Easy Chicken Chili VIDEO (Stovetop Recipe) (2024)

Chicken Chili is the ultimate cozy comfort food and a recipe you’ll have on repeat in Fall. Tender shredded chicken simmered in a creamy and hearty base is so inviting, especially topped with cheese that melts into the hot chili. It also reheats well so it’s a great make-ahead recipe for meal prep.

We love Chicken chili and we’ve made every variation from Crockpot Chicken Chili to Instant Pot Chicken Chili which produces the most tender chicken. Whichever is your favorite cooking method, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Easy Chicken Chili VIDEO (Stovetop Recipe) (1)

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Chicken Chili Video Tutorial

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Ingredients for Chicken Chili

  • Chicken – we use 2 large chicken breasts, but you can sub with leftover roast chicken or storebought rotisserie
  • Onion – yellow or sweet onion work great
  • Chicken broth – use any kind of chicken stock or bone broth or make your own with water and bouillon
  • White beans – try any kind of white beans such as cannelloni, Great Northern, or Navy beans (avoid garbanzo beans). Canned is so easy, but you can also use home-cooked beans
  • Corn – drained can of whole kernel corn
  • Rotel tomatoes – use a 10 oz can with the juice
  • Spices – chili powder and cumin make this mildly smoky and spicy.
  • Ranch mix – this is the secret ingredient to add a ton of flavor. Ranch dip or dressing mix packets range from 0.4 oz to 1.5 oz, depending on the brand, but it should be enough powder to make 2 cups of ranch.
  • Cream cheese – regular full-fat will give the chili a creamy consistency
  • Lime juice – squeezing fresh lime adds a zesty twist
Easy Chicken Chili VIDEO (Stovetop Recipe) (2)

Pro Tip: To save time, use leftover cooked chicken breast or use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Chili is the best way to repurpose leftover chicken and it never tastes like leftovers.

How to Make Chicken Chili

  1. Saute onion – heat oil in a dutch oven pot and sautee onion 5 minutes.
  2. Make chili base – add broth, rinsed beans, drained corn, Rotel tomatoes with their juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and the ranch packet.
  3. Add chicken – submerge chicken breasts in liquid, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes until chicken is tender.
  4. Shred chicken – transfer chicken to a plate and shred with forks into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Finish chili – add cream cheese pieces, and lime juice and simmer 5 minutes. Add chicken back to the pot, bring to a simmer and season to taste.
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Common Questions

Can I substitute chicken breast?

You can easily substitute with a cooked rotisserie chicken, just shred the chicken and add it to the pot when you would normally add the shredded chicken back into the chili. Chicken tenders would also work well.

Can I make the chili thicker?

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can leave the lid uncovered during the 20 minute cook time to allow more of the steam to escape.

Is Chicken Chili spicy?

This chili is very mild. To make it spicier, you can add more chili powder.

Can I cook this in a crockpot?

You can slow cook chili, letting it putter away in a crockpot for several hours. We have print-friendly instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.

Can I make chili in an Instant Pot?

Lucky for you, we’ve already tested this and posted a tutorial for Instant Pot Chicken Chili. It’s super fast and the chicken becomes super tender.

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Serve with

We love to serve this as a main course paired with:

  • Instant Pot Baked Potato or Air Fryer Baked Potato
  • Tortilla chips
  • Diced avocados
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
  • Lime wedges to squeeze over chili
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There are so many ways to dress up a bowl of White Chicken Chili. Let me know about your favorite toppings in the comments below.

More Easy Dinner Ideas

If you’re looking for simple, family-approved recipes to add to your regular rotation, here are some of our top-rated dinner ideas.

  • Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Easy Stovetop Turkey Chili
  • Sloppy Joe Recipe
  • Lemon Chicken
  • Meatloaf with the Best Glaze

Easy White Chicken Chili (Stovetop Recipe)

4.98 from 146 votes

Author: Natasha Kravchuk

Easy Chicken Chili VIDEO (Stovetop Recipe) (7)

It's so comforting to curl up with a bowl of Chicken Chili. This chili is great served with tortilla chips or baked potatoes. The combination of tender shredded chicken simmered in a creamy and hearty base is so inviting. Add your favorite toppings like diced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped cilantro.

SavePinReviewPrint

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 40 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6 people

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth , or stock
  • 30 oz canned white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz can corn, drained
  • 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis, with juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder, (use 1/2 for mild chili)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1.5 oz packet ranch dip mix, *
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice

Instructions

  • Heat a 6 quart enamel coated dutch oven pot over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add onion and sauté 5 minutes until softened.

  • Add chicken broth, drained white beans, drained corn, Rotel tomatoes with juice. Season with chili powder, cumin, 1 tsp salt and ranch packet. Stir to combine.

  • Add 2 chicken breasts and submerge in liquid. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is tender and easy to shred.

  • Remove chicken to a bowl and shred with forks into bite-sized pieces.

