What are some good side dishes for white chicken chili?

Cornbread is a classic side, but rice, baked potatoes, or tortilla chips also pair beautifully. For a lighter option, try a fresh green salad alongside White Bean & Chicken Chili with Fresh Cilantro .

What are the best white beans for chili?

Cannellini beans and great northern beans are the most popular choices because of their mild flavor and creamy texture. Navy beans work in a pinch, while homemade white beans add an extra depth of flavor.

Can you use rotisserie chicken for white bean and chicken chili?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Just add it after pressure cooking to keep the meat tender. It’s an easy way to make White Bean & Chicken Chili with Fresh Cilantro even faster.

How do you thicken white bean chicken chili?

Mashing a small portion of beans and stirring them back into the pot is a natural thickener. You can also simmer the chili a few extra minutes uncovered, or add more cream cheese or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Can you freeze leftover white bean and chicken chili?

Absolutely. This chili freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers. When reheating, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop.

White Bean & Chicken Chili with Fresh Cilantro: The Best Recipe 2025

Description

This Instant Pot White Bean & Chicken Chili with Fresh Cilantro is creamy, hearty, and ready in under an hour. Made with tender chicken, beans, corn, green chilies, and finished with cilantro and lime, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. A family favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

1 small onion, diced
2 x 15 oz cans cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups corn, fresh or frozen
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
4 oz can diced green chilies
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
Small bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
2 oz cream cheese
Juice of 1 lime
Tortilla chips, avocado, more yogurt, lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Layer Ingredients: In Instant Pot, add onion, beans, corn, broth, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lay chicken on top without stirring.

Layering beans, corn, chicken, and spices in the Instant Pot.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes.

Shredding chicken into tender pieces before stirring in cream cheese and cilantro.
Release Pressure: Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch valve to Venting.
Shred Chicken: Open the lid, remove chicken, and shred with two forks. Return it to the pot.
Add Creaminess: Stir in cilantro, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
Serve: Enjoy hot with toppings like tortilla chips, avocado, jalapeños, or more yogurt.

A hearty serving of white bean & chicken chili topped with fresh cilantro and avocado.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For dairy-free, replace yogurt and cream cheese with coconut milk or mash beans for natural creaminess. Frozen chicken can be used—no need to thaw. For smaller Instant Pots, halve the recipe but keep the same cook time.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup, Chili
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 249
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 495mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: White Bean & Chicken Chili with Fresh Cilantro, Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, White Chicken Chili Crockpot