Welcome to the ultimate guide for preparing a warm and comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious: Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili. This quick pressure cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Loaded with tender chicken, savory white beans, and the rich tang of cream cheese, this chili offers a unique twist on a classic comfort food. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize toppings from fresh salsa verde and creamy avocado to a generous sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese. Whether you prefer using dried beans or frozen chicken breasts, this recipe adapts effortlessly to your pantry staples, making it an instant favorite in any household.
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been comprehensively updated for clarity and improved content.
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There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili to warm you from the inside out, especially during the crisp days of fall and the chilly depths of winter. While many think of traditional red chili, this white chicken chili offers a delightful change of pace with its creamy texture and milder, yet incredibly rich, flavor profile. It has long been a go-to dish in my family, cherished for its comforting qualities and ease of preparation. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, don’t worry! I’ll share tips for making this delicious chili on the stovetop as well, ensuring everyone can enjoy this fantastic recipe.
For those mindful of their dietary intake, especially if you’re following plans like Weight Watchers, this recipe can easily be adapted to be healthier. The key lies in being judicious with dairy products. While cream cheese is essential for that signature creamy texture, opting for reduced-fat versions and controlling portion sizes can make a significant difference. Always make it a habit to scrutinize nutrition labels, as some low-fat dairy options might surprisingly contain added sugars to compensate for flavor. Moderation is key to enjoying this rich dish while staying on track with your health goals.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
This creamy white chicken chili isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a testament to how the Instant Pot can transform a simple meal into something extraordinary, fast. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a household staple:
- **Unbeatable Speed:** The Instant Pot dramatically cuts down cooking time, delivering a rich, complex flavor in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods.
- **Minimal Effort:** With just a few simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can achieve a gourmet-tasting chili with ease.
- **Creamy Perfection:** The secret ingredient, cream cheese, melts into the chili, creating an incredibly smooth and luxurious texture that makes every spoonful pure bliss.
- **Hearty and Filling:** Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from white beans, this chili is wonderfully satisfying and keeps you feeling full.
- **Versatile & Customizable:** Easily adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or pile on your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.
Health and Dietary Considerations
While indulging in a hearty bowl of chili, it’s always good to be mindful of its nutritional impact. Our Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili, while undeniably delicious, can be tailored to fit various dietary preferences, including those on a Weight Watchers plan. The key to maintaining a healthier profile for this dish lies in conscious choices regarding dairy. Full-fat cream cheese certainly contributes to the chili’s luxurious texture, but a reduced-fat or Neufchâtel cheese can be a fantastic alternative without sacrificing too much richness. Similarly, opting for lean chicken breasts and low-sodium broth reduces overall fat and sodium content. Always check labels, as some “light” or “low-fat” products might compensate with higher sugar levels. By moderating your portions and making smart ingredient swaps, you can enjoy this flavorful white chicken chili as a wholesome part of a balanced diet.
How to Make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Crafting this flavorful Instant Pot white chicken chili is surprisingly straightforward. The detailed measurements and full, comprehensive instructions are conveniently located in the recipe card at the very bottom of this post. However, let’s walk through the essential steps to give you a clear overview of just how easy it is to achieve this culinary masterpiece:
- **Sauté Aromatics:** Begin by activating the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a touch of olive oil, then introduce minced garlic and chopped onions. Cook them gently until they become fragrant and tender, usually just 2-3 minutes. This crucial step lays the foundation for a deeply flavored chili.
- **Combine Core Ingredients:** Turn off the sauté function. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, raw chicken breasts, and both varieties of white beans (navy and Great Northern). Stir in the Better Than Bouillon for an extra layer of chicken flavor, and finally, add all your chosen spices, holding off on salt and pepper for now.
- **Pressure Cook to Perfection:** Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensure the venting knob is sealed, and set it to Manual Pressure (or Pressure Cook) for 20 minutes. The pressure cooker will work its magic, tenderizing the chicken and melding all the flavors beautifully.
- **Shred the Chicken:** Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before performing a quick release of any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid, remove the cooked chicken breasts, and shred them using two forks. Return the perfectly shredded chicken back into the pot.
