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Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili for Weeknight Meals

A close-up bowl of creamy chicken chili featuring shredded chicken, white beans, and fresh cilantro, garnished with lime wedges.
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Create this comforting and healthy Creamy White Chicken Chili using your stovetop or slow cooker. This recipe delivers a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds cooked chicken breast, shredded (use rotisserie chicken for speed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (4 ounce) can green chiles, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the shredded chicken, green chiles, cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, and chicken broth. If using, add the cayenne pepper.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow flavors to combine. (If using a slow cooker, transfer all ingredients except cream cheese and cream to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.)
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cubed cream cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely into the chili base, creating a creamy texture.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream or milk, if using, to achieve your desired level of richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the **best chicken chili** hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a **slow cooker chicken chili** version, combine all ingredients except cream cheese and cream in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in cream cheese and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • To make this a **quick dinner chicken chili**, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and simmer on the stovetop for only 15 minutes after adding liquids.
  • This **healthy chicken chili dinner** freezes well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/creamy-white-chicken-chili-recipe/