If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s packed with protein and flavor, this healthy high protein white chicken chili is a must-try. Unlike traditional red chili, this version is creamy, lighter, and loaded with tender shredded chicken, white beans, and mild spices. It’s the perfect balance of cozy comfort food and nutritious eating, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
What makes this dish stand out is how it combines lean protein with wholesome ingredients to create a filling and satisfying meal. White chicken chili typically includes chicken breast, beans, and a blend of spices, creating a rich yet lighter alternative to beef chili . The addition of yogurt or cottage cheese enhances the creaminess while boosting protein, making this recipe both delicious and functional for your health goals.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) | 500 g |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| White beans (cannellini or great northern) | 2 cups (cooked or canned) |
| Corn (fresh or frozen) | 1 cup |
| Green chilies (canned) | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Greek yogurt or cottage cheese | 1 cup |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Oregano | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh cilantro (optional) | 2 tbsp |
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds
- Add cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder and stir for 30 seconds to release flavors
- Add chicken breast to the pot
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks
- Return shredded chicken to the pot
- Add white beans, corn, and green chilies
- Stir well and let simmer for another 5–10 minutes
- Mash a small portion of beans to naturally thicken the chili
- Reduce heat to low
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt or cottage cheese with a little hot broth
- Stir mixture back into the chili slowly to avoid curdling
- Add lime juice and adjust seasoning
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes
- Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Course
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 30–35 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds
- Add cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder and stir for 30 seconds to release flavors
- Add chicken breast to the pot
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks
- Return shredded chicken to the pot
- Add white beans, corn, and green chilies
- Stir well and let simmer for another 5–10 minutes
- Mash a small portion of beans to naturally thicken the chili
- Reduce heat to low
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt or cottage cheese with a little hot broth
- Stir mixture back into the chili slowly to avoid curdling
- Add lime juice and adjust seasoning
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes
- Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro
Notes
- Protein: 30–35 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Flavor Profile Breakdown
- Creamy and comforting
- Mild spice with warmth
- Savory chicken flavor
- Slight tang from yogurt/lime
- Fresh herbal notes
Tips for Best Results
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep
- Mash some beans for natural thickness
- Add dairy on low heat to prevent curdling
- Use fresh lime juice for brightness
- Let chili rest for deeper flavor
Variations & Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs for richer flavor
- Swap Greek yogurt with cream cheese
- Add jalapeños for extra spice
- Use cauliflower rice for low carb
- Add spinach for extra nutrients
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking chicken (gets dry)
- Adding yogurt on high heat
- Not seasoning enough
- Skipping thickening step
- Using too much liquid
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tortilla chips
- Pair with cornbread
- Add avocado slices
- Top with shredded cheese
Storage Tips
- Store in fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently on stovetop
- Add a splash of broth when reheating
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High protein and filling
- Creamy without heavy cream
- Easy one-pot meal
- Perfect for meal prep
- Customizable to your taste
How to Serve
- Serve hot in deep bowls
- Add toppings before serving
- Stir well for even flavor
- Pair with sides for a full meal
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
Is white chicken chili healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein and can be made lower in fat than traditional chili.
How do I make it thicker?
Mash some beans or reduce the broth slightly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, it freezes well—just add dairy after reheating.
What beans work best?
Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal.
How spicy is this recipe?
Mild by default, but you can adjust spice level easily.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, skip yogurt or use a dairy-free alternative.
