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White Chicken Chili Soup

Shredded chicken and white beans simmer in a creamy, mildly spiced broth with green chiles for a comforting twist on classic chili.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 35 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 SoupCategory
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White chicken chili emerged in American home cooking in the late 20th century as a lighter alternative to traditional red chili, using chicken, white beans, and green chiles instead of beef and tomatoes. It gained particular popularity throughout the 1990s and 2000s as a milder, creamy variation on the classic chili.

Creamy, mildly spiced, and full of hearty beans

Shredded chicken and white beans simmer in a creamy, mildly spiced broth with green chiles for a comforting twist on classic chili.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Season and cook the chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
  3. Stir in the green chiles, cumin, and oregano.
  4. Add the chicken broth, white beans, and shredded chicken, and simmer 20 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and cheese until melted.
  6. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Remove the soup from direct heat before stirring in the sour cream to prevent it from curdling. Mash a few of the beans against the side of the pot for a naturally thicker broth.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook35 min
Servings6
CategorySoup
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →