-go slow cooker dream. Minimal prep means more time living!
  • So Creamy and Flavorful: That mild green chile kick combined with tender chicken and creamy beans? Pure comfort in a bowl.
  • Perfect for Weeknights (or Any Night!): It’s approachable for everyone, tastes incredible, and is absolutely delicious to share with family and friends. Big on flavor, zero stress!

Gather Your Ingredients for White Chicken Chili

Okay, getting this creamy white chicken chili going is super simple, and it all starts with a great lineup of ingredients. You’ll want to grab two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts – they shred up so nicely. Then, we’re tossing in a can of diced green chilies (undrained, please, for that extra little kick and liquid!), a can of cannellini beans that you’ve rinsed and drained, and another can of great northern beans, also rinsed and drained. Don’t forget a can of drained corn, another can of chopped green chilies, and a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained again!). To bring it all together, you’ll need about a cup of chicken broth, a teaspoon each of cumin and dried oregano, and half a teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Oh, and salt and pepper to taste, of course! If you want it extra creamy, a half cup of heavy cream or half-and-half is your magic touch. Then, for serving, have some shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado ready to go!

Crafting Your Creamy White Chili: Step-by-Step

Making this white chicken chili is honestly one of the easiest things you’ll do all week, and it tastes like you slaved over it for hours! The magic really happens in the slow cooker – it’s practically foolproof. You just toss everything in, let it bubble away, and come back to pure comfort. But if you’re short on time, don’t sweat it! I’ve got a super quick stovetop version for you too. We want this to be totally approachable, just like Alex says.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Method

Alright, let’s get this slow cooker party started! First things first, just nestle those two pounds of chicken breasts right into the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to chop or anything fancy. Then, we’ll just add in all the other good stuff: that can of diced green chilies (yep, the whole can, juice and all!), your rinsed and drained cannellini beans and great northern beans, the drained corn, that tangy can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, a cup of chicken broth, our spice mix – cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder – and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Pop the lid on, set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, just pull it out, shred it up with two forks – so satisfying! – and then toss it all back in. If you’re feeling extra decadent, stir in that half cup of cream or half-and-half now. Give it a good stir and let it heat through for another 10-15 minutes. That’s it! Dinner is served!

Quick Stovetop White Bean Chili Alternative

No slow cooker? No problem! You can whip up this amazing white bean chili on the stovetop in no time. Just grab a large pot or Dutch oven. First, sauté your chicken breasts until they’re cooked through, then shred them up. After that, just toss in all the other ingredients – the chilies, beans, corn, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Bring it all to a simmer, then turn the heat down, cover it, and let it bubble away for at least 30 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to really meld together and makes the chili nice and creamy. Stir in the cream at the end if you’re using it, and you’ve got a delicious, comforting meal ready to go!

Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili

You know, even with easy recipes like this white chicken chili, a few little tricks can make it truly restaurant-worthy! Don’t be afraid to taste as you go and adjust that salt and pepper – sometimes the canned goods vary in saltiness. If you want it a bit creamier, stir in that half-cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end; it really makes a difference! And for an extra boost of flavor, a tiny squeeze of lime juice right before serving can brighten everything up.

Serving Suggestions for Green Chile Chicken Chili

This green chile chicken chili is so comforting and hearty, it really doesn’t need much! But if you want to round out the meal, a warm, crusty bread or some cornbread is just divine for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can add a nice fresh crunch too. Honestly though, my favorite way to serve it is just piled high in a bowl with all the fixings – shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some fresh cilantro. Pure, simple joy!

Storing Your Delicious White Chicken Chili

Leftover white chicken chili is a gift that keeps on giving, honestly! Once it’s cooled down a bit, just pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep wonderfully for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for more, just reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop a bowl in the microwave. It also freezes like a dream! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions about White Chicken Chili

I get asked these questions all the time when I bring this white chicken chili to potlucks – it’s always a huge hit! Here are the answers straight from my recipe notebook:

Can I make this white chicken chili spicier?

Absolutely! If you love a little heat, just add an extra can of chopped green chilies, or toss in some diced jalapeños with the other ingredients. A pinch of cayenne pepper in the spice mix also works wonders. The key is to build up the heat gradually so you don’t overwhelm the creamy flavor.

Can I substitute the chicken for a vegetarian version?

You bet! For a delicious vegetarian white bean chili, just swap out the chicken breasts for an extra can of beans (pinto or black beans work great!) or some cubed firm tofu. It’s just as hearty and flavorful.

How do I make it even creamier?

The heavy cream or half-and-half at the end gives it that amazing creamy texture, but if you want it even richer, you can add a little more, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt stirred in right before serving. Some people even add a splash of milk!

Is this a healthy chicken chili option?

It can be! It’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, making it pretty healthy. You can lighten it up even more by using reduced-fat sour cream for topping or omitting the heavy cream altogether.

Nutritional Estimates for Your White Chicken Chili

Now, about the good stuff – nutrition! Keep in mind that like most home-cooked meals, the exact numbers can sneak around a bit depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you pile in your bowl. These estimates are just a general guide to give you an idea of what’s in this hearty bowl of comfort. It’s packed with protein and fiber though, that’s for sure!

Print

Easy White Chicken Chili

white chicken chili - Tasty

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A creamy and flavorful white chicken chili recipe perfect for a comforting meal. This dump-and-go crock-pot version makes preparation simple.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
  • Total Time: 8-9.5 hours
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Add diced green chilies, cannellini beans, great northern beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  6. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half, if using.
  7. Stir everything together and heat through for another 10-15 minutes on low.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a quicker stovetop version, sauté chicken until cooked through, shred, and combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
  • Adjust seasonings to your preference.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with extra beans or firm tofu.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Image placeholder

Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

1 Shares
Tweet
Pin1
Share