Originally published in November 2011; updated recipe & pictures in February 2022.
My recipes lately have been focused on Thanksgiving. So far, I’ve tried out a dessert and a side, and had plans for another side this week until I ended up hanging out at Mom and Dad’s longer than anticipated. But it all worked out because Mom was making chili for our family get together and it made me think about my other favorite part of the Thanksgiving holiday… football!
For those that don’t know, Hubbs and I met in 2003 at the tailgate for the UGA/GT game and we get to relive the fun and rivalry every Thanksgiving.
Though we don’t always get to go to the game, we always watch it. And how can you watch football without chili?
But not just any chili, a white bean and chicken chili!
This one pot, protein packed white bean and chicken chili is a great option for a cool evening’s meal. I use my Precision Dutch Oven for ease, but you can make it just the same in a large soup pot.
My favorite thing about this recipe is that you can cook the chicken right in the chili; however, you could cook it separately if you prefer or use rotisserie chicken. Chopped or shredded-whatever your preference!
The recipe calls for cayenne, but if you have kids you can eliminate it. Mine did not find it spicy with the cayenne added, however they added sour cream. If you are a heat lover, you can increase the cayenne to 1/2 tsp or serve with hot sauce.
White Bean and Chicken Chili
Description
This white chicken chili is the perfect hearty and protein-packed dinner for a cool day.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp avocado oil
2 medium onions, diced
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
2 qts chicken broth
4 (about 1.25 lbs) chicken breasts
3 (4 1/2 oz) cans diced green chilies
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 Tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
3 cans Great White Northern beans
4 ounces softened cream cheese
juice of half a lime
Instructions
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add the oil and onions. Sauté until soft and translucent, then add the garlic. Sauté for an additional 30-60 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, oregano, cumin, green chilies, cayenne, and chicken breast. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and let simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove chicken from soup and place on cutting board until cool enough to chop or shred.
Add half the beans into the pot. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to create a creamier texture.
Add the chopped chicken, the remaining beans, and the softened cream cheese back into the pot. Allow the chili to simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
Reduce heat. Add salt and pepper and the squeeze of lime. Give it a good stir and serve with sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, and/or hot sauce!
This is a perfect dish to cuddle up and cheer on the dawgs with!
What is your favorite kind of chili?
Do you prefer classic meat and beans?
Or fancier sweet potato chilis?
I like them all!
blackhuff says
I am with you. I love any chilli but only in the winter months. Makes you so nice and warm 🙂
Jen says
This looks delicious, Brittany! We had buffalo chicken last football Saturday, but I told Jeff we need to make chili this weekend. I think I’ll try this recipe out! 🙂
Jen says
i have never actually been to the uga/tech game. crazy, huh?
love white chicken chili. my recipe is really similar to yours but i puree 1/2 of the beans to thicken the soup.
Brittany says
You need to go to one- they are so much fun! It’s such a big game to Tech… it’s like we are their Florida 🙂
Brooklyn @ Veggie Table says
I make a vegetarian white bean chili – basically like yours but minus chicken and broth plus salsa verde to thicken and spice up the chili! Here is the big question – will Hailey be a Bulldog or Yellow Jacket?!?! 🙂
Brittany says
A Yellow Dawg? A BullJacket? Poor child is going to be confused… 😉
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I found an awesome white bean chicken apple chili in a Rachael Ray mag aa few years ago that I’ve been making since. It’s actually really good. But, I don’t discriminate. All types of chili are good in my book 🙂
itsrobfiasco says
that sounds sooo good! is there an online version of that reciple by chance?
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Here’s the link: http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/soup-recipes/creamy-chicken-apple-chili
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I keep trying to post the link but I think it might be going to spam. Just google “rachael ray chicken apple chili” and you’ll find it 🙂
itsrobfiasco says
thanks Gina! I know what i’ll be making this weekend!!
Shannon says
How funny, white chicken chili’s are on everyone’s brain! We just finished a pot I made last week, using basically the same ingredients. I added a couple jalapenos for some HEAT (holy cow I overdid it just a tad!), and I used chicken stock, and a lot less relative to the other ingredients, so it was less soup-y. Garnished with some Cabot Jalapeno Cheddar and mmm-mmm!
Lindsay @ Schnoodle Soup says
I like them all – depending on my mood!! Have you ever tried the white chicken chili from Iowa Girl Eats’ site? It’s one of my favorite meals ever! A must try!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
Justin and I LOVE chili! Thanks for the recipe! 🙂
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says
I seriously wished we lived a lot closer! I would so invite you guys over to eat some white chicken chili and watch the GA/Tech game together. We’re a house divided too! I didn’t realize we both had Tech grad husbands!
Brittany says
I didn’t realize that either – too funny! Do you ever go tot he tailgate? We’re going to go for a bit and bring Hailey. I’d love to meet you 🙂
Katie @ Legally Fit says
You and your husband are so adorable. I love the last photo of you two!
Lauren B says
Mmmm, that looks so good! I will definitely have to put that on the menu this week since it’s a little chilly (pun intended!). When I think of chili, it’s usually the classic meat and beans and tomatoes version, but I love all kinds!
Lauren B says
Also- I have a house divided too! I graduated from UGA and my hubby from GT. 🙂
Brittany says
Yay- another one in the club! I guess they just have to go to Athens to find beautiful girls to marry 😉
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I made chicken chili style soup like that last night — delicious! Love those!
I prefer ground turkey or sliced sausages in them OR chicken. I also like Sweet potatoes too. I guess I just don’t like ground beef…lol.
Cute pics of you and hubbs.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
Football and chili goes so well together. I made veggie chili for friends and the hubs this weekend. Clemson played at noon, so it was a hearty lunch.
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well. says
Yum! I really need to try making a white chili. I ALWAYS stick to tomato and black bean chili with ground beef. I love it, but I think my honey could use a change up! I’m definitely going to try this recipe!
Lauren says
Love white chili! I just made some last week. I added milk and a little bit of sour cream to give it that creaminess 🙂 Yours looks delicious. And such a cute story about how you and your husband met!
KaraHadley says
A Tech and Georgia fan in the same house? M’gosh, there are going to be battles when Hailey goes to college. ahah
Roz says
Great photos of you both!
Jess @JessCantCook says
I’m a huge chili fan in all forms, although many of mine come out a little bland or a little soupy. I had one that was the perfect flavor but too thick. This looks similar to the last attempt at white chicken chili I made and it actually tasted good!
Kelly says
What a great recipe and your pictures are too cute! So glad I came across your blog, I absolutely love it! New follower! xoxo