Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup A Cozy Healthy Dinner Ready Fast

Last Updated on December 6, 2025 by Chef Josie

There are few meals more comforting, hearty, and satisfying than a warm bowl of Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup. This recipe delivers comfort food flavor while staying firmly rooted in wholesome, clean, and nutrient rich ingredients. It is the perfect answer when you need a quick healthy dinner that still feels indulgent and homey. Whether you are preparing supper for the whole family, putting together an easy lunch for the next day, or craving a cozy bowl on a chilly evening, this recipe is the kind you will turn to again and again.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup hits that ideal balance of rich, creamy texture and bright, savory flavors. Tender chicken, creamy white beans, mild green chiles, and warm spices come together with a smooth broth that feels both hearty and light. With simple ingredients and very little prep work, this soup earns its spot among the best healthy dinner ideas, lazy dinners, and cheap dinners for a family.

One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. You can make it dairy free, extra spicy, mild for kids, high protein, or vegetable forward. It is perfect for healthy meal ideas, meal prep, quick dinner ideas, healthy lunch recipes, and even Mediterranean inspired clean eating plans. Whether you want a comforting pot on the stove or an efficient slow cooker meal, Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup is dependable and delicious every time.

Below you will find a full breakdown of ingredients, tips, variations, step by step instructions, and everything needed for a perfect pot of this cozy chili inspired soup.

Creamy white chicken chili soup topped with avocado, tortilla strips, shredded cheese, cilantro, and sour cream in a ceramic bowl.
Creamy white chicken chili soup topped with avocado, tortilla strips, shredded cheese, cilantro, and sour cream in a ceramic bowl.

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Creamy white chicken chili soup in a Dutch oven with a ladle lifting tender chicken pieces, beans, and fresh herbs.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup


  • Author: Chef Josie
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

A comforting, creamy chili inspired soup made with tender chicken, white beans, green chiles, and warm spices. Perfect for quick healthy dinners or meal prep.


Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans white beans, rinsed
• 1 can mild green chiles
• 1 cup corn
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime


Instructions

  • Heat oil and sauté onion and garlic.

  • Add chicken and spices. Sear lightly.

  • Add beans, green chiles, broth, and corn. Simmer 15 minutes.

  • Reduce heat and stir in Greek yogurt or sour cream.

  • Add lime juice, adjust seasoning, and serve with toppings.

Notes

Add more broth for thinner soup.

Add jalapenos for heat.

Freeze without dairy and add after reheating.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 400 per serving

Why You Will Love This Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup

A Perfect Quick Healthy Dinner

When life gets busy, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. This Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup comes together quickly with minimal chopping and simple pantry staples. Most of the cooking time is hands off, which makes it ideal for nights when you want a comforting supper idea without much effort.

Budget Friendly and Family Friendly

Since this soup relies on affordable ingredients such as chicken, beans, broth, and spices, it fits perfectly into cheap dinners for a family. At the same time, its creamy, mild, comforting flavor profile makes it one of the best kid friendly dinners around. Adults appreciate the depth of flavor while kids enjoy a creamy, mild soup that is easy to eat.

Balanced, Satisfying, and Healthy

This recipe falls into clean eating recipes and healthy food dishes because it contains lean protein, fiber rich beans, nutrient dense broth, and flavorful aromatics. You can easily modify the fat content, adjust the spices, or add more vegetables to align with healthy dinner meals or healthy meal prep.

Customizable for Any Dietary Needs

This soup adapts beautifully to different preferences. Whether you want dairy free options, low calorie choices, Mediterranean inspired versions, or vegetarian alternatives, Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup can be tailored without losing its comforting appeal.

Great for Meal Prep and Healthy Lunch Ideas

Leftovers thicken and develop even more flavor, making this soup perfect for healthy lunch recipes or storing in the fridge. It reheats extremely well and can be portioned easily into containers for the week.

Ingredients for Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup

Chicken

Chicken breast or chicken thighs work well. Thighs offer extra tenderness, while breasts keep the recipe lighter and aligned with healthy dinner meals.

White Beans

Use cannellini beans or great northern beans. They add creaminess, plant based protein, and fiber.

