If you crave comfort in a bowl, the Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili is what your chilly evenings have been waiting for. This creamy, hearty chili is packed with tender chicken, white beans, green chiles, and just the right blend of spices. It delivers warmth and depth without overwhelming heat, making it family-friendly and endlessly customizable.

This version stands out from traditional beef chili by using white beans and shredded chicken breast for a lighter twist. Yet it remains just as satisfying thanks to the rich broth base and additions like sour cream and cheese that give it a luscious finish. It’s quick enough for weeknights and cozy enough for weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili

This chili isn’t just easy to make; it’s a one-pot wonder that delivers serious flavor. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet the result tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. It works great for meal prep, freezer storage, or potlucks. And because it’s mild in heat, it’s a hit with both spice lovers and those who prefer a gentler bowl.

Plus, you can customize it with toppings like avocado, tortilla strips, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime to truly make it your own.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For convenience and flavor, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this white chicken chili. But if you prefer to cook your own, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great too. Just poach them in broth until cooked through, then shred. Thighs offer a bit more richness, while breasts keep things lean. Either way, you’ll get that tender, fall-apart chicken that makes this chili irresistible.

Ingredients for the Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili

You don’t need anything fancy to make this cozy meal. Just a few everyday staples combine into something deeply satisfying.

Olive Oil adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic at the start.

Onion builds the base flavor of the chili and becomes sweet as it sautés.

Garlic brings depth and a classic savory note that balances the creamy ingredients.

Cooked Shredded Chicken is the star here. Rotisserie or home-cooked, it gives the chili its hearty bite.

Great Northern Beans or Cannellini Beans are creamy, mild, and perfect for soaking up flavor.

Chicken Broth helps form the body of the soup, carrying all the flavors and keeping it comforting.

Green Chiles add gentle heat and a Southwestern touch without overwhelming spice.

Cumin and Oregano infuse the broth with warm, earthy tones that are essential to chili flavor.

Cream Cheese adds velvety richness and smoothness.

Sour Cream lifts the dish with tang and makes it luxuriously creamy.

Salt and Pepper are simple, but they bring balance and enhance every bite.

How To Make the Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the shredded chicken, drained white beans, chicken broth, green chiles, cumin, and oregano. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

Let the chili simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and combined. Then add sour cream and stir again. Let it warm through but don’t boil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with toppings like chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.

How to Serve and Store Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili

This chili makes about 6 hearty servings, and it only gets better the next day. Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread, cornbread, or over a bed of rice for an extra-filling meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.