Name: Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (14 oz.) cans low-sodium chicken broth, about 3.5 cups; 2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chiles; 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained; 2 (15 oz.) cans white beans (cannellini or great Northern beans), drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken, about 1 lb.; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped; Fresh chopped cilantro; A dollop of sour cream; Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, shredded; Tortilla strips; Sliced avocados; Sliced jalapenos

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy, savory chili bubbling on the stove — and this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe hits that spot perfectly. It’s got that lovely smooth texture, gentle heat, and just the right balance of savory beans and tender chicken that keeps me coming back for more.

The image shows a thick creamy soup with a yellow-orange color filled with corn kernels, white beans, shredded white meat pieces, and small green herb bits. A silver ladle lifts a scoop of the soup, highlighting all these ingredients mixed in a smooth, rich broth. The soup is in a round white bowl with a white marbled surface underneath, and there is soft, warm lighting that shows the creamy texture and the tiny pea-sized spices sprinkled throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and healthy, a rare combo that makes weeknight dinners something to look forward to. I adore how it’s creamy without being heavy, with a bright kick from the lime and fresh cilantro that wakes up your taste buds.

Rich Creaminess: The softened cream cheese melts beautifully into the chili, creating a silky texture that’s seriously addictive.
Easy to Make: Using rotisserie chicken means this chili comes together quickly, perfect for busy nights.
Flavorful but Mild Heat: A blend of spices with just a hint of cayenne provides warmth without overwhelming the palate.
Comfort Food With a Twist: Fresh additions like lime juice and cilantro add brightness that makes this chili stand apart.

A white bowl filled with creamy light orange soup that has visible pieces of white beans, yellow corn, and small chunks of light beige chicken mixed throughout. On the left side of the bowl, there are golden crispy tortilla strips resting on slices of green avocado. In the center, there is a dollop of white sour cream topped with black specks of pepper, and beside it, a wedge of bright green lime partially embedded in the soup. The soup is sprinkled with small green herb pieces all over. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl towards the front. The bowl sits on a dark brown plate on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, two lime wedges and small bowls with white and orange contents are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is there for a reason, coming together to build layers of flavor and a rich texture. Plus, these are all pretty easy to find at your local grocery store.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion diced into rough chunks, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, small white ceramic bowls each containing cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper, shredded rotisserie chicken pieces, fresh chopped cilantro sprigs, small white bowls with diced green chiles, whole kernel corn, drained white beans, cubed cream cheese, and bright lime wedges, sliced avocado fanned out, sliced fresh jalapenos, shredded Monterey Jack cheese piled neatly, and crisp golden tortilla strips arranged in a simple white ceramic bowl, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when softened, forming a flavorful base.
Garlic: Brings that aromatic punch that you can’t do without in chili.
Chicken Broth: Acts as the liquid backbone, infusing the chili with chicken flavor while keeping it light.
Green Chiles: Deliver mild heat and an earthy, smoky note without overpowering the dish.
Corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and texture contrast you didn’t know you needed.
White Beans: Cannellini or great Northern beans provide creaminess and protein, making this chili hearty.
Spices (cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, coriander, cayenne): A carefully balanced blend that layers warm, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.
Cream Cheese: The secret to that signature creamy texture and tangy richness.
Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds tender, juicy bits of chicken throughout.
Lime Juice: Gives a bright zing that cuts through the richness and lifts the whole bowl.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds freshness and a fragrant finish to your chili.
Optional Toppings (sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, jalapeños): These let you customize the heat, creaminess, and crunch exactly how you like it.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to tweak the heat level, swap beans, or go meatless with some hearty veggies. You can make it truly yours!

Variation: Sometimes I stir in a little Greek yogurt or sour cream at the end for extra tang and creaminess, especially when I’m out of cream cheese.
For a Spicy Kick: If you want more heat, adding extra jalapeños or a dash of chipotle in adobo amps things up perfectly.
Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and double up on beans and corn for a hearty plant-based version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Build a Flavor Base

Start by sautéing the diced yellow onion in a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s soft and translucent — usually about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. It’s simple, but trust me, this step is what builds that warm, comforting foundation you’ll taste in every bite.

Step 2: Combine and Simmer Your Chili Ingredients

Add the chicken broth, diced green chiles, drained corn, and rinsed white beans to the pot. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, coriander, cayenne, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This simmering lets all those flavors mingle and deepen beautifully.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

To give the chili its signature creamy texture, scoop out about a cup of the chili and puree it using a food processor or an immersion blender. Stir the blended mixture back into the pot, and you’ll immediately notice the chili’s body and smoothness improve. It’s a neat trick that makes all the difference!

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese and Chicken

Cube your softened cream cheese and stir it into the pot with shredded cooked chicken. Stir continuously until the cream cheese completely melts into the chili, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step enriches the chili and warms the chicken through without drying it out — a perfect balance.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Last but not least, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Let the chili simmer for a few more minutes. The brightness of the lime and the herbal notes from the cilantro lift the whole dish, cutting through the creaminess in the best way. Once it thickens a bit more and your kitchen smells amazing, it’s ready to serve!

Top Tip

What really helped me nail this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe was experimenting with the blending step. I initially skipped it and felt something was missing—the chili just didn’t have that luscious mouthfeel I wanted.

Partial Puree: Blending just a portion of the chili creates creaminess while keeping plenty of texture, so you get the best of both worlds.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened—it melts faster and more evenly, preventing lumps.
Simmer Gently: After adding the cream cheese and chicken, keep the chili at a low simmer to avoid curdling or drying out the chicken.
Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste after adding lime and cilantro, then adjust salt and spice levels—this final step really balances your chili.

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

white chicken chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of topping this chili with a dollop of sour cream, a handful of shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, and some fresh chopped cilantro. On special days, I pile on crispy tortilla strips for crunch, creamy slices of avocado, and if I’m feeling bold, thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. These little touches take the bowl from good to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or some warm, buttery cornbread to soak up every last bit of chili. Sometimes, tortilla chips on the side work too, especially if you’re serving this for a casual gathering or game night.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe to friends for get-togethers, I’ve put out a chili bar with lots of toppings so everyone can customize. Bowls of shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, and even a squeeze bottle of lime juice make for a fun interactive dinner. It’s always a hit and looks so inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chili in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well—just let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you reheat, the texture holds up nicely, though sometimes the cream cheese separates a little, so just whisk it back in gently while warming.

Reheating

I like to reheat my chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water can loosen it if it thickens too much while sitting. Avoid microwaving too long at once to keep it creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! You can cook chicken breasts or thighs from scratch by poaching them in broth or baking them, then shredding before adding to the chili. Rotisserie chicken is just a great time-saver.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a creamy alternative, though the texture will be slightly different. Adding the substitute at the end of cooking helps prevent curdling.

How spicy is this chili?

It has a mild heat from the green chiles and cayenne pepper, but it’s very adjustable. You can leave out the cayenne or add more jalapeños if you prefer more spice.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients except cream cheese and cilantro into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in cream cheese and fresh cilantro before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe quickly became a cozy staple in my meal rotation, and I love how versatile it is. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or hosting friends for dinner, it’s reliable, comforting, and satisfying. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—the kitchen smells alone are worth it!