White chicken chili is one recipe you should add to your soup repertoire.

You already know how to make traditional chili

(If not, I have a great recipe for first-time chili makers).

But white chicken chili is just as delicious, in my opinion. But totally different than traditional chili.

So, What Is White Chicken Chili?

Let’s compare and contrast traditional chili vs. white chicken chili:

Traditional chili is tomato-based, but there are no tomatoes in white chicken chili.

Traditional chili is usually made with ground beef. White chicken chili is made with – you guessed it – chicken.

Traditional chili is brothy. This white chicken chili is creamy due to the sour cream and pureed beans.

What Goes In White Chicken Chili?

The ingredient list is quite long, but you probably have many of these ingredients already stocked in your fridge or pantry:

Onions, jalapeño peppers, and fresh garlic

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Chicken bouillon cubes (less expensive than chicken broth, but either work)

Sour cream

Corn

Cannellini beans

Canned green chile peppers

Fresh lime juice

Spices: Garlic powder, fajita seasoning, cayenne pepper

Toppings (optional): Tortilla chips, jalapeño slices, radish slices, shredded cheese, hot sauce, etc.

Is White Chicken Chili Customizable?

Yes! This soup recipe, like a lot of soup recipes, is customizable.

Here are some ideas:

Like spicy chili? Add more cayenne pepper and jalapeño peppers.

Add more cayenne pepper and jalapeño peppers. Not a bean lover? Use one can instead of two.

Use one can instead of two. Not a chicken lover? Use 1/2 lb. chicken instead of 1 lb. Or substitute turkey instead.

Use 1/2 lb. chicken instead of 1 lb. Or substitute turkey instead. Following a keto diet? Omit the beans. The chili will be less creamy, but still delicious.

Omit the beans. The chili will be less creamy, but still delicious. In a hurry? You can substitute cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the pot when you add the corn and sour cream.

More Chili Recipes

Chili is better with toppings! Here are a bunch of chili topping ideas.