A warm, comforting white chicken chili with tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and a subtle kick of green chilies in a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for chilly nights, easy meal prep, and satisfying family dinners.
Author:Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Soup / Comfort Food
Method:Stovetop (or Slow Cooker Option)
Cuisine:American / Southwestern
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant (about 5–7 minutes).
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pot along with the chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is tender and easily shredded (about 20–25 minutes).
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the broth and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Thicken the Soup: To naturally thicken, mash a portion of the white beans and stir them back into the soup.
Make It Creamy: Stir in the cream cheese (or heavy cream) until the soup is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
For extra convenience, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Adjust the spice level by adding extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you prefer more heat.
This soup can be made in a slow cooker: brown the aromatics and chicken first, then transfer all ingredients (except cream and spinach, if using) to a slow cooker; cook on low for 6–8 hours, then finish with cream.