My Favorite White Chicken Chili is an easy chili recipe loaded with flavor. Rotisserie chicken, pinto beans, and diced green chiles will have you loving every bite!

Honestly is there anything better than cozying up next to a fireplace on a cold day with a huge bowl of chili and cornbread?! I think not! Chili is one of the ultimate comfort foods, and this white chicken chili is no different.

If you have never had white chicken chili, man you’re in for a treat! It is much different than our award-winning chili. But that doesn’t mean anything is lacking in the flavor department! Our white chicken chili is easy, loaded with juicy rotisserie chicken, creamy pinto beans, spicy green chiles, and all the comfort you love from a red-based chili.

a photo of a bowl full of white chicken chili topped with a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chip strips and slices of fresh jalapeno.

Anyone else with me that all chili recipes taste better the second day?! It is so true!

Did I mention that is recipe is easy?!

We are using a rotisserie chicken – you’re welcome – all the hard work is done for you now. A combination of breast meat and thighs from an already seasoned rotisserie chicken blow the flavor scales! It’s way better!

Ingredients Needed for Easy White Chicken Chili

Your mouth is going to water just reading through these ingredients! Head down to the recipe card for all the exact measurements.

  • Olive Oil
  • Rotisserie Chicken 
  • Yellow Onions
  • Salt
  • Garlic 
  • Ground Cumin
  • Dried Oregano
  • Pepper
  • Cayenne
  • Chicken Broth
  • Pinto Beans 
  • Lime Juice
  • Diced Green Chiles
  • Cilantro 
  • Monterey Jack Cheese 

Are you drooling? I am just typing those out! Yummmmmmmm! The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.

a photo of a bowl full of white chicken chili topped with a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chip strips and slices of fresh jalapeno with a spoon in the bowl

How to Make White Chicken Chili

I’m going to say it again, but this recipe is so easy! It’s perfect for a busy school night! For all the details, head down to the recipe card. Here are the basics:

  1. Saute the onion in some olive oil. Add the garlic and spices.
  2. Add chicken broth, green chilies, and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Drain and rinse beans then remove a cup of the beans and smash them with some broth.
  4. Add the remaining whole beans and pureed beans into the pot and stir.
  5. Add the chicken, lime juice and cilantro. Garnish with all your favorite toppings and enjoy!

a pot of white chicken chili with rotisserie chicken, pinto beans, diced red onions and chopped fresh cilantro.

How to Make in a Slow Cooker

Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

How to Make in an Instant Pot

Follow all the instructions for cooking the onions and garlic above on the saute function on the Instant Pot. Add the rest of the ingredients to the Instant Pot, lock the lid and select the “chili” setting (manual setting can be used too) and cook on high for 18-20 minutes. Allow pressure to release for 10-15 minutes or quick release with the vent. Serve with your favorite toppings!

a photo of a bowl full of white chicken chili topped with a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chip strips and slices of fresh jalapeno.

How Do You Thicken Chicken White Chili?

Chili will thicken as it is simmered.

You can thicken it more if you mix 1 Tbsp of cornstarch into 2-3 Tbsp of milk/half and half/chicken broth or water.

Add the cornstarch mixture to the chili and cook until thickened.

Does Chili Have Beans?

Chili, as in traditional red chili, does not have beans.

However other types of chili may include beans. This chili recipe calls for pinto beans.

Is Chili Spicy?

There is a potential for chili to be spicy.

Chili contains a variety of spices and peppers, so depending on the ingredients, chili can range from mild to spicy hot.

a photo of a bowl full of white chicken chili topped with a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chip strips and slices of fresh jalapeno.

Will Chili Give You Heartburn?

Because of the spices in chili, there is a potential for heartburn when chili is eaten.

Can You Freeze Chicken White Chili?

You can freeze white chicken chili.

Place it in a container with a tight-fitting lid or in a heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

To thaw, place in the fridge for 24 hours. Reheat by placing on the stove on medium until the chili comes to a simmer and warmed all the way through.

How Long Will White Chicken Chili Keep?

White chicken chili will keep for about 4 days in the refrigerator.

a photo of a bowl full of white chicken chili topped with a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chip strips and slices of fresh jalapeno.

What Toppings Should I Put on Chili?

Feel free to top this chili with whatever you like! Some of our favorites include:

If you have a busy evening coming up, grab a rotisserie chicken and make this white chicken chili with a side of cornbread! I’m writing this while it’s 95 degrees outside, so now I’m craving a cool fall evening just so I can make this chili!

Here are some more CHILI RECIPES that you’ll love:

White Chicken Chili

4.58 from 21 votes
Servings:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Description

A classic white chicken chili recipe to keep you warm through those cold winter months.

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 Yellow Onion, Minced
  • 1/2 Red Onion, Minced
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 4 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 Can Diced Green Chiles , 7 ounces
  • 2 Cans Pinto Beans, Drained and rinsed
  • 1 Whole Rotisserie Chicken, Meat removed including thighs
  • 1/2 Lime , Juiced
  • 1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped

Toppings

  • 1 Avocado, Sliced
  • 1 Cup Monterey Jack Cheese, Shredded
  • Sour Cream
  • Tortilla Strips
  • 1 Jalapeno, sliced

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute for 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer along with all spices which will enhance their flavor.
    2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 Yellow Onion, 1/2 Red Onion, 4 Cloves Garlic, 1 teaspoon Salt, 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin, 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano, 1/4 teaspoon Ground Coriander, 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • Add chicken broth, green chilies, and bring mixture just to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes.
    4 Cups Chicken Broth, 1 Can Diced Green Chiles
  • Drain and rinse beans in a fine mesh strainer or colander then measure out 1 cup into a small bowl. Smash the beans along with 1/4 cup broth from soup.
    2 Cans Pinto Beans
  • Dump the whole beans and pureed beans into the pot and stir well. Simmer 5 - 10 minutes longer.
  • Stir in chicken, fresh lime juice and cilantro. Serve with desired toppings.
    1 Whole Rotisserie Chicken, 1/2 Lime, 1/4 Cup Cilantro, 1 Avocado, 1 Cup Monterey Jack Cheese, Sour Cream, Tortilla Strips, 1 Jalapeno

Notes

This chili will keep for 4 days, covered, and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 788mgPotassium: 429mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 428IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 188mgIron: 2mg
Author: Sweet Basil
Course: 50 of the Best Easy Soup Recipes for Families
Cuisine: American

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a bowl of white chicken chili