- **Add Creaminess and Finish:** Switch the Instant Pot back to the sauté setting. Stir in the cream cheese, frozen corn, and your preferred amount of salt and pepper. Continue to cook for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt completely and create that luscious, creamy texture, and for the corn to heat through.
- **Serve with Toppings:** Ladle the hot, creamy white chicken chili into bowls. The final touch? A generous topping of shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, along with any other desired garnishes.
Instant Pot Cook Time and Pressure Release
For this delightful Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili, the cooking process is incredibly efficient. You will set your Instant Pot to cook on Manual (or Pressure Cook) for a precise 20 minutes at high pressure. This duration ensures that your chicken breasts are cooked through and become wonderfully tender, perfect for shredding. Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, it’s crucial to allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This natural release method is important for several reasons: it helps prevent foam from coming through the vent, tenderizes the chicken even further, and allows the flavors to settle and deepen, resulting in a richer, more cohesive chili. After 10 minutes of natural release, you can then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Using Frozen Chicken Breasts
One of the fantastic advantages of cooking with an Instant Pot is its ability to handle frozen ingredients directly, and chicken breasts are no exception. If you find yourself without thawed chicken, you can absolutely use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. The beauty is that the actual cook time under pressure (20 minutes) will remain the same. However, you should anticipate that your Instant Pot will take a little longer to come up to pressure when starting with frozen chicken. This extended time allows the internal temperature of the frozen chicken to rise sufficiently before the pressure cooking truly begins. Rest assured, the end result will be just as tender and delicious!
Making Chili with Cooked Chicken: No Instant Pot Needed!
If you don’t own an Instant Pot or simply prefer a traditional stovetop method, you can still enjoy this incredible white chicken chili. The process is slightly different but yields equally delicious results, especially if you’re starting with pre-cooked chicken. Begin by sautéing the minced garlic and chopped onions in a large soup pot over medium heat until they are soft and fragrant. Once the aromatics are ready, add your cooked, shredded chicken along with the white beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, seasonings, and initially, about half of the chicken broth specified in the Instant Pot recipe. Simmer this mixture for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. As it simmers, gradually add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the cream cheese and corn, continuing to simmer until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is heated through and creamy. This method provides the same comforting flavors with a slightly more hands-on approach.
Freezing and Reheating Tips
This creamy white chicken chili is an excellent candidate for meal prepping and freezing, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later on. I highly recommend using dedicated freezer soup molds from Amazon. These molds allow you to freeze individual portions, which makes reheating incredibly convenient. Once frozen solid, you can pop out the chili portions and store them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer a frozen portion to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. For a quick reheat, you can use a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, for those on the go, a portable CrockPot warmer from Amazon works wonders. Just place a frozen chili block into the warmer a couple of hours before you plan to eat, and it will be perfectly hot and ready. The ability to freeze and reheat makes this recipe incredibly practical for busy lifestyles.
Achieving the Perfect Chili Thickness
The luscious creaminess of this white chicken chili is primarily achieved through the generous addition of cream cheese, which melts into the broth to create a rich, velvety texture. This ingredient is key to distinguishing it from a thinner, more traditional chili. However, if you prefer an even thicker consistency, there are a couple of simple adjustments you can make. The easiest method is to reduce the initial amount of chicken broth used in the recipe. Start with slightly less liquid, and you can always add a splash more at the end if the chili becomes too thick for your liking. Another trick is to mash some of the white beans against the side of the pot with a spoon after cooking, which releases their starchy goodness and naturally thickens the chili without altering the flavor. This ensures you can customize your chili to the ideal thickness that satisfies your palate.
Delicious Topping Ideas and Serving Suggestions
What truly elevates a bowl of creamy white chicken chili from great to unforgettable are the toppings! They add layers of texture, flavor, and freshness that complement the rich base perfectly. Here are some of my favorite ideas to dress up your chili:
- **Shredded Cheese:** A classic for a reason! Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully and add a savory, salty kick.
- **Salsa Verde:** The bright, tangy, and slightly spicy notes of salsa verde cut through the creaminess, offering a fantastic contrast.
