10 Creamy White Chili Chicken Recipes

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of chili on a crisp autumn evening, isn’t there? I still remember huddling around the kitchen table as a kid in my grandma’s cozy home in the Midwest, where her hearty beef chili was the star of every family gathering. But as an adult food blogger, I’ve been on a mission to lighten things up with creamy white chicken chili—a velvety, milder twist that’s packed with flavor but skips the heaviness of traditional red chilis. It’s become my go-to for weeknights when I crave warmth without the spice overload.

Recently, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, swapping in Greek yogurt for cream to boost protein and experimenting with add-ins like roasted poblanos or white beans for extra creaminess and nutrition. In a world obsessed with quick, healthy comfort food, these recipes shine—they’re cozy, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Whether you’re a chili purist or love a fresh spin, these 10 variations will have you rethinking your chili game.

Classic Creamy White Chicken Chili

This timeless version captures the essence of creamy white chicken chili with tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a luscious broth enriched by cream cheese and sour cream. Key ingredients include 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, 2 cans white beans (drained), 1 onion (diced), 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 4 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, salt, and pepper to taste. To make it, sauté onion and garlic in a pot until soft, add chicken, broth, beans, and spices, simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked, shred the chicken, stir in cream cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy, then heat through. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 45 minutes, high in protein for muscle repair, and soothing for cold nights.

Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili

Perfect for set-it-and-forget-it meals, this slow cooker recipe builds deep flavors effortlessly. You’ll need 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, 2 cans great northern beans, 1 diced green bell pepper, 4 cups broth, 1 cup frozen corn, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 8 oz Neufchâtel cheese, and lime juice. Dump everything except the cheese into the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, shred chicken, stir in softened cheese until creamy, and finish with lime. Benefits include hands-off prep for busy days, tender chicken infused with spices, and it’s freezer-friendly for up to three months.

Spicy Creamy White Chicken Chili with Jalapeños

Kick up the heat with fresh jalapeños in this fiery take. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, 2 cans cannellini beans, 3 jalapeños (seeded and diced), 1 onion, 4 cups broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 oz cream cheese, and cilantro. Sauté jalapeños and onion, add chicken, beans, broth, and spices, simmer 25 minutes, shred chicken, blend in creams for silkiness. This version boosts metabolism with capsaicin, delivers bold flavors, and satisfies spice lovers while staying creamy and comforting.

Creamy White Chicken Chili with Corn and Black Beans

A Southwestern vibe shines here with sweet corn and hearty black beans. Gather 1 lb chicken, 1 can black beans, 1 can corn, 1 poblano pepper (roasted), 4 cups broth, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 cup Greek yogurt, and Monterey Jack cheese. Roast poblano, sauté with onions, add chicken and rest, simmer 30 minutes, shred, stir in yogurt and cheese. It’s nutrient-dense with fiber from beans and corn for gut health, vegetarian-adaptable (swap chicken), and bursts with sweet-savory balance.

Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili

Pressure cooker magic makes this ultra-fast and flavorful. Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, 2 cans navy beans, 1 diced onion, 4 cups broth, 2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp cumin, 6 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup half-and-half, and green onions. Sauté onion in Instant Pot, add chicken, beans, broth, spices, pressure cook 10 minutes, quick release, shred chicken, mix in cream cheese and half-and-half. Done in 30 minutes total, it retains nutrients better than stovetop, is one-pot for minimal cleanup, and ideal for weeknight warriors.

Creamy White Chicken Chili with Bacon

Indulge with smoky bacon bits for extra crunch and richness. Use 1 lb chicken thighs, 6 slices bacon (chopped), 2 cans white beans, 1 celery stalk (diced), 4 cups broth, 1 tsp thyme, 4 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream. Cook bacon until crisp, remove, sauté veggies in fat, add chicken, beans, broth, thyme, simmer 25 minutes, stir back bacon, blend creams. The bacon adds protein and umami, making it more satiating and gourmet-feeling without much effort.

Lightened-Up Creamy White Chicken Chili

Guilt-free comfort with low-cal swaps like cauliflower rice. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, 2 cans chickpeas, 2 cups cauliflower florets, 4 cups low-sodium broth, 1 tsp cumin, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, spinach handful. Simmer chicken, chickpeas, cauliflower, broth, spices 20 minutes, shred, wilt spinach, stir yogurt and yeast. Under 400 calories per serving, it’s high-fiber for weight management, keto-friendly adaptable, and just as creamy.

Creamy White Chicken Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Earthy sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and vitamins. Need 1 lb chicken, 2 medium sweet potatoes (cubed), 1 can white beans, 4 cups broth, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 4 oz goat cheese. Roast sweet potatoes, sauté onions, add chicken, beans, broth, spices, simmer 30 minutes with potatoes, mash slightly, stir milks. Packed with beta-carotene for immunity, naturally gluten-free, and a unique twist on texture.

Cheesy Creamy White Chicken Chili

Over-the-top cheesiness with multiple cheeses for ultimate comfort. Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken, 2 cans pinto beans, 1 jalapeño, 4 cups broth, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 4 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cook chicken with veggies and spices in broth 25 minutes, shred, melt in all cheeses gradually. Calcium-rich for bone health, mac-and-cheese vibes in chili form, and a hit with kids.

Mexican-Inspired Creamy White Chicken Chili

Tacos meet chili with avocado crema and tortilla strips. Use 1 lb chicken, 2 cans hominy, 1 avocado, 4 cups broth, 2 tsp ancho chili powder, 1 cup Mexican crema, lime, crushed tortilla chips. Simmer chicken, hominy, spices in broth 25 minutes, shred, blend crema with avocado and lime, top with chips. Anti-inflammatory spices, fresh toppings for vibrancy, and a fusion that’s party-ready.

These 10 creamy white chicken chili recipes are your ticket to cozy, flavorful meals that adapt to any lifestyle—grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and dive in. Which one will you try first? Share your twists in the comments!