Name: 20 Minute White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed; 16 oz jar salsa verde (green salsa); 1 tsp cumin; 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (or canned chicken); 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh or jarred); 1 cup cream or half and half; Tortilla chips; Diced avocado; Shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting meal you can whip up in no time, this 20 Minute White Chicken Chili Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s packed with hearty Great Northern beans, tender shredded chicken, and a lively kick from vibrant salsa verde that comes together effortlessly to create a rich, creamy chili bursting with warmth and flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a last-minute gathering, this chili promises to please with every soul-soothing spoonful.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows six containers of ingredients on a white marbled surface. At the top right is a clear glass measuring cup filled with orange-yellow liquid. Below it, another clear glass measuring cup contains a white creamy liquid. At the top left, a small white bowl holds a green sauce with a coarse texture. Below it, a clear glass bowl is filled with white beans. In the center is a small white bowl with pale chunks of cooked meat. At the bottom left, a white plate has two small piles: one of finely chopped light yellow garlic and another of brown ground spice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a special role, from the creamy broth base to the zesty notes that brighten every bite.

4 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory, comforting foundation for the chili’s broth.

2 cans Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy beans contribute a satisfying texture and protein boost.
1 jar 16 oz salsa verde (green salsa): Adds a fresh, tangy flavor that lifts the entire dish.
1 teaspoon cumin: Brings warmth and a subtle earthiness to deepen the chili’s complexity.

2 cups rotisserie chicken (or canned chicken): Tender shredded chicken makes it hearty without much fuss.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and flavor with a gentle punch.
1 cup cream or half and half: Creates a luscious, velvety finish that makes each spoonful indulgent.

Toppings (optional): Tortilla chips, diced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream add contrast and fun textures.

How to Make 20 Minute White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by placing your chicken broth, drained Great Northern beans, vibrant salsa verde, cumin, shredded chicken, and minced garlic into a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. This step melds the flavors together while softening the beans and warming the chicken.

Step 2: Simmer to Perfection

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let your chili simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows those inviting flavors to marry, deepening the chili’s richness and making it even more inviting.

Step 3: Stir in Cream for Extra Comfort

Turn off the heat and gently stir in the cream or half and half to give the chili that signature creamy texture and mellow flavor balance. The cream smooths out the zest from the salsa verde and creates a perfectly comforting bowl of goodness.

Step 4: Ready to Serve

The chili is now ready to enjoy! Ladle it into bowls and get ready for some seriously satisfying spoonfuls.

How to Serve 20 Minute White Chicken Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy soup containing chunks of light beige beans and pieces of white chicken, topped with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, two thin slices of green jalapeño, finely chopped green onions, and a dollop of white sour cream, all sitting on a white marbled surface. On the side, there is a close-up of another white bowl with the same soup partially visible, and a beige bowl filled with light brown tortilla chips. A whole green jalapeño and some scattered chopped green onions and cheese pieces surround the bowls, with a black and white striped cloth partially visible near the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can take your 20 Minute White Chicken Chili Recipe from delicious to downright irresistible. Consider topping your chili with crunchy tortilla chips for texture, creamy diced avocado to cool the heat, shredded cheddar for sharpness, and a dollop of sour cream for that luscious finishing touch. These additions offer varied textures and flavors that make each bite exciting and fresh.

Side Dishes

While this chili is satisfying on its own, pairing it with a simple side like warm cornbread, a crisp green salad, or even a bowl of fresh fruit can elevate your meal. The balance of fresh and hearty complements the chili’s richness wonderfully, making your dining experience wholesome and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve this chili in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual mini cast-iron skillets for a charming rustic touch. You can also layer your garnishes beautifully, letting each person customize their bowl with colors and textures that excite their palate. Presentation adds a fun, interactive element that makes the dish feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the 20 Minute White Chicken Chili Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making your next meal taste even better. Just give it a good stir before reheating to reunite all the delicious components.

Freezing

This chili also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat your chili over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up and recapture that luscious, creamy texture the 20 Minute White Chicken Chili Recipe is known for.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of rotisserie or canned?

Absolutely! Just cook and shred the chicken first before adding it to the pot. Using frozen cooked chicken can save time and still give you that tender texture this chili demands.

Is salsa verde very spicy?

Most store-bought salsa verde has a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust based on your taste. If you prefer less heat, choose a mild salsa or add less. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with hearty veggies like zucchini or corn and extra beans. You’ll still get that satisfying creamy texture and bold flavor.

What can I substitute for cream or half and half?

If you want a lighter version, you can use milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Coconut milk also works wonderfully, imparting a slight sweetness and creaminess without overpowering the chili’s flavors.

Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Combine all the ingredients except the cream in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cream near the end, then serve. It’s a hands-off approach that keeps the flavors rich and inviting.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to bring this delicious 20 Minute White Chicken Chili Recipe to life, there’s no reason to wait for a special occasion. It’s quick, comforting, and versatile enough to become a weeknight staple. Grab those simple ingredients and savor the magic of a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You’re going to love every spoonful!

20 Minute White Chicken Chili Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need