White Chicken Chili Recipe with Corn – Creamy, Hearty & Full of Flavor
White Chicken Chili Recipe with Corn
This White Chicken Chili Recipe with Corn is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, hearty, and bursting with Southwestern flavor. It’s a lighter, cozier twist on classic chili, made with shredded chicken, white beans, corn, green chiles, and a silky blend of cream and spices.
Unlike traditional red chili, this white chicken chili skips the tomatoes and uses tender chicken, mild green chiles, and sweet corn for a flavor that’s both soothing and satisfying. Whether you make it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or instant pot — this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
🐔 Ingredients (Serves 6)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken | 3 cups | Rotisserie chicken works great |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | Yellow or white |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | Flavor base |
| Green chiles | 1 (4 oz) can | Mild or hot |
| Corn kernels | 1 ½ cups | Fresh, frozen, or canned |
| Great Northern or cannellini beans | 2 cans (15 oz each) | Rinsed & drained |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups | Low sodium preferred |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz (½ block) | Softened |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | For creaminess |
| Cumin | 2 tsp | Warm, earthy spice |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | Adds depth |
| Dried oregano | ½ tsp | Southwestern note |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust at end |
| Fresh lime juice | 1 tbsp | Bright finish |
| Cilantro | For garnish | Optional |
| Shredded Monterey Jack cheese | ½ cup | Optional topping |
💡 Pro Tip: If you like heat, add diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce while simmering.
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in green chiles, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook another minute to bloom the spices.
Step 2: Build the Chili Base
Add chicken broth, beans, and corn.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Mash a small portion of the beans with a spoon or fork — this naturally thickens the chili without flour.
Step 3: Add Chicken & Creaminess
Stir in the shredded chicken and cream cheese.
Stir until cream cheese melts and blends into the broth.
Add sour cream and lime juice; simmer on low for 5–10 more minutes.
💡 Chef’s Note: Don’t let it boil after adding dairy — gentle heat keeps it silky, not grainy.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh cilantro
Avocado slices
Crushed tortilla chips
A squeeze of lime for brightness
🌽 Why Add Corn to White Chicken Chili?
Corn gives this dish a natural sweetness and texture that balances the creamy and savory flavors. It pairs beautifully with mild green chiles and white beans, making every bite perfectly balanced — sweet, creamy, spicy, and hearty.
It also adds beautiful color and fiber, making this chili as nutritious as it is delicious.
🕒 Alternative Cooking Methods
| Method | Instructions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooker | Combine everything except sour cream & cheese; cook on low for 6 hrs. Stir in dairy before serving. | 6 hrs |
| Instant Pot | Sauté onion & garlic, add rest. Pressure cook 12 min, quick release, stir in dairy. | 30 min |
| Stovetop (Classic) | Simmer on low for 25–30 min after sauté. | 30 min |
🧀 Flavor & Texture Profile
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Creamy, smoky, mildly spicy with a hint of sweetness from corn |
| Texture | Thick, velvety, full of tender chicken & soft beans |
| Color | Golden cream with pops of corn & green chili |
| Aroma | Warm spices, garlic, and roasted corn |
🧊 Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: 4 days, stored airtight.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (leave out sour cream, add after reheating).
- Reheat: Gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a dash of lime juice before serving leftovers — it brightens up the flavor again.
🍽️ Serving Pairings
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk cornbread | Adds a little crunch & sweetness |
| Cilantro lime rice | Great for hearty bowls |
| Tortilla chips or bread | Perfect for dipping |
| Avocado salad | Adds freshness |
FAQ
Can I make this chili dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream cheese and sour cream.
Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely — just thaw and drain before adding.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken works perfectly.
How can I make it thicker?
Mash some beans or stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with broth.
Can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to taste.
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