- **Sour Cream or Plain Non-fat Greek Yogurt:** A dollop adds a cool, creamy finish. Greek yogurt is a great healthier alternative that still provides that desirable tang.
- **Cooked and Crumbled Bacon:** Crispy bacon bits introduce a smoky, salty crunch that is simply irresistible.
- **Fresh Chives or Cilantro:** A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of color and a vibrant, fresh flavor.
- **Diced Avocado:** Creamy, cool avocado provides a luxurious texture and healthy fats, balancing the richness of the chili.
- **Sliced Jalapeños (fresh or pickled):** For those who love a little heat, jalapeños add a spicy kick and a crisp texture.
- **Crushed Tortilla Chips or Strips:** Offer a satisfying crunch and a hint of corn flavor.
- **Lime Wedges:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.
What to Serve with White Chicken Chili
While this creamy white chicken chili is incredibly satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can transform it into a truly memorable meal. Cornbread is a quintessential companion to any chili, and here are some fantastic options:
Homemade Southern Cornbread
Keto Low Carb Cornbread
Air Fryer Cornbread
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Beyond cornbread, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast, or a side of steamed rice can help soak up every last bit of that delicious creamy broth. For an extra touch, warm tortilla chips are always a hit for scooping up the chili.
More Chili Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with chili as much as we have, you’ll be delighted to know there’s a whole world of variations to discover. From robust beef chilis to unique seasonal blends, here are some other fantastic chili recipes to add to your rotation:
Instant Pot Beef Chili
Keto Low Carb Beef Chili
Pumpkin Chili
Sweet Potato Chili
Leftover Turkey Chili
Creamy Seafood Chili
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Chili Cheese Fries
More Instant Pot Soup Recipes
The Instant Pot isn’t just for chili; it’s a game-changer for all sorts of soups, allowing you to create deeply flavored, comforting bowls in record time. If you love the convenience of pressure cooking, be sure to explore these other fantastic Instant Pot soup recipes:
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
Instant Pot Chicken, Seafood, and Sausage Gumbo
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Instant Pot Ramen
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Click here for a complete listing of Instant Pot Recipes and Southern Soul Food Recipes.
For more healthy options, check out The Best Healthy Chili Recipes here.
You can also make your own seasonings with my Homemade Chili Seasoning recipe.
If you prefer a slower cooking method, explore my Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe.
Easy, Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Freezer Soup Molds
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 skinless chicken breasts (1 pound total)
- 1 15.5 oz canned navy beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 15.5 oz canned Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15.5 oz canned diced tomatoes and green chilis (drained)
- ½ cup whole kernel corn (I used frozen)
- 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor
Seasoning
- McCormick’s Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- salt and pepper to taste (It’s best to add salt and pepper after the chili has cooked, allowing you to adjust seasonings perfectly without over-salting.)
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil, followed by the minced garlic and chopped onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and fragrant.
- Turn off the sauté function. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Then, add the chicken breasts, both types of white beans (navy and Great Northern), drained diced tomatoes with green chilis, Better Than Bouillon, and all the specified seasonings (reserving salt and pepper for later).
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Cook on Manual (or Pressure Cook) at high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.”
- Open the pot, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts, and shred them thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot back to the sauté function. Add the softened cream cheese, shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, frozen corn, and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the cheese has melted and the chili is wonderfully creamy and heated through. For an even creamier chili, feel free to add a bit more cream cheese or shredded cheese.
- Ladle the hot, creamy white chicken chili into serving bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as additional cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and fresh avocado. Enjoy!
Video
For a visual guide on how to prepare this delicious chili, you can check out a recipe video on our channel!
Notes
- If you opt to use dried beans instead of canned, remember to soak them in a large bowl of water overnight before cooking. This helps them soften and cook more evenly.
- When using frozen chicken breasts, the cooking time under pressure will remain at 20 minutes. However, be aware that your Instant Pot will take a little longer to come to pressure.
- Feel free to omit the beans entirely if you prefer a bean-free chili. The cooking time will not be affected.
- If you don’t have McCormick’s Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning, you can substitute it with a blend of ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is typically calculated using third-party tools like MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional values with the actual ingredients you use, employing your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful for your specific dietary needs.
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