Name: Simple White Chicken Chili (5-Ingredient Version)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie, shredded, or canned); 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained; 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot); 4 cups chicken broth; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: fresh cilantro, lime juice, avocado, tortilla strips, sour cream for topping

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(5-Ingredient Version)

I was exhausted after work and did not have energy to cook anything complicated. I threw five ingredients into a pot chicken, beans, broth, cream cheese, and green chiles and 20 minutes later I had dinner on the table. My partner looked at the bowl and said, “This is so simple, but it tastes incredible.” This Simple White Chicken Chili became my go-to when I need comfort food with zero stress.

This ultra-minimal, no-fuss chili is the ultimate lazy dinners hero. For more customization options, my easy white chicken chili adds aromatics and spices for depth. When you want hands-off cooking, my crockpot white chicken chili simmers all day. And for lightning-fast pressure cooking, my instant pot white chicken chili is done in 15 minutes.

Why This Simple Chili Wins

I have made this countless times when I need something fast, and here is why it is unstoppable.

Only Five Ingredients: No complicated shopping list. Everything is probably in your pantry right now.
Twenty Minutes Maximum: From empty pot to eating in twenty minutes flat. This is peak lazy dinners energy.
Zero Stress Cooking: No techniques, no timing, no worry. Just combine and simmer.
Tastes Complex: Despite only five ingredients, this chili tastes sophisticated and deeply flavorful.
Perfect Base: This simple version is a foundation for customization if you want to add more later.

The Five Essential Ingredients

This recipe proves that simplicity creates perfection.

The Chicken
Any cooked chicken works beautifully. Rotisserie chicken is fastest, but shredded cooked chicken or canned chicken are all perfect. Use 2-3 cups total.

The White Beans
Great Northern beans or cannellini beans provide texture and heartiness. Use 2 cans. They are the backbone of this chili.

The Green Chiles
Canned diced green chiles are the flavor hero. They bring mild heat and that signature white chili taste in one ingredient.

The Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese creates creaminess without any complicated sauce. This is the secret simplicity ingredient.

The Broth
Good-quality chicken broth ties everything together. This is your only other liquid, so quality matters.

How to Make It: Twenty Minute Timeline

This chili comes together so simply it almost feels like cheating.

Step 1: Combine Everything
In a large pot, add cooked chicken, drained white beans, diced green chiles, chicken broth, and cream cheese.

Step 2: Heat
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Reduce Heat
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Stir and Melt
Make sure the cream cheese melts completely into the broth. Stir until you see no lumps.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste the chili. Add salt and pepper if needed. That is it.

Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately. Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, lime juice, avocado, tortilla strips, or sour cream.

Easy Ways to Build on This Simple Base

This five-ingredient foundation is meant to be customized.

Add Spices
Stir in cumin, oregano, or garlic powder for more depth.

Add Aromatics
Sauté diced onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients for more flavor development.

Make It Spicier
Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Add More Vegetables
Stir in corn, diced bell peppers, or spinach for nutrition and texture.

Make It Creamier
Add more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.

Go Protein-Heavy
Add extra beans or use more chicken for a heartier version.

Party Planning with This Simple Chili

This minimalist chili is perfect for when you want delicious food without stress. For a heartier bean version, try my white bean chicken chili that packs extra nutrition. For extra creaminess, my cream cheese chicken chili doubles down on the silky texture.

For a complete meal spread, serve this chili alongside my white chicken enchiladas for contrast. For an Italian twist on white chicken comfort food, pair it with my white chicken lasagna soup. And for classic tomato-based chili lovers, my chicken chili crockpot offers traditional flavors with similar simplicity.

Pro Tips for Simple Chili Perfection

Softened Cream Cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before using. Cold cream cheese creates lumps.
Stir Frequently: Stir often while the cream cheese melts to prevent lumps and ensure even heating.
Do Not Boil After Adding Cream Cheese: Keep heat at medium-low. Boiling can cause the cream cheese to break.
Use Quality Broth: Since this is a minimalist recipe, broth quality directly impacts final flavor. Choose good-quality broth.
Shred Chicken Finely: Finely shredded chicken distributes better throughout the chili.
Drain Beans But Save Liquid: Drain canned beans but save a splash of the liquid. This adds natural creaminess.
Taste Before Serving: Add salt and pepper to taste at the end. Do not over-salt before tasting.
Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze for up to 3 months in individual portions. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Make It Special: Even though it is simple, elevate it with quality toppings like fresh cilantro, lime, and avocado.

The Simple Chili That Changed Everything

This Simple White Chicken Chili is proof that the best meals are often the simplest. Five ingredients, twenty minutes, zero stress and you have a bowl of comfort that tastes like you spent hours cooking. Make it once on a busy weeknight, and you will make it again and again.

Whether you are exhausted from work, short on time, or just want something delicious without any fuss, this chili delivers satisfaction in every spoonful.

Simple White Chicken Chili (5-Ingredient Version)

Author: danyrecipes
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 4-6 Servings

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Description

Ultra-simple white chicken chili with just 5 ingredients! Ready in 20 minutes. Creamy, delicious, and perfect for exhausted weeknights when you need comfort food with zero stress.

Ingredients

2–3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie, shredded, or canned)
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained
2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
4 cups chicken broth
8 oz cream cheese, softened
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh cilantro, lime juice, avocado, tortilla strips, sour cream for topping

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Instructions

Combine Everything: In a large pot, add cooked chicken, drained white beans, diced green chiles, chicken broth, and softened cream cheese.
Heat: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
Melt Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese melts completely into the broth, stirring until no lumps remain.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and add salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve immediately. Add optional toppings if desired: fresh cilantro, lime juice, avocado, tortilla strips, or sour cream.