As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing better than a warm and comforting bowl of white chili. But why settle for just any old recipe when you can have 20 delicious and creamy options? From classic ground beef and bean combinations to more adventurous takes featuring sausage, kale, and chipotle peppers, we’ve got you covered with our collection of the most mouthwatering white chilies out there.
In this article, we’ll take a tour through the world of creamy white chili, highlighting some of our favorite recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or spicy and adventurous, we’ve got a recipe (or two, or 20!) that’s perfect for you.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
A comforting and flavorful chili recipe perfect for a busy day or a crowd-pleasing dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, diced onions for toppings
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, white beans, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings (if using).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy White Bean Turkey Chili
This hearty and flavorful chili recipe combines tender turkey, creamy white beans, and a kick of heat from diced jalapeños. Perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1-2 diced jalapeños (depending on desired heat level)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook ground turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and white beans. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy White Chili with Corn
A comforting and flavorful twist on traditional chili, this recipe combines the richness of cream with the sweetness of corn for a deliciously unique dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream and corn kernels. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
This recipe yields a comforting and flavorful white chicken chili that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch on-the-go. With minimal prep time and easy cooking, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced green chilies
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and cook the onion until softened.
2. Add garlic, chicken, green chilies, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned.
3. Add chicken broth, half-and-half or heavy cream, and beans. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press “Manual” mode and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Vegetarian White Chili with Quinoa
This recipe combines the comforting warmth of chili with the nutty flavor and nutritional benefits of quinoa, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening. This vegetarian white chili is easy to make and packed with protein-rich black beans, sweet bell peppers, and creamy corn.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can corn, drained
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
3. Add bell pepper and cook until tender.
4. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add black beans, corn, and cooked quinoa. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
White Chili with Green Chiles
This creamy white chili gets a bold kick from roasted green chiles and a hint of spice from cumin. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4-6 roasted green chiles (see note)
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add chicken, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
3. Add broth, diced tomatoes, and half-and-half. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Stir in roasted green chiles. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Coconut Milk White Chili
A creamy and flavorful twist on traditional chili, this Coconut Milk White Chili is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
White Chili with Sausage and Kale
This creamy white chili is a twist on the classic recipe, featuring spicy sausage and nutritious kale. Perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing main dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh kale
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Cook sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and add chopped kale. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until kale is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky White Chili with Chipotle
This smoky white chili recipe adds a spicy kick from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, making it a unique twist on the classic comfort food. Perfect for a cold winter night or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Cook ground turkey until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle peppers; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and chicken broth.
5. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
White Chili with Hominy and Lime
A twist on traditional chili, this recipe combines the creamy richness of white beans with the sweetness of hominy and a burst of citrus from lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup hominy, drained and rinsed
– 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Juice of 1 lime
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the white beans, hominy, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cheesy White Chili with Bacon
This comforting white chili recipe combines the smoky flavor of crispy bacon with the richness of melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a creamy and flavorful broth. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 can (15 oz) of white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of half-and-half or heavy cream
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef and diced bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and chili powder; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, white beans, chicken broth, and half-and-half or heavy cream.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
White Chili with Butternut Squash
This recipe combines the warmth of butternut squash with the comfort of white chili, making it a perfect dish for a chilly evening. With its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, this chili is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add diced tomatoes, white beans, chicken broth, heavy cream, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add roasted squash and stir to combine.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pumpkin White Chili
This creamy and comforting recipe combines the flavors of pumpkin, white beans, and chicken for a unique and delicious twist on traditional chili. Perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) pumpkin puree
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Optional: jalapeños or red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cannellini beans, chicken broth, and heavy cream or half-and-half.
5. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
White Chili with Avocado Crema
A creamy, comforting chili that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe is a twist on the classic dish, featuring white beans and a rich avocado crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz heavy cream
– 2 ripe avocados
– Lime juice, salt, and cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the white beans, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Meanwhile, blend the heavy cream and avocados in a blender or food processor until smooth.
6. Serve the chili hot, topped with the avocado crema and garnished with lime juice, salt, and cilantro.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
White Chili with Ground Turkey
This hearty and comforting white chili recipe is a twist on traditional red chili, featuring ground turkey as the protein source. The creamy texture and subtle flavor of white beans make this dish perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 can (15 oz) great northern white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions for toppings (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, white beans, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
White Chili with Roasted Poblanos
A creamy and flavorful twist on traditional chili, this recipe combines the richness of white beans with the depth of roasted poblanos. Perfect for a cozy evening or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 medium poblanos
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the poblanos for 30 minutes, or until charred.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add cumin and paprika; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the soaked navy beans, chicken broth, and roasted poblanos to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
White Chili with Cilantro Lime Rice
This refreshing twist on traditional chili combines the creaminess of white beans and Greek yogurt with the brightness of cilantro and lime, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
For the White Chili:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook chicken, onion, and garlic in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Add diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in white beans and Greek yogurt. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions. Mix with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
White Chili with Sweet Potatoes
This recipe combines the comfort of traditional chili with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, all wrapped up in a creamy white bean broth. Perfect for a cozy evening or a potluck gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked Great Northern beans (or cannellini beans)
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, cook chicken and onion over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in cooked beans, chicken broth, and roasted sweet potatoes.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors meld together.
7. Stir in heavy cream; adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
White Chili with Chorizo
This hearty white chili recipe combines the smoky flavor of chorizo sausage with creamy cannellini beans, onions, and garlic. Perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in cannellini beans, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for 15-20 minutes or until flavors meld together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
White Chili with Greek Yogurt Topping
This recipe combines the comfort of a warm, creamy chili with the tanginess of Greek yogurt, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch. With minimal prep time and no need for beans, this dish is a great option for those looking for a lighter take on traditional chili.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Greek yogurt, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve hot with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meal routine with these 20 creamy white chili recipes! From classic comfort food to bold and spicy twists, there’s something for everyone. Recipes range from slow cooker favorites like White Chicken Chili and Spicy White Bean Turkey Chili to vegetarian options like Creamy White Chili with Corn and Quinoa. You’ll also find unique variations featuring coconut milk, chorizo, and even butternut squash. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner, these recipes are sure to hit the spot.
