This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is the perfect cozy dish to warm your heart and fill your belly! Rich and creamy, yet dairy-free, it blends tender chicken, hearty white beans, and a zesty kick from green chiles. Every spoonful is a delightful mix of spice and comfort, making it a go-to for chilly evenings or meal prep. Plus, it’s super easy—only one pot is needed, saving you time on cleanup! Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot White Chicken Chili (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This white chicken chili is everything you want on a chilly day! First off, it’s packed with flavor. The spices meld beautifully as the chicken cooks to juicy perfection. And let’s not forget that creamy texture without any cream—that’s the magic of blending the beans! It’s a dish that’s comforting and satisfying without weighing you down.
- Super Fast: The Instant Pot cooks this chili in just about 30 minutes!
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy tender chicken with creamy beans.
- Pantry-Friendly: Use ingredients you probably already have on hand!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it in advance and eat throughout the week.
- Customizable: Adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste.
- Dietary Friendly: Gluten-free and dairy-free options!
Here’s What You’ll Need for Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and adding healthy fats.
- 1 onion, diced – brings a sweet and savory depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds a fragrant pop that’s hard to resist!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the hearty protein base.
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed – for creaminess and fiber.
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles – adds a mild kick of heat.
- 4 cups chicken broth – the flavorful liquid that brings it all together.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – gives a warm, earthy note.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – for a touch of spice!
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential seasonings that enhance all flavors.
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) – for sweetness and a pop of color.
- Juice of 1 lime – brightens up the dish with its tang.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish – adds a fresh, herby finish.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Phase 1 – Prep
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Rinse and drain the white beans.
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces if desired.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add olive oil, then onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add chicken and cook slightly until it’s no longer pink.
- Add the remaining ingredients: white beans, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and corn. Stir well.
- Seal the lid and set to “Manual” for 10 minutes.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Once cooked, perform a quick release of steam.
- Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Swap the Chicken: Feel free to use turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for quick prep!
- Don’t Skip the Lime: That simple squeeze of lime at the end really brightens the whole dish!
- Storage Made Easy: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using too much liquid can result in a soupy chili. The beans and chicken release moisture while cooking, so stick to the recommended amounts. If your chili turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mashing some beans back into the pot.
Not seasoning enough is another common pitfall! Always taste and adjust—salt and spices can make a world of difference. If it tastes flat, add more salt, lime, or spices gradually until it’s just right.
Don’t skip the sauté step! This step builds flavor through caramelization, so it’s essential for a rich, fulfilling chili. Skipping it means missing out on that depth of taste!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
- Dairy-Free: Enjoy the creamy texture with coconut milk for added richness.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a greater kick.
- Herbal: Toss in fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for added flavor.
- Cooking Method: This recipe is adaptable to stovetop or slow cooker methods as well.
How to Serve Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Best Pairings
- Crusty Bread: A warm loaf is perfect for dipping.
- Fresh Avocado: Sliced on top adds creaminess.
- Jalapeño Cornbread: A sweet and spicy pairing!
Toppings & Garnishes
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a juicy pop.
- Cheddar Cheese: If not avoiding dairy, sprinkle on top!
- Sour Cream: For a cool, creamy finish!
Drink Pairing
- Light Lager Beer: Refreshing with a hint of sweetness.
- Non-Alcoholic Herbal Tea: Calming and aromatic with spices.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! This white chicken chili is perfect for meal prep. Make it in advance and enjoy it for several days.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months! Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. The texture may change slightly, but it will still taste great!
Reheating
Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute increments, stirring after each until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower? Absolutely! Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking for a tender bite.
How to make it extra creamy without cream? Mash some of the beans to create a smooth, creamy texture that’s still dairy-free.
Can I double it? Yes, you can double the ingredients, but be sure to adjust the cook time appropriately according to your Instant Pot’s guidelines.
How to fix a too-thick soup? Stir in a little extra broth or water while reheating until the desired consistency is reached.
This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a comforting, creamy dish without any cream that you’ll love! Grab a bowl and try it out—you won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget to rate and comment, and check out our soup collection for more delicious ideas!
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing and adding healthy fats.
- 1 cup onion, diced brings a sweet and savory depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced adds a fragrant pop that’s hard to resist!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts the hearty protein base.
Chili Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed for creaminess and fiber.
- 1 can diced green chiles adds a mild kick of heat.
- 4 cups chicken broth the flavorful liquid that brings it all together.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin gives a warm, earthy note.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder for a touch of spice!
- to taste salt and pepper essential seasonings that enhance all flavors.
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) for sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 Juice lime brightens up the dish with its tang.
- to taste Fresh cilantro for garnish adds a fresh, herby finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Rinse and drain the white beans.
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces if desired.
Cooking
- Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’. Add olive oil, then onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add chicken and cook slightly until it’s no longer pink.
- Add the remaining ingredients: white beans, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and corn. Stir well.
- Seal the lid and set to ‘Manual’ for 10 minutes.
Serving
- Once cooked, perform a quick release of steam.
- Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
