5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

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This 5-ingredient white chicken chili recipe is super quick and easy to make, full of great flavor, and always a crowd fave!

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (1)

After sharing a new recipe for easy (red) chicken chili, I thought I would circle back today to share one of my all-time favorite recipes for easywhite chicken chili.

Even better — my favorite easy white chicken chili recipe that is made with just FIVE easy ingredients. ♡

This recipe is as easy as it gets. Simply stir all of the ingredients together, bring the soup to a simmer, ladle it up while it’s nice and hot, then pile on your favorite toppings and enjoy! I’ve probably made this recipe at least a hundred times over the years, and it always has a way of hitting the spot. It also freezes and reheats well if you would like to save the leftovers or make and save a big batch for easy meal prep.

I’m telling you — this recipe is always a winner. Let’s make a batch!

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2)

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Ingredients:

To make this white chicken chili recipe, you will need the following five ingredients (plus I highly recommend going big on toppings):

  • Chicken: Any kind of diced or shredded chicken will do. I typically shred a rotisserie or use leftover frozen chicken from my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or Baked Chicken Breasts recipe.
  • Salsa verde:Either homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer. I will note that store-bought brands of roasted salsa verde can vary pretty dramatically in terms of heat. So if you prefer a milder soup, I would definitely recommend finding a salsa that is on the milder side.
  • Beans: You are welcome to use whatever type of beans you love best for this chicken chili. I typically use white beans (such as Great Northerns), but pinto, garbanzo or black beans would be delicious too.
  • Chicken stock: Because this ingredient list is so short, I recommend using a good-quality brand of chicken stock or veggie stock, whichever you prefer.
  • Cumin:We will also add in a hint of cumin to the broth to helps round out the seasonings in the salsa verde.
  • Toppings:Finally, I recommend using a generous amount of whatever toppings you love best! I almost always add cilantro and fresh avocado to my soup. But a crumble of tortilla chips, diced red or green onions, sour cream, shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, Monterrey Jack or a Mexican-blend), crumbled cotija cheese, and/or sliced jalapeños would also be delicious additions!

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (3)

How To Make This Soup:

To make this 5-ingredient white chicken chili recipe, simply…

  1. Combine ingredients. Stir together chicken stock, shredded chicken, beans, salsa and cumin in large stockpot.
  2. Bring to a simmer. Cook on high heat until the soup reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain the simmer briefly for 5 minutes.
  3. Serve. Then ladle the soup up into serving bowls, garnished with your favorite toppings.

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (4)

Possible Variations:

There are so many ways that you could get creative with this soup recipe! For example, feel free to…

  • Add extra veggies. If you would like to add some extra veggies to this soup, diced poblano peppers, onions and/or potatoes (feel free to use frozen hash brown potatoes as a shortcut) are some of my other favorite additions.
  • Make it in the Crock-Pot or Instant Pot. This soup really just needs to be stirred together and warmed. So feel free to let it simmer on low in the Crock-Pot or use the sauté button on your Instant Pot, if you would prefer to use one of those appliances.

More Favorite Chili Recipes:

Here are a few more of my go-to chili recipes, if you would like to give them a try!

  • Creamy Chicken Chili
  • Easy (Red) Chicken Chili
  • Black Bean Chili
  • Vegetarian Chili
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5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (5)

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star4.9 from 105 reviews

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This delicious and easy white chicken chili recipe can be made with just 5 ingredients in 15 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 6 cups chickenstock
  • 3 to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans beans of your choice, rinsed and drained(I used Great Northern beans)
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) salsa verde(store-bought orhomemade)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, chopped red or green onions, sour cream, crumbled tortilla chips, fresh jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients. Stir together chicken stock, shredded chicken, beans, salsa and cumin in large stockpot.
  2. Bring to a simmer.Cook on high heat until the soup reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering for 5 minutes.
  3. Serve.Serve immediately, garnished with lots of your favorite toppings.

Notes

Chicken: 4 cups shredded chicken is equivalent to approximately 2 medium-sized boneless skinless chicken breasts. I often shred a rotisserie chicken for this recipe, or use leftover chicken from my Baked Chicken Breasts or Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipes.

posted on January 16, 2020 by Ali

Main Dishes, Mexican-Inspired, Soups / Stews

458 Comments »

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458 comments on “5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili”

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  1. Connie September 4, 2021 @ 6:20 pm Reply

    Everyone loved your white chicken chili

  2. Holly September 6, 2021 @ 7:20 pm Reply

    We were staying in an Airbnb over the weekend and I wanted to make an easy recipe that didn’t require a bunch of ingredients since we weren’t in our own kitchen. So happy I found this recipe – it was delicious! I followed the recipe as is – using just 4 cups of chicken stock like the other reviews suggested. I also put in a small dash of chili seasoning and black pepper. I tossed in the skin from our rotisserie chicken and I don’t think I would do that again because it just got soggy. I topped the chili with shredded medium cheddar cheese, avocado, red onion, cilantro and served some Doritos (because what doesn’t go with Doritos?) on the side since I didn’t have tortilla chips. Will definitely make again!

