This healthy white chicken chili is so easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Not only is it delicious, it is also completely dairy-free and made with simple real food ingredients. Make it on the stove top or in the slow cooker for an easy dinner everyone will love!

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The Best Healthy White Chicken Chili

Is there anything better than a hot cozy bowl of chili on a cold day? Not only is it so easy to make, chili is packed with protein which makes it a great healthy option for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Watch How to Make This Recipe

This healthy white chicken chili is incredibly flavorful and so easy to make. Made with just the right combination of spices, this recipe only takes a few minutes of hands on cooking before simmering to perfection on the stovetop.

This yummy recipe is made with real food ingredients and is completely dairy-free unlike most white chicken chili recipes.

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

(full list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card, below)

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I love the flavor of boneless, skinless chicken thighs but you could also you chicken breast if you prefer.

Green Chilies: These add so much flavor and deliciousness to the chili.

Yellow Onion + Garlic: The flavor base of the soup is yellow onion and plenty of fresh garlic. You could use pre-minced garlic if you are really in a pinch but fresh garlic always has the most flavor.

Chicken Broth: Look for a low-sodium broth so that you can manage the salt content in the soup.

Spices: This chili uses just a few simple spices to get that delicious white chili flavor.

White Beans: Cannelini beans are my favorite for this soup.

Corn: Feel free to use either fresh or frozen corn kernels. Your choice!

How to Make Healthy White Bean Chicken Chili

(full list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card, below)

Step One: First, heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. While the pot is heating, season each side of the chicken liberally with the salt. Once the pot is hot, add the avocado oil and then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and then remove from the pot.

Step Two: Lower the heat and then add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté everything for two or three minutes until fragrant and the onions begin to soften and become translucent.

Step Four: Next, add the dried oregano, cumin, bay leaves, red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for an additional minute until everything is fragrant.

Step Five: Now, add the cans of white beans, chicken broth, green chilies and lime juice to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. Next, add the seared chicken back to the pot. Bring the chili to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let the chili simmer for 20 minutes.

Step Six: Once the chili has simmered, remove the chicken from the pot, use two forks to shred the meat, and then add the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step Seven: Finally, stir in the coconut cream and corn kernels. This is the perfect time to give the chili a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Let the chili simmer for another five minutes until everything is heated through. Serve and enjoy with your favorite toppings!

Can You Make This Chicken Chili Recipe in the Slow Cooker?

Yes! This chili recipe is a great one to make in the slow cooker. To make the chili in the slow cooker:

Add the chicken, onions, garlic, salt, spices, beans, and green chilies to the slow cooker and stir until well combined.
Next, add the broth and lime juice to the slow cooker and cover with lid.
Cook the chili on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and shreddable.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat before adding it back to the slow cooker.
Next, add the coconut cream and corn kernels to the chili and stir until well combined. Let the chili cook for another 20-30 minutes until everything is heated through. Serve and enjoy!

Topping Ideas

This chili is the perfect blank canvas for all of your favorite toppings. Here are a few of my favorite ways to top this chili!

Cilantro
Green onion
Shredded cheddar cheese
Corn chips or tortilla strips
Diced red onion
Sour cream
Fresh limes for lime juice

Tips and Tricks

Use leftover chicken – if you are really short on time, you can use leftover roasted chicken or turkey in this recipe. Just let the chili simmer for 20 minutes and then add the cooked chicken and simmer for around 10 minutes at then end with the corn.
Thicken things up – if you want a thicker chili you can whisk together 1-2 teaspoons of arrowroot starch with chicken broth and add the mixture to the soup to make it a bit thicker.
Make it spicy – If you like things a bit spicier, feel free to use ‘hot’ green chilies in the chili and add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Make it heartier – you can easily add in an extra can of white beans or black beans to make this chili a bit heartier.

I hope you give this Healthy White Chicken Chili a try! It’s cozy, hearty, and so delicious!

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