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Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

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Our Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful dish that combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy white beans, savory spices, and zesty green chilies for a hearty and satisfying meal. Prepared effortlessly in the Instant Pot, this chili comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or looking for a new twist on a classic favorite, our Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with savory spices, tender chicken, and creamy white beans, this chili offers a deliciously satisfying flavor experience.
  • Quick and Easy: Made in the Instant Pot, this recipe is incredibly convenient and requires minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy days or weeknight dinners.
  • Versatile: You can easily customize this chili to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the level of spice or adding extra ingredients like corn, diced tomatoes, or green chilies.
  • Comforting and Cozy: Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili on a chilly evening, and this white chicken chili delivers the ultimate comfort food experience.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Whip up a batch of this chili ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and satisfying meals.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this white chicken chili is sure to impress with its delicious flavor and hearty texture.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, this chili is not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying.
  • Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes well, so you can make a big batch and store leftovers for future meals.
  • Budget-Friendly: Made with simple and affordable ingredients, this recipe is budget-friendly without compromising on flavor.
  • Great for Game Days: Whether you’re hosting a game day party or cheering on your favorite team at home, this chili is the perfect crowd-pleasing dish to serve to your guests.
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 8 ounces chopped green chilies
  • 2 jalapeños, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons oregano (fresh)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado or guacamole
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños
  • Sliced green onions or chives
  • Diced tomatoes or salsa
  • Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
  • Lime wedges for squeezing over the chili
  • Hot sauce or salsa verde for extra heat
The World's Best Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

  • Place Instant Pot on sauté mode.
  • Add olive oil, garlic, and onions, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add jalapeños and green chilies to the pot.
  • Stir in seasonings.
  • Add navy beans (not drained) to the pot.
  • Pour in corn.
  • Add chicken broth and chicken to the pot.
  • Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
  • Perform a quick release once the cooking time is complete.
  • Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it.
  • Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  • Set the Instant Pot back to sauté mode.
  • Stir in sour cream and heavy cream.
  • Add Monterey Jack cheese to the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
  • Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, and jalapeños for the best flavor.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and green chilies you use. For a milder chili, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before adding them.
  • Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and measure out your spices before you start cooking to streamline the process.
  • Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step. Cooking the onions, garlic, and jalapeños before pressure cooking helps to develop depth of flavor.
  • Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing, make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This prevents the “Burn” error and ensures even cooking.
  • Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay tender and juicy even after pressure cooking. However, you can also use chicken breasts if preferred.
  • Shred Chicken Easily: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the Instant Pot for quick and easy shredding.
  • Add Dairy Last: Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and cheese after pressure cooking and releasing the pressure. Adding dairy before pressure cooking can lead to curdling.
  • Thicken the Chili: If the chili is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by simmering on sauté mode for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the chili to rest for a few minutes after adding the dairy. This allows the flavors to meld together before serving.
  • Top with Your Favorites: Garnish each bowl of chili with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
  • Store and Reheat: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

FAQs about Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. You do not need to increase the cooking time but it will take longer to come to pressure.

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture.

To make the chili milder, reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit them altogether. You can also remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before adding them to the pot.

Yes, this chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make this chili on the stovetop. Simply follow the same instructions, but cook the chili in a large pot over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together, about 20-30 minutes.

Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Storing Leftovers:

  1. Allow the leftover chili to cool completely at room temperature.
  2. Transfer the chili to an airtight container or divide it into individual portions.
  3. Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

  1. To reheat individual portions, transfer the desired amount of chili to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave the chili on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
  4. Alternatively, you can reheat the chili on the stovetop. Transfer the chili to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed to your liking.
  5. If the chili thickens upon reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
  6. Once heated through, serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

White chicken chili pairs well with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. It also goes well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad.

More Instant Pot Soup Recipes:

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
The World's Best Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Yield: 10
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Our Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful dish that combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy white beans, savory spices, and zesty green chilies for a hearty and satisfying meal. Prepared effortlessly in the Instant Pot, this chili comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or looking for a new twist on a classic favorite, our Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 8 ounces chopped green chilies
  • 2 jalapeños, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons oregano (fresh)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Place Instant Pot on sauté mode.
  2. Add olive oil, garlic, and onions, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add jalapeños and green chilies to the pot.
  4. Stir in seasonings.
  5. Add navy beans (not drained) to the pot.
  6. Pour in corn.
  7. Add chicken broth and chicken to the pot.
  8. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
  9. Perform a quick release once the cooking time is complete.
  10. Remove chicken from the pot and shred it.
  11. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  12. Set the Instant Pot back to sauté mode.
  13. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream.
  14. Add Monterey Jack cheese to the pot.
  15. Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
  16. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Serving Ideas for Topping Chicken Chili

  • Sour cream
  • Fresh slices of avocado
  • Cilantro 
  • Diced jalapeño
  • Splash of hot sauce
  • Shredded cheese

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 472Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 767mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 4gSugar: 9gProtein: 29g

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2 Comments

  1. This is very good. I think If I make this in the future I’m going to leave out the chicken. It’s very good but I don’t like how the chicken ended up.

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