  3. Amber Miller September 13, 2021 @ 11:20 am Reply

    I made this following this exact recipe and now it’s one of are favorite dishes!!! Thank you for sharing….. The Miller family

  4. Gabrielle Phillips September 23, 2021 @ 9:39 pm Reply

    I make this dish often! It’s great to have such a minimal list and create something delicious. Follow the recipe and add additional recommendations such as sour cream, cilantro, and avocado for garnish.. Boom!

  5. Esme September 29, 2021 @ 8:51 pm Reply

    Does anyone know how much each of the 4 servings yields?

  6. Diane H October 11, 2021 @ 5:48 pm Reply

    So easy and so delicious! Thank you. (I did use half the cumin but that is my personal taste).

  7. Melissa October 11, 2021 @ 10:50 pm Reply

    I have been following you and using your recipes since the dawn of time 😃 I’m sure this will be another wonderful meal that will be added to our list of favorites! Thanks for all the great dishes!

  8. Sarah Marsh October 12, 2021 @ 11:31 am Reply

    Hi – could you sub green enchilada sauce for salsa verde or would that be too watery? Thanks!

    • Susan February 10, 2022 @ 3:00 pm

      This is a great recipe! My daughter doubled it for her husband’s birthday party, and it was a big hit! I was just wondering if you can freeze the chili?

  9. Haley November 5, 2021 @ 8:04 pm Reply

    DELISH! Everyone loved it, even my super picky husband and my meat-averse toddler. I did it in the crock pot. Subbed 1 can for kidney beans because I had them. The color was nice. Also was short on cumin but it still had great flavor. High on 3-4 hours or low 5-6. so yummy and easy. Will definitely make this again!

  10. Tracey November 14, 2021 @ 12:01 pm Reply

    I love this recipe! So delicious and so simple!

  11. Paul December 28, 2021 @ 3:49 pm Reply

    I loved it, adjustments made. I used the carton of stock (about 4 cups) also. I used 2 cans of white cannellini beans and 1 of small white beans. I didn’t have the ingredients nor the salsa verde so went without. Was still fine. I added onion & onion powder since I was without the salsa verde. One thing I could use, a nutritional sidebar for calories, macro / micro nutruients, etc. I am going to try and just come up with my own count with an app, but it will take some time. Thanks again for sharing the recipe, super easy. I am on a weight loss / muscle up course (since March 2021) so I didn’t add the garnishments but next time I will likely add cheese and have the salsa verde on hand. Happy New Year.

  12. Martha Malamis Coronado December 29, 2021 @ 10:22 am Reply

    Really easy and very delicious. I put all ingredients in a crockpot in high for 2 1/2 hours and came back to a great dinner.

  13. Denise R Thompson January 6, 2022 @ 7:05 pm Reply

    This was VERY GOOD, which surprised me considering it has only five ingredients. But I usually adjust recipes based on my own preferences and others’ comments so this is what I did: sauteed a bit of red onion and garlic and added spices to my own taste, then decreased broth and added carrots. Definitely a keeper!! thank you

  14. Laurie January 13, 2022 @ 11:47 am Reply

    Can you freeze this chili

  15. Wendy January 25, 2022 @ 7:36 pm Reply

    I love your recipes (enchiladas with homemade sauce is a family fav). For this recipe I start with a sautéed onion (sixth ingredient) which I add the cumin and some garlic salt to, then dump in everything else. I do substitute canned hatch chilis for the salsa verde. It’s so easy and delish both ways!

  16. Anthony January 26, 2022 @ 12:52 pm Reply

    I recently retired & became a part time cook for my now work from home spouse. Since I didn’t have most of your ingredients, I sauteed 1/2 small chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic on olive oil then added 12.5 oz drained chunk chicken breast and tossed with pinch of salt and 2 pinches of black pepper for 5 min. I added a 15oz can of Bush’s low Na mild chili pinto beans and 24oz water with a tsp of chicken boullion base, 1 green onion, cilantro, 1 small celery stick, 2 tsp taco seasoning, cup of sharp cheddar, 2 doleful tbsp of sour cream, 2 tbsp whipped cream, 2 pieces of chopped wheat tortilla and half of jalapeño pepper. I brought it to a quick boil and simmered for 10 min. My wife who’s a very good cook loved it. Thank you very much!

  17. Carmen Holley January 26, 2022 @ 4:31 pm Reply

    This is a great recipe!

  18. Tracy May 11, 2022 @ 2:41 pm Reply

    Love this recipe and have made it many times. My family likes a little more kick so I add a 4 oz. can of diced green chiles to the mix.

  19. Julie November 1, 2022 @ 2:11 pm Reply

    This is one of my go-to recipes. So simple, so delicious.

  20. Julie November 1, 2022 @ 2:15 pm Reply

    One of my favorite go-to recipes. So simple, so delicious. I usually simmer raw chicken breast in the stock/salsa, then shred at the end. The meat picks up a really nice flavor and I cut out some of the salt from the processed rotisserie chicken.

