Creamy 30 Minute White Chicken Chili for Cozy Nights

When chilly nights roll in, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy 30 Minute White Chicken Chili. This recipe reminds me of the time my son, Jake, decided he wanted to help in the kitchen. He ended up adding way too much chili powder, but we all laughed and made it work. Now, this easy chicken chili recipe has become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The creamy texture is comforting and satisfying.
  • It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
  • You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings.

Pure Comfort

This creamy white chicken chili is pure comfort food. The blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy base warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for cozy nights with family or friends.

What You Need

  • 1 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into small cubes.
  • 1 1 large yellow onion – Diced.
  • 3 3 cloves garlic – Minced.
  • 1 1 can (15 oz) white beans – Drained and rinsed.
  • 1 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies – Mild or hot, based on preference.
  • 4 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium recommended.
  • 1 1 cup heavy cream – Can substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 1 tsp cumin – Adds warmth and depth.
  • 1 1 tsp chili powder – Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
  • 1 1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar or Monterey Jack for topping.
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro – Optional, for freshness.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, can be made ahead and reheated.

Steps to Make It

  1. Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. The aroma of the onion will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager for dinner.
  2. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll notice the garlic starts to sizzle and become fragrant, which means it’s time to add the chicken.
  3. Add the cubed chicken to the pot, stirring frequently. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This ensures your chili has tender, juicy chicken pieces.
  4. Stir in the drained white beans and diced green chilies. The colors will brighten up your pot, making it even more inviting. Let it cook for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Finally, stir in the heavy cream, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. The chili should be creamy and rich, perfect for serving.
  7. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro if desired. The cheese will melt slightly, adding to the creamy goodness of the chili.

Make It Perfect

  • For an extra kick, add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños.
  • If you have leftover chili, it makes a great filling for burritos or tacos.
  • This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.
  • To make it lighter, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Mix It Up

  • Swap the chicken for turkey for a different flavor.
  • Add corn for a sweet crunch.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with extra beans and use vegetable broth.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with warm cornbread.
  • Pair with a fresh green salad.
  • Enjoy with tortilla chips for a fun crunch.

💡 For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest.

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Is this chili spicy?

It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or jalapeños.

Conclusion

This creamy 30 Minute White Chicken Chili is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. It's a quick and easy chicken chili recipe that everyone will love, making it a perfect choice for cozy nights at home.

creamy white chicken chili with chicken, beans, and melted cheese

Creamy 30 Minute White Chicken Chili for Cozy Nights

This creamy white chicken chili combines tender chicken, white beans, and a rich, spiced broth to make a comforting and easy one-pot meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for chilly nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into small cubes
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies mild or hot, based on preference
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup heavy cream can substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free option
  • 1 tsp cumin adds warmth and depth
  • 1 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack for topping
  • for garnish fresh cilantro optional, for freshness

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook diced onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add cubed chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in drained white beans and diced green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in heavy cream, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.
  7. Serve hot topped with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro if desired.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating