Dinner

The Ultimate White Chicken Chili Recipe

ByRafael Mansero November 9, 2025November 9, 2025

Introduction

This Ultimate White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners. Packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a mild kick of green chilies, it’s a delicious twist on traditional chili that warms you from the inside out.

A white bowl filled with creamy white chicken chili sits at the center. The chili has a thick texture with chunks of white chicken, white beans, and small pieces of green pepper, all mixed in a light yellow creamy broth. The surface is sprinkled with black pepper and herbs, adding a touch of green. Behind the bowl, there is a small glass bowl with white shredded cheese and a white plate holding golden toasted bread sticks. The background is a white marbled surface with a red patterned cloth underneath the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
1 rotisserie chicken (skin removed, meat pulled off bones and chopped)
2 (15-oz) cans white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11-oz) can white corn, drained
2 (4-oz) cans chopped green chilies, undrained
2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
¼ tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Step 2: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Add the chopped rotisserie chicken, white kidney beans, white corn, green chilies (with juice), dried minced onion, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer the chili for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Swap out the pepper jack cheese for Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Add fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright finishing touch.
Use leftover cooked chicken if you don’t have a rotisserie chicken on hand.
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy, thick stew that has a light orange color. The stew is loaded with soft white beans and tender pieces of shredded chicken mixed with small diced green vegetables. The top layer is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding a splash of color to the dish. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and part of a red cloth is visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the chili.

Is this chili spicy?

This recipe is mildly spicy thanks to the green chilies and chili powder. You can adjust the heat by adding more chilies or some jalapeños if you prefer a spicier dish.