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5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe


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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