BEST White Chicken Chili Recipe: Cozy 30-Minute Winner

Name: BEST White Chicken Chili recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19 oz); 1 can sweet corn, drained (12 oz); 1 can green chiles (4 oz); 1 teaspoon green hot sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional); 1 tablespoon water (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this BEST White Chicken Chili recipe is about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s creamy without being heavy, thick without being gluey (we’ve all been there), and packed with tender shredded chicken, white beans, and just enough spice to keep things interesting—but not scare off picky eaters.

This is one of those recipes I lean on when life feels like one giant to-do list. You know the days—laundry buzzing, emails piling up, and everyone asking what’s for dinner at the exact same time. This chili comes together fast, uses pantry staples, and tastes like you worked way harder than you actually did. My favorite kind of cooking.

Why You’ll Love This BEST White Chicken Chili Recipe

Fast & forgiving: On the table in about 30 minutes, and it’s hard to mess up.
Ultra creamy: Thanks to cream cheese (the real MVP here).
Family-friendly: Mild, cozy spice that you can easily adjust.
Make-ahead & freezer-friendly: Dinner now, dinner later—future you will be grateful.
Perfect pantry meal: Beans, corn, chiles… nothing fancy required.

This is comfort food that works with your schedule, not against it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings this creamy chili magic together:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19 oz)
1 can sweet corn, drained (12 oz)
1 can green chiles (4 oz)
1 teaspoon green hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra thickness)
1 tablespoon water (optional)

For serving (go wild):
Chips, avocado, lime wedges, salsa, shredded cheese, jalapeños—whatever makes your bowl happy.

How to Make the BEST White Chicken Chili Recipe

This recipe keeps things simple and stress-free. No fancy steps, no babysitting the stove.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes.

You’re looking for fully cooked chicken—165°F if you’re checking with a thermometer.

Step 2: Shred & Return

Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks. (This is a great time to release some stress.) Add the shredded chicken right back into the pot with the broth.

Step 3: Build the Chili

Stir in the white beans, corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt. At this point, it already smells amazing—try not to “taste test” too aggressively.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add them to the pot. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, dreamy base.

Step 5: Thicken (Optional but Lovely)

If you like your chili extra thick, stir together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then pour it into the simmering chili. Cook for another minute or two until it reaches your perfect consistency.

Step 6: Serve & Customize

Ladle into bowls and let everyone top their own—chips, avocado, lime, salsa, cheese… this is where the fun happens.

BEST White Chicken Chili recipe with shredded chicken, white beans, and corn served with crusty bread — Nothing beats a cozy bowl of this BEST White Chicken Chili recipe paired with warm bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Cooking Tips From My Kitchen to Yours

Too thick? Add a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen it up.
Not spicy enough? Extra hot sauce fixes everything.
Too spicy? A dollop of sour cream or extra cheese saves the day.
Want more flavor? Sauté onions or peppers in a little oil before adding the chicken and broth.

And if your sauce looks extra thick—don’t panic. That’s not a problem. That’s just comfort waiting to happen.

A Little Personal Note

This BEST White Chicken Chili recipe has rescued me on weeks when I felt completely tapped out. I’ve made it while answering emails, helping with homework, and wondering why everyone is suddenly starving right now. It never disappoints, and leftovers somehow taste even better the next day—like it had time to think about how delicious it wanted to be.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Is this chili freezer-friendly?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

How do I make it less spicy?

Skip the hot sauce or add just a few drops at a time. You’re in full control here.

Can I make it thinner?

Of course. Add more broth, milk, or even a splash of cream until it’s just how you like it.

One Last Cozy Thought

This BEST White Chicken Chili recipe is the kind of meal that makes busy days feel manageable and dinner feel comforting again. It’s simple, creamy, and endlessly flexible—exactly what home cooking should be. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking your freezer for future you, this chili shows up every single time.

Grab a spoon, pile on the toppings, and enjoy every cozy bite.

If You’re Still in the Mood for Cozy Comfort

If this BEST White Chicken Chili recipe hit the spot, there are plenty of other comforting, low-effort meals waiting for you. These are perfect for nights when you want something warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying—without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you’re craving an even more hands-off version, this creamy crockpot white chicken chili is a slow-cooked favorite that practically makes itself.
creamy crockpot white chicken chili
When you want another cozy bowl that’s hearty and nourishing, this slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup is a wonderful next stop—perfect for chilly evenings or make-ahead lunches.
slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup
If it was the rich, creamy texture you loved most, you’ll adore this comforting cream cheese chicken chili, which leans all the way into that indulgent, spoon-coating goodness.
comforting cream cheese chicken chili
And if you enjoy seeing how other cooks put their own spin on a classic, this well-loved white chicken chili recipe offers a familiar, timeless take that’s always inspiring.
well-loved white chicken chili recipe

These cozy options are perfect for bookmarking now and cooking later—because once soup season starts, there’s no such thing as too many comforting favorites.