Irresistible 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful white chicken chili recipe can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Comfort meets simplicity in this streamlined dish packed with flavor and warmth.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how minimal ingredients can create maximum satisfaction.

Creamy textures blend with tender chicken and hearty beans for a soul-satisfying meal.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a zesty experience that wakes up tired taste buds.

Minimal prep and quick cooking make this chili a go-to solution for hectic schedules.

We bet you’ll want to add this to your regular rotation of hearty meals.

FAQs

  • Is this chili spicy?

The salsa verde adds a mild to moderate heat level, but you can control the spiciness by choosing mild or hot salsa verde. If you prefer less heat, opt for a mild salsa.

  • Can I use different types of beans?

While the recipe uses white beans, you can substitute with pinto or black beans if needed. Just ensure they’re rinsed and drained before adding to the chili.

  • Do I need to cook the chicken beforehand?

Yes, use pre-cooked or rotisserie shredded chicken. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding to the chili to ensure food safety.

  • How can I make this chili more filling?

Add extra protein like additional shredded chicken or top with a dollop of sour cream. You can also serve with rice or tortilla chips to make it more substantial.

White Chicken Chili With Just 5 Simple Ingredients

  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious chili in just 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and effort.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires only 5 simple pantry staples, making it perfect for last-minute meals without complicated shopping.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Offers customizable toppings that let everyone personalize their bowl, ensuring even picky eaters find something to love.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, delivering a balanced meal that's both satisfying and healthy.

Five Key Parts In White Chicken Chili

Proteins:
  • Chicken, Chicken Stock: Provides hearty base and main protein for the chili, choose shredded rotisserie or home-cooked chicken for best flavor.
Beans:
  • White Beans (Great Northern, Cannellini): Adds creamy texture and additional protein, select canned beans for convenience and quick preparation.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salsa Verde, Ground Cumin: Delivers tangy and warm Mexican-inspired flavor profile, salsa verde adds moisture and zesty kick while cumin provides depth and earthiness.

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Directions

Step 1: Prep Cooking Pot

Select a large pot and get ready to create a delicious white chicken chili that will warm your taste buds.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

Pour chicken stock into the pot and add these delightful components:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Rinsed beans
  • Salsa verde
  • Ground cumin

Step 3: Activate Flavor Fusion

Stir all ingredients thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

This helps blend the rich flavors together.

Step 4: Slow Cook And Develop Taste

Lower the heat and let the chili gently cook for 15-20 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

This process allows the spices and ingredients to mingle and create a harmonious dish.

Step 5: Serve With Personalized Toppings

Transfer the hot chili to serving bowls and customize with your favorite garnishes like:
  • Fresh avocado slices
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Shredded cheese
  • Diced onions
  • Creamy sour cream
  • Crispy tortilla chips
  • Spicy jalapeño slices

Enjoy your homemade white chicken chili with friends and family!

White Chicken Chili Five-Ingredient Tips

  • Add extra shredded chicken or white beans for a more protein-packed meal that keeps you fuller longer.
  • Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot salsa verde, perfect for different taste preferences.
  • Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese near the end of cooking for a richer, smoother texture.
  • Cook the chili in advance and store in the refrigerator, as the flavors develop and taste even better the next day.
  • Freeze portions in airtight containers for easy weeknight meals that can be reheated in minutes.

White Chicken Chili (5-Ingredient) Best Reheat Tips

  • Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture if needed.
  • Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little chicken stock or water to maintain desired consistency and prevent drying out.

What to Add to 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

  • Pair with Fresh Lime Margaritas: Complement the zesty chili with a tangy, refreshing cocktail that echoes the salsa verde's bright flavors and cuts through the richness of the dish.
  • Create a Crisp Corn Salad Side: Balance the chili's warmth with a cool, crunchy corn salad featuring diced red onions, cilantro, and a light lime vinaigrette to enhance the meal's Mexican-inspired profile.
  • Serve with Jalapeño Cornbread: Add a slightly spicy, slightly sweet cornbread that provides a perfect textural contrast and soaks up the chili's delicious broth, creating a satisfying and complete dining experience.
  • Match with Mexican Lager Beer: Select a light, crisp beer like Corona or Modelo that cleanses the palate and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty, spiced chicken chili.

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Spins

  • Low-Sodium Version: Replace regular chicken stock with low-sodium chicken broth, use fresh salsa verde with no added salt, and skip additional salt seasoning.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives like jackfruit or tofu, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, maintain bean and salsa verde components.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Eliminate cheese and sour cream toppings, replace with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or nutritional yeast, add extra fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
  • Keto-Friendly Variation: Use cauliflower instead of beans, increase protein content with additional shredded chicken, choose a low-carb salsa verde, top with full-fat cheese and extra avocado.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets simplicity in this hearty 5-ingredient white chicken chili, blending creamy textures with bold southwestern flavors. Warm bowls of zesty goodness invite home cooks to savor a quick, satisfying meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 3 to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken

Beans:

  • 2 (15-ounce/425 grams) cans white beans (Great Northern, cannellini), rinsed and drained

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken stock
  • 2 cups (16 ounces/454 grams) salsa verde
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Pour chicken stock into a spacious pot, creating the base for a zesty white chicken chili.
  2. Gently fold in tender shredded chicken, ensuring even distribution throughout the liquid.
  3. Add rinsed beans to the pot, introducing a hearty texture and protein-rich element to the dish.
  4. Infuse the mixture with tangy salsa verde, which will provide a vibrant southwestern flavor profile.
  5. Sprinkle ground cumin across the surface, allowing the warm, earthy spice to enhance the overall taste.
  6. Activate the heat to medium, stirring the ingredients until the liquid begins to bubble gently.
  7. Reduce temperature and let the chili simmer, allowing the flavors to harmonize and develop depth.
  8. Periodically stir the chili during the 15-20 minute cooking process to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  9. When the chili reaches a consistent temperature and the ingredients have melded together, remove from heat.
  10. Transfer to serving bowls and embellish with a creative combination of garnishes like creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, sharp cheese, crisp onions, cooling sour cream, crunchy tortilla chips, or spicy jalapeño slices.

Notes

  • Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor and faster preparation time.
  • Lower sodium by using low-sodium chicken stock and selecting mild salsa verde to control salt content.
  • Boost protein content by adding extra beans or incorporating quinoa for a more filling meal.
  • Create vegetarian version by substituting chicken with plant-based alternatives like jackfruit or tofu and using vegetable stock.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star