This 5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili is pure magic! It combines tender chicken and white beans for an easy stove top chili recipe.

I have to admit that I actually prefer white chili over traditional chili! This white bean chicken chili has just 5 ingredients (plus the spice cumin), so it’s truly an easy soup recipe that anyone can make. It’s a family favorite at our house!

“Made this last night with pheasant- because I have a freezer full and I can only eat so much ‘chicken’ salad! It was great! Added extra cumin at the table because I LOVE cumin. Garnished with cotija, cilantro, avocado and chips. Easy peasy!”

-Kelli
a photo of a black bowl filled with white bean chicken chili

I like to make this easy weeknight meal on a cold night and serve it with tortilla chips. It’s ready in about 20 minutes on the stovetop! Just a large saucepan and your favorite burner.

Looking for a vegan version of this recipe? I recommend this Vegan White Bean Chili. Or, if you enjoy making chili on your smoker, I love this Over the Top Chili recipe!

a close up photo of white chicken chili on a spoon

The secret ingredient for this delicious chili? Green enchilada sauce! I use this as a hack to add acidic flavor. It’s a puree of tomatillos, green chilies and usually includes plenty of seasonings. Using it reduces your workload and ingredient list!

Love this easy chili recipe? I think you’ll also love: Chicken Pozole Verde (Posole Verde) | Easy Chicken Pot Pie Soup | Buffalo Chicken Soup

an overhead photo of black bowls filled with white chicken chili

Recipe Ingredients:

  • Fresh Onions
  • Chicken Stock: You will need several cups of chicken stock. Chick broth works fine, too!
  • Chicken: I like to use rotisserie chicken, but any shredded chicken made from boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs will work. Cubed chicken is fine as well.
  • White Beans: My preference is to use Great Northern or Pinto beans, but cannellini beans, white kidney beans, navy beans or black beans will work as well!
  • Cumin (again, I’m not counting this because it’s a spice, but It was important enough to include!)

If you have more rotisserie chicken to use up after you make this chili, check out this list of low carb rotisserie chicken recipes!

a shot of onions being sauteed in a pan

And… the final, secret ingredient. Green Enchilada Sauce! Enchilada sauce is a wonderful hack to add tons of flavor to your soups. It contains green chile pepper puree, jalapeno pepper puree, garlic, onion, salt and other spices.

5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe Addition Ideas:

This is a simple recipe and there are several additions you can make! Here are a few suggestions:

  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
  • a can of chopped green chilies, drained
  • sauté a diced garlic clove along with the onions
  • add the juice of 1/2 lime right before serving. Green enchilada sauce can be pretty acidic, so taste before adding lime.
  • lime juice (green enchilada sauce is pretty acidic)
  • 1/2 of a can of sweet corn kernels, drained
  • 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked white rice

To make a Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe, just add 4 ounces of cubed, softened cream cheese and whisk until it’s completed melted through!

an overhead photo of a bowl with white chicken chili

Recipe Substitutions:

I think it’s always best to use what you have on hand. Here are a few substitution suggestions!

  • Substitute salsa verde for the green enchilada sauce
  • Substitute shredded pork for the chicken

Serving Suggestions:

I like to serve this soup with tortilla chips! As for toppings, the sky is the limit! Here are a few of my favorites:

  • a dash of hot sauce
  • diced green onions
  • fresh cilantro
  • a dollop of sour cream
  • sliced jalapeno peppers or poblano peppers
  • fresh avocado chunks

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. This soup also freezes well, up to 4 months.

a black bowl filled with white chicken chili and topped with jalapenos

5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This 5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili is pure magic! It combines tender chicken and white beans for an easy stove top chili recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced fine
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3-4 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast
  • 30 ounces Great Northern Beans or Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) green enchilada sauce
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

Optional garnish:

  • sliced jalapenos
  • fresh cilantro
  • lime juice
  • hot sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large heavy bottomed pot, large stockpot, or Dutch oven, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and heat on medium-high heat. 
  2. Add diced onions and saute for 3-4 minutes until softened. 
  3. Add the rest of the ingredients, and stir to combine. 
  4. Heat over medium heat until simmering. Allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes, uncovered. 
  5. Taste and season with salt and black pepper, if needed
  6. Serve warm with optional toppings.

Notes

Check the notes above the recipe card for substitution and addition suggestions.

Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 708Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 241mgSodium 1093mgCarbohydrates 43gFiber 11gSugar 3gProtein 103g

The nutrition for this recipe is calculated by an app and may be incorrect.

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