The Best White Chicken Chili for Cozy Weeknights

This white chicken chili is the ultimate comfort food—rich and creamy without being heavy. With lean chicken breast, white beans, green chiles, and warm spices, it’s a lighter twist on the classic chili that still delivers bold, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this one-pot dish is as simple as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Without the Cream: Greek yogurt gives it a velvety texture without excess fat.
High in Protein: Keeps you full and energized thanks to lean chicken and beans.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Family-Friendly: Mild heat and comforting flavors make it a hit with all ages.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (like cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1/2 lime (optional)
• Chopped cilantro or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Cook the Chicken

• Add diced chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.

Season and Simmer

• Stir in green chiles, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the white beans and chicken broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.

Make It Creamy

• Remove the pot from heat and stir in Greek yogurt until fully blended and creamy.
• Add lime juice for a touch of brightness, if desired.

Serve and Garnish

• Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or extra yogurt.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 220 | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 5g | Protein: 26g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked shredded chicken.
• Adjust the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra green chiles for more spice.
• Mash Some Beans: For extra thickness, mash a portion of the beans before adding them.
• Freezer-Friendly: Cools and freezes well for easy make-ahead meals.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Herbs, chiles, and garlic build a flavorful base.
• Lighter, Not Lacking: Yogurt and broth combine to create creaminess without heaviness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.
• Customizable Toppings: Add avocado, tortilla strips, or jalapeños to make it your own.

This white chicken chili is everything you want in a cozy meal—comforting, creamy, hearty, and packed with nutrition. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a go-to recipe that checks every box without compromising on taste.