Healthy High Protein White Chicken Chili

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a steaming bowl of white chicken chili: the savory aroma of cumin and garlic drifting through the kitchen, the creamy silk of Greek yogurt folded into warm broth, and the tender threads of shredded chicken that practically melt on your tongue. Each spoonful delivers a satisfying contrast — hearty beans and soft chicken against the bright pop of fresh cilantro and mild green chiles. It’s cozy without being heavy, bright without being bland.

This recipe is perfect for chilly weeknights, meal-prep Sundays, or anytime you want a protein-rich, family-friendly meal that doubles as game-day fare or a comforting lunch. It’s fast enough for busy evenings, but comforting enough to bring out at casual gatherings, potlucks, or festive winter meals. If you love meals that feel like a warm hug and fuel your day, this white chicken chili will become a staple.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (including simmer)
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy — beginner-friendly, one-pot comfort

Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (recipe yields ~4 servings). Values are calculated from standard USDA nutrient profiles for cooked chicken breast, canned white/cannellini beans, plain nonfat Greek yogurt, and other ingredients. For general guidance on nutrient references, see USDA FoodData Central and public health sources; individual brands may vary slightly.

Per serving (approximate):

Calories: 240 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 3 g
Fiber: 3–4 g
Sodium: variable — depends on canned product and added salt

Notes on accuracy and sources:

Protein is high because the recipe uses 2 cups of cooked chicken plus Greek yogurt (USDA FoodData Central entries for cooked chicken and plain Greek yogurt were used as references).
Carbohydrate and fiber estimates primarily come from the canned white beans (cannellini or navy beans).
Actual nutrition will vary by canned bean size/brand, whether you use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt, and if you add optional corn. For exact labeling, refer to product nutrition labels or USDA FoodData Central.

Why You’ll Love It

Flavor & texture: The chili balances gentle heat from chili powder and warm earthiness from cumin with the cooling tang of Greek yogurt. White beans create a creamy body while shredded chicken keeps each bite substantial.
Health benefits: This recipe is a high-protein, moderate-carb option that supports satiety and muscle recovery — great after workouts or as a sustaining family meal. Choosing nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt and rinsing canned beans keeps calories and sodium reasonable.
Ease and versatility: One-pot, quick-simmer comfort that adapts well to what’s in your pantry. It’s a reliably quick weeknight go-to and scales easily for guests.

How to Make Healthy High Protein White Chicken Chili

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 280 g)
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz can)
1 can green chilies (4 oz)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup onion, chopped (about 80 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 cup corn (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Optional ingredients and substitutions

Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken instead of freshly cooked.
Swap cannellini beans for navy or great northern beans.
For dairy-free: use unsweetened plain coconut yogurt or a cashew cream (note texture and flavor will change).
For extra heat: add diced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne.
To make it lower-sodium: use low-sodium chicken broth and no-salt-added canned beans.

Step-by-step instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Tip: start with a splash of olive oil and cook until onions turn translucent, stirring to prevent burning.
Add the shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. This melds flavors and allows the beans to soften fully.
If using, stir in corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking so it heats through but keeps texture.
Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt or sour cream until well blended. Tip: temper the yogurt by stirring a few spoonfuls of hot broth into the yogurt first to prevent curdling, then add back to the pot.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Practical tips

Avoid overmixing after adding yogurt—gentle folding keeps the chili creamy.
Check doneness: white beans should be tender but intact; taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
If the chili is too thick, stir in a little extra chicken broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered 5–10 minutes to reduce.

Best Pairings

Toppings: avocado slices, shredded cheddar or pepper jack, chopped green onions, lime wedges, or a dollop of extra Greek yogurt.
Sides: warm corn tortillas or crusty whole-grain bread, a simple green salad, or cilantro-lime rice.
Drinks: for a cozy night, pair with a citrusy herbal tea; for entertaining, light-bodied beers or crisp Sauvignon Blanc complement the spices.
For a snack-style serving: spoon into small bowls and offer tortilla chips for scooping.

Shelf Life & Storage

Room temperature: Do not leave cooked chili at room temperature for more than 2 hours (USDA guideline for perishable foods).
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating: Reheat on low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. If you used Greek yogurt, reheat slowly to prevent separation.

Insider Secrets

Best chicken: Use dark meat for more tenderness and flavor, or mix white and dark for balance. Rotisserie chicken adds immediate depth.
Texture tip: For a creamier base without heavy cream, mash 1/2 cup of the beans against the pot side with a spoon then stir — you’ll get body while keeping whole beans intact.
Spice balance: Toast the cumin and chili powder briefly in the dry pan before adding liquids to bloom the oils and deepen flavor.
Dairy tip: If using sour cream, blend with a little hot broth first to avoid separation, as sour cream is more prone to curdling than Greek yogurt.

Creative Twists

Vegan version: Replace chicken with 2 cups cooked and seasoned jackfruit or extra firm tofu cubes; use vegetable broth and coconut or cashew yogurt to keep creaminess. Increase bean volume for extra protein.
Southwest corn & pepper: Add a roasted poblano and fire-roasted tomatoes (omit green chiles) and finish with lime zest and smoked paprika for a smoky profile.
White bean & kale boost: Stir in 2 cups chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra greens and micronutrients.
Spiced-up protein bowl: Serve chili over quinoa or brown rice, top with pickled red onions, avocado, and pepitas for a hearty bowl.

Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I swap Greek yogurt for sour cream?
A: Yes — sour cream will add richness but slightly higher fat. Temper it with hot broth before adding to prevent curdling.

Q: Can this be made in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Combine all ingredients except the yogurt and corn in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours. Stir in yogurt and corn at the end.

Q: How do I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium chicken broth and no-salt-added or rinsed canned beans; skip adding extra salt until after tasting.

Q: Will the yogurt separate when reheated?
A: Reheat gently on low heat and stir often. If separation occurs, whisk a little cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) into the pot and heat briefly to re-emulsify.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes — scale up ingredients proportionally and use a larger pot. Cooking time may increase slightly.

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Conclusion

I hope this Healthy High Protein White Chicken Chili inspires warm bowls and happy memories at your table. For more variations and slow-cooker options, check out this Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe, and if you’re hunting other high-protein takes, this High Protein White Chicken Chili offers great ideas and tweaks. Try the recipe, share your photos and notes, and join our community of home cooks who love flavor-forward, nourishing meals.