  21. Andrea November 4, 2022 @ 3:12 pm Reply

    This recipe was super easy and soooo delicious! Most recipes I’ve seen them use the canned green chilies, nothing wrong with that but this one had a real Mexican salsa verde recipe! This is literally the closest thing to my in-laws pozole verde that I LOVE. I added cooked bacon, raw white onion, avocado diced and fried corn Tortilla strips as toppings. I also roasted some red chili flakes with some oil which we use for pozole verde. Such a delicious recipe!

  22. Alexandra R December 8, 2022 @ 11:37 pm Reply

    5ingredients. 5star easy. 5star results.

  23. Becca December 20, 2022 @ 8:03 am Reply

    I have made this several times – it is absolutely delicious.

  24. Kim December 27, 2022 @ 7:56 pm Reply

    This was delicious, but should be 2-3 cups broth not 6. Otherwise it’s just too soupy. I would have given it 5 stars otherwise. I did add about 1tsp of dried oregano as it’s a personal preference. Quick and easy recipe that you don’t have to have a lot of ingredients on hand .

  25. Ashley Bolick January 1, 2023 @ 2:25 pm Reply

    I just made this and yum!!! Next time I may reduce it to 4 cups of chicken broth but we just added extra toppings (cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream) to soak up the yummy broth.

  26. Lorene Proctor February 4, 2023 @ 11:28 am Reply

    This is a wonderful basic recipe as in. I wanted a creamier version so added 16 oz of sour cream and whisked it in. Very delicious.

  27. Rebecca February 6, 2023 @ 11:19 am Reply

    My go-to white chicken chili and a staple in our house in the Winter! I had this at a friend’s house and asked for the recipe. So simple and delicious! Perfect for a busy night! I’ve substituted canned chicken for the rotisserie in a pinch as well.

  28. Kt Wright November 23, 2023 @ 12:55 pm Reply

    Definitely more soup like than a chili. I make this often and it’s one of my husbands favorites. I crush in the tortilla chips and avocado. Excellent recipe!

  29. Lisa November 28, 2023 @ 4:28 pm Reply

    This was a marvelous “base” recipe! I found that I didn’t have the salsa verde on hand, so I raided the pantry and added a can of Mexican Corn and Rotel Tomatoes. I’d already made the Shredded Chicken (via Instapot recipe), so I had almost a pound of chicken to add that was already made. The only other addition I made was a bit of ground chili pepper. I shredded a brick of Sharp Cheddar and have sour cream, a bit of avocado and corn chips to add to the finished product!!

  30. Pete February 26, 2024 @ 7:09 pm Reply

    I love this chili. I made this in a slow cooker today. I made the salsa verde using the linked recipe. I added a cup of frozen corn. High 4hrs. I pulled the fully cooked chicken at 3 hours and shredded it and added it back. Had 2 bowls with a quesadilla for dinner. 5 stars.

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5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

FAQs

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

How to thicken up white chicken chili? ›

All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, you'll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps. Instead, create a slurry and add it slowly to help the thickener fully incorporate.

Why is my white chicken chili watery? ›

This can be the result of: Adding too much stock, broth, or water. A base of beef broth, chicken broth, or stock (and occasionally water, milk, or cream), sets the tone for most chili recipes. If your chili looks watery, you may have poured in more than required.

How to tone down spicy white chicken chili? ›

Add a generous dollop of sour cream, creme fraiche, or yogurt to scorching hot chili or stews, or even a touch of milk or cream. For best results, though, go with full-fat dairy. For tomato sauces and stews that don't want dairy, try shredding some cheese on top.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  • Brown the Meat.
  • Don't Forget Vegetables.
  • Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  • Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  • Opt for Dried Beans.
  • Season Early and Often.
  • Add Some Acidity at the End.
  • Top It Off.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Chili should be thick and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sometimes there's just a bit more liquid than you want in the pot. While you can simply keep simmering the chili, that method risks overcooking softer ingredients like the beans, losing all your nice texture to mushy monotony.

How to make chili more flavorful? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What is the best thickener for chili? ›

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

What if I put too much cumin in chili? ›

Dairy products like yogurt, cream, or coconut milk can help neutralize the strong cumin taste. These ingredients add a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the spiciness of cumin.

How to give chili a deeper flavor? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

How do you darken chili flavor? ›

Drop in some chocolate.

We're all about adding some cocoa to your chili, especially in the early stages of cooking when you're blooming your spices, but I like to drop a few pieces of dark chocolate into the pot too.

How do you increase the flavor of beef in chili? ›

To enhance the flavor of your chili, brown the meat before adding it to the pot. This step not only caramelizes the meat, but gives your chili more texture, adding a depth that cannot be achieved by simply simmering it in the chili.

How do you add depth of Flavour to chili con carne? ›

What can I add to chilli con carne for more flavour? Spices such as ground cumin, coriander and cinnamon round out the flavours without adding much heat (that's where the chillies come in). If you enjoy smoky flavours, try adding smoked paprika in addition to the other spices.

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