Green Chiles

Mild green chiles add depth and a subtle tang. Opt for canned green chiles for convenience.

Broth

Chicken broth or vegetable broth both work. Choose low sodium to control seasoning.

Onion and Garlic

These aromatics create the foundation of flavor and round out the savory notes in the soup.

Spices

A warm, fragrant spice blend gives the soup its signature flavor. Common choices include:

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper

Creamy Element

The creamy texture comes from one or a combination of:

• Plain Greek yogurt
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Coconut milk for dairy free versions
• Cream cheese for extra richness

Corn

Sweet corn adds texture, sweetness, and color, making the soup feel hearty and satisfying.

Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice brightens the soup and balances the richness.

Optional Toppings

These toppings transform the soup from good to amazing:

• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Tortilla strips
• Green onions
• Sour cream
• Jalapenos

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup

Step 1. Sauté Aromatics

Heat oil in a pot. Sauté onions and garlic until softened and fragrant. This creates a strong flavor base for the soup.

Step 2. Add Chicken and Spices

Add diced chicken to the pot along with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir until coated and lightly seared.

Step 3. Add Beans, Chiles, and Broth

Stir in white beans, green chiles, and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4. Add Corn and Simmer

Add corn and let everything simmer until flavors meld and chicken becomes tender. The soup will start thickening naturally from the beans.

Step 5. Add Creamy Base

Once simmering, reduce heat and gently stir in Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or sour cream. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Step 6. Taste and Adjust

Add salt, pepper, or lime juice to balance flavor. Adjust thickness by adding more broth or simmering uncovered.

Step 7. Serve with Toppings

Serve hot and load with toppings such as avocado, cheese, cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips.

Creamy white chicken chili soup in a Dutch oven with a ladle lifting tender chicken pieces, beans, and fresh herbs.
Creamy white chicken chili soup in a Dutch oven with a ladle lifting tender chicken pieces, beans, and fresh herbs.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup

Do Not Add Dairy Too Early

Adding dairy while the soup is boiling can cause curdling. Reduce heat before stirring in creamy components.

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Faster Prep

If you need a faster version, use pre cooked rotisserie chicken and skip the browning step.

Mash Some Beans for Thickness

If you want an extra creamy texture, mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot.

Control the Spice Level

Add jalapenos or chili flakes for heat or keep it mild for family friendly dinners.

Fresh Lime Is Essential

Lime juice brightens the soup and adds balance.

Variations for Different Dietary Needs

Dairy Free Version

Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy. It remains creamy and flavorful.

Low Calorie Version

Use Greek yogurt and add more broth and vegetables to lighten the soup.

Vegetarian Version

Replace chicken with cannellini beans, tofu, or chickpeas. Vegetable broth works perfectly.

Mediterranean Inspired Version

Add extra herbs, olive oil, and spinach to align with Mediterranean recipes and plats healthy.

Kid Friendly Version

Skip spicy ingredients and serve with cheese, tortilla strips, and mild toppings.

High Protein Version

Add more chicken or mix in white beans for extra protein support.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup | Rich, Comforting & Flavorful
Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup | Rich, Comforting & Flavorful

How to Store and Reheat the Soup

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The soup thickens overnight, which enhances flavor.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you add dairy after thawing. Freeze without the creamy base and stir it in after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium low heat to maintain creaminess.

Why You Will Make This Recipe Again

Creamy White Chicken Chili Soup is a perfect blend of comfort, nutrition, and simplicity. It offers everything you want in healthy dinner meals. It is warming and satisfying without being heavy, customizable for any diet, and full of wholesome ingredients that support healthy living.

It is:

• Easy
• Fast
• Affordable
• Family friendly
• Perfect for meal prep
• Great for lunches
• Balanced and nourishing

Once you add this to your rotation of healthy meal ideas, it is guaranteed to become a staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker

Yes. Add all ingredients except dairy and cook for 4 hours on high or 6 on low. Stir in creamy ingredients just before serving.

Can I use frozen chicken

Yes, especially for slow cooker versions. Just increase cook time slightly.

Can I make it gluten free

All ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Can I double the recipe

Absolutely. It is great for healthy meal prep or feeding a crowd.

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