Easy, Creamy, Chili!

Let’s heat things up with some green chile this winter, a staple ingredient in my good ol’ state of Colorado. Green chile goes on burritos, cheeseburgers, eggs, and best of all… White Chicken Chili!

This winter, you are probably running around with kids and friends and are really busy, so I wanted to make this recipe easy for you. That is why I have the chicken and everything cooked in one pot that can simmer in as little as 30 minutes or as long 6 hours. Whether you are getting ready for the holidays or watching the kids on their winter break—

This recipe gives you your time back, Queen!

When I call this a one pot wonder, not only is it easy, but it is a fulfilling and hearty meal! This is not a soup that needs pairing with a thick meat because it lacks protein, or one that needs additional flavor with cheesy bread, no— this is a full meal in a bowl, with both meat and veggies, that needs nothing other than your mouth to eat it!

Forget the filler foods, the extra time, the additional cooking items…

This one pot wonder is for all of us, Queens!

rustic spoon scooping white beans, green chili, and chicken from chili soup

What are the health benefits?

This chili is a gluten-free, protein packed, low-fat powerhouse! Filled with lean protein that builds muscle and keeps you full, plant-based protein and fiber that stabilizes blood sugar and supports heart health, and natural metabolism boosters packed with vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds, your body will thank you after this meal!

Nutrition facts per 1 cup serving:

Chicken

Chicken breast is basically a protein monster—you're getting about 25 grams of lean protein per serving! Chicken is dense with essential amino acids that your muscles need for build and recovery. A high protein content keeps you full longer than a carb-heavy meal, so you're less likely to be raiding the snack drawer an hour later.

Cannellini Beans

These creamy white beans are honestly underrated—they pack about 15 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber into every cup. Fiber keeps your digestive system happy and can help prevent blood sugar spikes leading to crashes later. They're also loaded with heart-healthy nutrients like folate, magnesium, and potassium.

Green Chile

Green chiles bring more than just heat—a spicy compound called capsaicin can actually give your metabolism a little boost and help fight inflammation. They're surprisingly loaded with vitamin C, even more than some citrus fruits, which is great for your immune system. The capsaicin might also help with pain relief and support heart health, so you're getting wellness benefits along with that satisfying kick.

close up bowl of white chicken chili with green chilis, cannellini beans

What you will need

6-7.5 quart pot
Measuring Spoons
Two 48 oz Storage Containers

How to Make it Step by Step

1. Gather Ingredients

You will need chicken and beans, Queens! I prefer cannellini, but great northern beans can also work really well in this chili. You will need some plain nonfat greek yogurt and milk for the creaminess at the end… but most important…. you will need GREEN CHILES!

As always, the spiciness is up to you. For more spice, add more green Chile. For less, more milk or use less chilis.

ingredients for chili with green chili, cannellini beans, chicken, onions, and corn

2. Cook the Chicken

Add olive oil to a soup pot or dutch oven. Add the sliced onions, garlic, and chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook covered over medium-high heat, turning halfway through, until chicken is golden on the outside, around 10 minutes.

Tip: Add a dash of white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan if the onions get stuck.

cooked chicken breast halves in caramelized onions

3. Put it all Together

I prefer shredded chicken, but feel free to slice up the chicken breasts into 1” cubes. Once the chicken is sliced, return it to the pot and add chicken bone broth, corn, cannellini beans, green chiles, spices, and lime juice, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, at minimum 30-40 minutes.

But HONESTLY—

You are going to want to leave this pot on the stove on low heat and hang out with friends and take care of the kids (keeping an eye on it of course), because the longer this cooks, the better it gets! I am talking about simmering for hours and hours… I prefer 4-6 hours. The flavors turn deep and rich, and the chicken will fall to pieces in your mouth!

Also, remember: Don’t add the dairy here! This will cause curdling and will change the texture of the soup.

soup pot filled with green chili, cannellini beans, corn, chicken, and broth

4. Add Dairy & Adjust Flavors

Remove from heat, and let cool for 10-15 minutes, then add milk and greek yogurt. Whisk the yogurt into the broth, and stir well, until smooth.

Pause and take a sip:

Too spicy? Just add more milk.

Too thin? Just add more yogurt.

And if you are a Coloradan like me, MORE GREEN CHILE!

close up of wooden spoon holding beans, chicken, and chili after cooking

5. Serve!

Serve 1-cup servings with shredded cheese, and sliced sweet peppers top it off! This chili really does not need anything to go with it. It is a fulfilling hearty meal all by itself! If you are from the south like me, you can add some crackers or Fritos or a little shredded cheese on top.

rustic ceramic bowls serving easy creamy white chicken chili

Storage (Because You’ll Want Leftovers)

This soup stores well, which makes it practical for meal prep. After cooling completely, it keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors develop and improve overnight.

For longer storage, it freezes well for up to 3 months. I portion it into individual containers so I can thaw single servings as needed. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stovetop with a stir to restore the smooth texture. It reheats nicely and maintains its quality.