If you crave a cozy, belly-warming meal that comes together in a flash, Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili will become your new winter hero. This recipe delivers a luscious, comforting bowl packed with tender chicken, creamy Cannellini beans, gentle spices, and a dreamy white-chili base — all finished in just about forty minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting game day, this chili hits every note: hearty, simple, full of flavor, and easy enough for any weeknight.

Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili leans on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a dish far bigger than the sum of its parts. Each one plays a key role in bringing creamy texture, subtle heat, savory depth, and classic chili flavor to your table.

Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps sweat the aromatics for a flavorful base.
Unsalted butter: Balances the olive oil with a touch of creamy flavor and helps onions soften beautifully.
Finely chopped onion: Lends sweetness and texture to the chili; use yellow or white onion for best results.
Jalapeño pepper: Provides a gentle heat and a fresh spark; remove seeds for a milder chili or leave some in if you like it spicy.
Garlic: Gives depth and classic savory undertones; mincing fresh cloves will yield the best flavor.
Ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes essential to any chili.
Dried oregano: Adds an herbaceous hit and balances the creaminess of the dish.
Paprika: Offers subtle smokiness and beautiful warm color.
Diced green chiles: Infuse mild heat and a lovely tang; use mild or medium depending on your preference.
Rotisserie chicken, shredded: Quick and easy protein—pull the meat from a store-bought rotisserie for ultimate convenience and tender texture.
Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained: These creamy white beans add substance and a nutty, delicate flavor base.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and flavorful without making the chili too salty.
Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the chili for that irresistible creamy finish.
Sour cream: Creates the signature velvety texture and a lovely, tangy edge.
Heavy cream: Rounds out the dish with luxurious creaminess.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing out flavors; season to your liking at the end.

How to Make Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. When the butter melts and the mixture shimmers, add the chopped onion and jalapeño. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and the kitchen smells amazing. Toss in the garlic, cumin, oregano, and paprika, stirring constantly for 30 seconds so the spices bloom and the garlic turns golden—this deepens the base flavors of your chili.

Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients

Next, add the diced green chiles, shredded rotisserie chicken, Cannellini beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. The beans and chicken will soak up those seasonings, ensuring every bite of this Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili is perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Simmer to Develop Flavor

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let your chili simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together, lets the beans soften even more, and starts the magic that transforms a few humble ingredients into something comforting and special. Give it a gentle stir now and then to prevent anything from sticking.

Step 4: Mix and Add the Creamy Slurry

While your chili simmers, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until you have a smooth slurry. Add in the sour cream and heavy cream, whisking until totally combined and silky. This little step is what brings the “creamy” in Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili, making the final dish rich and luscious without being heavy.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

Pour the creamy slurry into your simmering chili. Keep the heat at medium-low and let it cook for 5 more minutes, gently stirring. Watch as your chili thickens and turns velvety. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed—remember, the broth and chicken already have their own seasoning, so adjust carefully to suit your taste.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili into bowls, then finish with your favorite garnishes. Think shredded cheese, a sprinkle of scallions, and a dollop of sour cream for extra richness and color. The result? A bowl that looks as comforting as it tastes!

How to Serve Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili

Garnishes

The magic is in the finishing touches! Load up each bowl with freshly shredded Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar, chopped scallions or cilantro, and a swirl of extra sour cream. For a touch of crunch, try tortilla strips or crushed corn chips on top. Squeeze a lime wedge over your bowl for a zippy brightness.

Side Dishes

This hearty chili is a one-pot wonder, but you can make a meal out of it with some cozy sides. Fresh cornbread or warm flour tortillas are classic for scooping, and a simple green salad helps balance the richness. If you’re serving a crowd, set out bowls of rice or a platter of roasted veggies for a colorful, family-style spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili night extra special by serving it in bread bowls, mini mugs for appetizers, or topped with poached eggs for brunch. You can even create a chili bar with assorted toppings so everyone customizes their own bowl—kids and adults will both love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili stores beautifully in the fridge. Allow the chili to cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors deepen overnight, making your leftovers even more delicious the next day. Stir well before reheating, as the sauce thickens as it sits.

Freezing

This chili is freezer-friendly, though the dairy may separate slightly after thawing. For best results, let the chili cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir after reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring well every 30 seconds to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! Any cooked chicken—grilled, poached, or baked—will work just as well. Just shred or chop it and add it in place of the rotisserie chicken for the same sensational results.

Is Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili spicy?

This chili is pleasantly mild, thanks to the jalapeño being seeded and the option of using mild green chiles. If you love a spicier kick, simply leave in some jalapeño seeds or opt for medium chiles, and add a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling bold!

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

You sure can. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth and even more beans or some sautéed mushrooms for heartiness. The creamy textures and flavors shine just as brightly in a meatless version.

What’s the best way to thicken or thin the chili?

The cornstarch and cream mixture thickens the chili to a beautiful consistency. If you prefer it even thicker, make a bit more slurry, or to thin things out, simply stir in more broth until it’s just right.

How can I make Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili ahead of time for a party?

Make a day in advance and store in the fridge. For parties, you can even keep it warm in a slow cooker on the low setting so guests can help themselves throughout the evening—it’ll stay just as creamy and inviting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili, and once you give it a try, I promise it’ll be on regular rotation in your kitchen, too. With just a little chopping and stirring, you’ll end up with a creamy, crave-worthy chili the whole family will cheer for—so grab those ingredients, and let the cozy memories begin!