Name: Easy White Chicken Chili (30-Minute Stovetop Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed; 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot); 4 cups chicken broth; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla strips for topping

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

(30-Minute Stovetop Recipe)

My neighbor texted asking for a cozy dinner idea that wasn’t the same old tomato-based chili. I had chicken thighs, white beans, and green chiles in my pantry. I threw them together in a pot, added cumin and cream, and 30 minutes later, she was at my door with an empty bowl asking for the recipe. This Easy White Chicken Chili became her family’s new favorite weeknight meal.

This creamy, hearty chili is the ultimate lazy dinners comfort food. For an even easier hands-off version, try my crockpot white chicken chili that simmers all day, or my instant pot white chicken chili when you need it fast. If you want the simplest version possible, my simple white chicken chili uses just five ingredients.

Why This White Chicken Chili Wins

I have made this countless times when I need something warm and satisfying fast.

Ready in 30 Minutes: From raw ingredients to steaming bowls in half an hour flat.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Everything cooks in a single pot.
Creamy Without Cream: The secret is a touch of cream cheese mixed with the broth for richness.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for busy nights.
Customizable Heat: Mild for kids, spicy for adults. Adjust the green chiles to your preference.

The Hearty Chili Ingredients

This recipe is built on simple pantry staples that create incredible flavor.

The Chicken Base
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay tender and juicy. You can use breasts, but thighs have more flavor and do not dry out.

The White Beans
Great Northern beans or cannellini beans create the hearty base. They add protein and creaminess when some are mashed.

The Green Chiles
Canned diced green chiles bring mild heat and that signature white chili flavor. Use mild or hot based on your preference.

The Aromatics
Onion, garlic, and cumin are the foundation. These three ingredients make your kitchen smell incredible.

The Creamy Element
Cream cheese melted into the broth creates richness without heavy cream. This is the secret to the silky texture.

The Fresh Finish
Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and avocado brighten everything up at the end.

How to Make It: Thirty Minute Timeline

This chili comes together quickly with simple steps.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add chicken thighs to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.

Step 3: Add Beans and Chiles
Add drained white beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Step 4: Simmer
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from the pot and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 6: Create Creaminess
Add cream cheese to the pot. Stir until it melts completely into the broth, creating a creamy consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve
Stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and tortilla strips.

Easy Ways to Customize Your Chili

This base recipe is incredibly flexible.

Make It Spicier
Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the pot while simmering.

Make It Milder
Use mild green chiles and skip any extra spices. Add extra cream cheese for richness.

Add More Vegetables
Mix in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.

Make It Extra Creamy
Use heavy cream instead of cream cheese, or add both for ultimate richness.

Try Different Beans
Use pinto beans, navy beans, or a mix of different white beans for variety.

Add Bacon
Cook bacon in the pot first, then use the bacon fat to sauté the aromatics. Crumble bacon on top when serving.

Party Planning with This Chili

This chili is perfect as a main dish for gatherings. For bean-heavy variations, try my white bean chicken chili for a heartier texture. If you love extra creaminess, my cream cheese chicken chili doubles down on the silky texture.

For a complete comfort food menu, serve this chili with my white chicken enchiladas for a Mexican-inspired feast, or pair it with my white chicken lasagna soup for an Italian twist. If you prefer a more traditional approach, my chicken chili crockpot version offers classic tomato-based flavors.

Pro Tips for Chili Perfection

Shred Chicken While Hot: Hot chicken shreds more easily than cold. Use two forks or stand mixer with paddle attachment.
Mash Some Beans: Use a potato masher to mash about 1/4 of the beans against the pot side. This thickens the chili naturally.
Do Not Boil After Adding Cream Cheese: Keep the heat low when melting cream cheese to prevent curdling.
Quality Broth Matters: Use good-quality chicken broth. It is the base of your chili flavor.
Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice does not compare. Fresh makes all the difference.
Let It Rest: Chili tastes better after resting for 10 minutes. Flavors meld together beautifully.
Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Double the Batch: This recipe doubles easily. Use a larger pot and freeze half for later.
Toppings Bar: Set out toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and tortilla strips. Let guests customize their bowls.

The Chili That Changed Everything

This Easy White Chicken Chili is proof that comfort food does not need to take hours. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor it tastes like it simmered all day but comes together in 30 minutes. Make it once, and it becomes part of your regular rotation.

Whether you are feeding a family on a weeknight or hosting friends on a chilly evening, this chili delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.

Easy White Chicken Chili (30-Minute Stovetop Recipe)

Author: danyrecipes
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 6-8 Servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy white chicken chili ready in 30 minutes! Made with chicken thighs, white beans, green chiles, and cream cheese. Perfect cozy weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp ground cumin
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
4 cups chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla strips for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
Add Beans and Chiles: Add drained white beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Simmer: Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Create Creaminess: Add cream cheese to the pot. Stir until completely melted into the broth, creating a creamy consistency.
Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and tortilla strips.