  • Add diced cream cheese, lime juice and stir to combine. Continue simmering for 5 minutes or until cream cheese is incorporated. Add more lime juice to taste, and season with another 1/2 tsp salt or add salt to taste. Simmer another 3 minutes or until chili reaches your desired thickness. It will thicken more as it cools.

Notes

*Dry ranch packets come in 0.4 to 1.5 oz packages depending on the brand. Use enough powder to normally make 2 cups ranch.

Nutrition Per Serving

467kcal Calories43g Carbs29g Protein19g Fat8g Saturated Fat2g Polyunsaturated Fat6g Monounsaturated Fat1g Trans Fat90mg Cholesterol1286mg Sodium1255mg Potassium8g Fiber4g Sugar690IU Vitamin A9mg Vitamin C173mg Calcium4mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Easy White Chicken Chili (Stovetop Recipe)

Amount per Serving

Calories

467

% Daily Value*

Fat

19

g

29

%

Saturated Fat

8

g

50

%

Trans Fat

1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

2

g

Monounsaturated Fat

6

g

Sodium

1286

mg

56

%

Potassium

1255

mg

36

%

Carbohydrates

43

g

14

%

Fiber

8

g

33

%

Sugar

4

g

4

%

Protein

29

g

58

%

Vitamin A

690

IU

14

%

Vitamin C

9

mg

11

%

Calcium

173

mg

17

%

Iron

4

mg

22

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex Mex

Keyword: chicken chili, White Chicken Chili

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $$

Calories: 467

Natasha Kravchuk

Easy Chicken Chili VIDEO (Stovetop Recipe) (8)

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Easy Chicken Chili VIDEO (Stovetop Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

How long should chili simmer on stove? ›

Low Setting: If you cook chili on the low setting, it typically takes around 6 to 8 hours. This is a good option if you want to let it simmer all day and develop rich flavors. High Setting: If you're pressed for time, you can cook chili on the high setting for approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Traditionally, we expect a robust, spicy base, meat and/or beans, perhaps some bonus veggies, and a thick, rich consistency. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy yet thinner, chili is meant to be more stew-like; it's a definite stick-to-your-ribs creation.

How do you make chili more flavorful? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

Do you simmer with lid on or off? ›

You can simmer with the cookware lid on or off, simply follow your recipe instructions. Keep in mind that when using a cover, you'll want to set your stovetop to a low setting as it can reach a simmer faster than without a cap.

Do you simmer chili with lid on or off? ›

We want the liquid in the chili to reduce, and leaving the lid off is crucial. If you're simmering the chili for a longer time, partially cover the pot to prevent the liquid from evaporating too quickly. — Beef is optional.

What liquid to add to chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

What is a good 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.

Does tomato paste thicken chili? ›

Not only will tomato paste add a tangy flavor to the dish, but it will also act as a thickening agent. For this purpose, you can use homemade or store-bought tomato paste. Add 1 can of the paste to your pot of chili, stir the mixture, and let it cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes.

Do you put cocoa powder in chili? ›

If you're familiar with mole or Mexican hot chocolate, you know the power of chocolate and spice; adding cocoa to your chili boosts the flavors, allowing you to get the most out of minimal spices, without adding a noticeable chocolatey-ness.

Is it better to use cornstarch or flour to thicken chili? ›

Adding flour directly into the chili will create lumps. Instead, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch. If you're using all-purpose flour, double the amount of water. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, evenly distributing it throughout the chili.

What can I add to chili? ›

There are lots of ideas. You can add chili beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, green pepper, jalapenos, habaneros, serranos, potatoes, hominy, corn, chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, cayenne peppers, cheese, sour cream, banana pep...

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Here Are Our Six Secret Ingredients for the Best Chili
  • Canned Puréed Pumpkin. You already use this to make pumpkin-infused quick breads and waffles, but did you know you can add it to chili too? ...
  • Cocoa Powder. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Maple Syrup. ...
  • Pepperoncinis (Plus Liquid) ...
  • Root Beer.
Sep 2, 2022

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.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste is a great way to add bonus tomato flavor, and thickness, to a chili recipe. To get the best flavor it needs to be browned. Add a couple tablespoons (or a whole can if you want a thicker soup base) directly to the pan after cooking the meat and onions.

Is chili better if it simmers longer? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

Does it matter how long you cook chili? ›

Cooking chili low and slow is the way to go

Although the internet abounds with recipes for quick-cooking chilis that take as little as 20 minutes (via MyRecipes), this stewed dish truly benefits from a longer cook time that will gently coax all the flavors out of the meat, legumes, vegetables, and spices in the recipe.

How long does chili need to simmer to thicken? ›

Simmer it longer: The simplest way to thicken your chili is to cook off the remaining liquid. Set your stove on low heat and remove the lid of your pot, letting the chili simmer for five to ten minutes, depending on how much liquid is leftover.

Is 4 hours long enough for chili? ›

Saute onions and add the ground beef. Add to slow cooker with remaining ingredients except for cheese; stir. Cover with lid. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours (or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours).

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