This white chili recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. It's a delightful twist on traditional chili, featuring tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of spices that create a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every kitchen. For instance, green chilies add a mild heat and unique flavor, and white beans provide a creamy texture. If you don't have these on hand, they can be easily found in the canned goods section of your supermarket. Additionally, cumin and oregano are essential spices that bring depth to the dish.

Ingredients For White Chili Recipe
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a rich flavor base.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation to the chili.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the dish.
Chicken breast: The main protein, diced for even cooking and tenderness.
White beans: These beans add creaminess and body to the chili.
Green chilies: Diced chilies that bring a mild heat and unique flavor.
Chicken broth: The liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
Cumin: A spice that adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Oregano: An herb that brings a slightly bitter, aromatic taste.
Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and rich color to the chili.
Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for a creamy texture.
Shredded cheese: Melts into the chili, adding richness and flavor.
Technique Tip for Making White Chili
When sautéing the onion and garlic, make sure to cook them until they are translucent and fragrant, but not browned. This will ensure that they release their natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the white chili. Additionally, when adding the diced chicken breast, make sure the pieces are evenly sized to ensure uniform cooking. This will help the chicken cook through evenly and absorb the flavors of the spices and broth.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the dish well.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture, making it a suitable replacement.
white beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a creamy texture and mild flavor, similar to other white beans.
green chilies - Substitute with jalapeños: Jalapeños can add a similar level of heat and flavor, though they may be slightly spicier.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option, providing a similar depth of flavor.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, citrusy flavor that can complement the other spices in the dish.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a slightly different but complementary flavor profile that works well in chili recipes.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a similar color and mild heat, though it may be less spicy.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, with added protein.
shredded cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts well and has a mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Chili
How to Store or Freeze This Chili
- Allow the white chili to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Transfer the cooled white chili into airtight containers. For optimal freshness, use containers that are specifically designed for freezing.
- Label each container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the white chili has been stored and ensures you use it within a safe time frame.
- Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the white chili within 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors intact and the ingredients fresh.
- For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The white chili can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the white chili in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the white chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.
- If the white chili appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place the leftover white chili in a saucepan.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain its creamy consistency.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once heated through, serve hot and enjoy the revived flavors.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the white chili to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to avoid splatters.
- Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Ensure it’s heated evenly and serve immediately.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the white chili in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Transfer the white chili to your slow cooker.
- Set it on low heat.
- Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once hot, serve directly from the slow cooker for a cozy meal.
Best Tools for Making White Chili
Large pot: Used to cook the chili and combine all the ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients as they cook.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and dicing the chicken breast.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion and dicing the chicken breast.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, cumin, oregano, and chili powder accurately.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the cans of white beans and green chilies.
Colander: Used to drain and rinse the white beans.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the chicken broth and sour cream.
Grater: Useful for shredding the cheese if it is not pre-shredded.
Ladle: Perfect for serving the hot chili into bowls.
How to Save Time on Making This Chili
Pre-chop ingredients: Dice the onion and garlic in advance to save time during cooking.
Use rotisserie chicken: Substitute the diced chicken breast with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
One-pot cooking: Use a single large pot to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the cumin, oregano, and chili powder before you start cooking to make the process smoother.
Quick rinse beans: Use a colander to quickly drain and rinse the white beans to save time.

White Chili Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 unit onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can green chilies, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned.
- Stir in the white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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