Go Back
Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe image1
Print Recipe

Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe

A lighter take on classic white chicken chili featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, green chiles and bright lime — all simmered in a fragrant cumin broth. Ready in under an hour for a healthy weeknight meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Protein & Beans

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 15 oz cans cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 4 oz can diced mild green chiles, drained

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp lime zest (small brightening touch)

Finish & Garnish

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream), plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 each ripe avocado, sliced (optional garnish)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden—this builds extra flavor. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and chopped jalapeño to the same pot and sauté 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in the cumin, oregano and lime zest, toasting the spices for about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then add the drained green chiles and the rinsed white beans.
  • Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a low simmer and cover. Cook 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  • Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Meanwhile, take about 1 1/2 cups of the bean mixture from the pot and pulse in a blender or mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth, then stir the puréed beans back into the soup — this lightly thickens the chili without cream.
  • Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir in the Greek yogurt and lime juice, and simmer uncovered 3 to 5 minutes to warm through and meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime if needed.
  • Turn off the heat and let the chili rest 8 to 10 minutes — this helps flavors develop and thickens slightly. Ladle into bowls and finish with chopped cilantro, avocado slices and a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Notes

Tip: Make this a day ahead — the flavors deepen after refrigerating and it reheats beautifully. For a thinner broth, stir in an extra 1/2 cup chicken stock when reheating.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.