White Chicken Chili

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:

Saute the onion in some olive oil. Add the garlic and spices.
Add chicken broth, green chilies, and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
Drain and rinse beans then remove a cup of the beans and smash them with some broth.
Add the remaining whole beans and pureed beans into the pot and stir.
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:

Fresh chopped cilantro
Sliced jalapenos
Sour cream
Avocado slices
Tortilla strips
Lime wedges
Fritos
Black olives
Minced red onion
Hominy
Corn (see Elote Mexican Street Corn)
Queso fresco
Pico de gallo

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:

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