Quick Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Highly Rated Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe That Delights

Cozy comfort arrives with this instant pot white chicken chili that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Creamy textures and bold spices dance together, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender chicken mingles with soft white beans, building layers of rich flavor.

Nutrition meets convenience through this simple one-pot wonder that feeds hungry crowds effortlessly.

Quick preparation means you can savor delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.

Let this recipe become your new go-to meal that everyone will request again and again.

Benefits Of Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

  • Quickly Conquer Dinner: Instant Pot magic transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal prep and cleanup.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein and gentle spices, this chili appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, creating a personalized dining experience.
  • Nutrition in a Pot: Protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed beans, and a blend of aromatic spices deliver a wholesome, satisfying meal that nourishes and delights.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides the hearty base for this chili and adds substantial texture to the dish.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • White Beans: Creamy legumes that add thickness and extra protein to the chili.
  • Green Chilies: Mild peppers that bring a subtle heat and authentic southwestern flavor.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful foundation for the chili.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Oregano: Warm spices that deliver a complex, rich southwestern taste profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.
Creamy Finish:
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that add richness and create a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Lime Juice: Bright citrus that cuts through the creaminess and adds a fresh, tangy note.
Additional Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that provides moisture and deepens the overall flavor of the chili.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb used as a garnish to add a burst of color and bright, herbal flavor.

Instructions For Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Activate Sizzling Saute Mode

Turn on the Instant Pot and switch to saute mode. Drizzle oil into the pot and toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Carefully add the following ingredients to the pot:
  • Whole chicken breasts
  • Chopped green chilies
  • White beans
  • Chicken broth
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Paprika
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently mix all ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position.

Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Shred and Transform

After cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure.

Open the lid and remove chicken breasts. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Return shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 5: Creamy Finishing Touch

Stir in these luxurious ingredients:
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh lime juice

Blend thoroughly until the chili becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top. Enjoy your comforting, creamy white chicken chili!

Key Tips For Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easily shreddable meat in your chili.
  • Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative that still provides creaminess and tang.
  • Add extra green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier chili with more kick.
  • For a lower-carb version, replace white beans with cauliflower florets or reduce the bean quantity.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready.

Different Styles Of Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Replace white beans with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates and adds extra vegetable nutrition.
  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Chili: Replace sour cream and heavy cream with coconut milk and dairy-free yogurt to create a lactose-free, creamy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Transformation: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and include smoked paprika for an extra bold and fiery flavor profile.

Sides That Complement Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

  • Cozy Game Night Delight: Serve this white chicken chili during a fun board game evening, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy together.
  • Southwestern Fiesta Spread: Create a vibrant taco bar alongside the chili, letting guests customize their plates with various toppings like extra cilantro, diced avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.
  • Hearty Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious and protein-packed lunch option that stays fresh and tasty throughout the week.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Pair the chili with warm, crusty sourdough bread or cornbread for an extra satisfying meal that soaks up all the delicious broth and spices.

FAQs

  • Is white chicken chili spicy?

The spice level is mild to medium, depending on the green chilies used. You can adjust heat by adding more or fewer chilies.

  • Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak dried beans overnight and increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure they’re fully tender.

  • What if I don't have an Instant Pot?

You can make this recipe in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, simmering for about 45-60 minutes.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Quick Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Quick Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired instant pot white chicken chili delivers bold southwestern flavors in minutes. Creamy beans, tender chicken, and zesty spices combine for a hearty meal home cooks will crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) green chilies
  • 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and warm the cooking oil, gently caramelizing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
  2. Layer chicken breasts, fragrant green chilies, tender white beans, and rich chicken broth into the pot, incorporating a vibrant blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
  3. Secure the lid firmly, position the valve to sealing configuration, and pressurize the contents at high temperature for precisely 15 minutes.
  4. After cooking completes, execute an immediate pressure release, carefully open the lid, extract the chicken breasts, and meticulously shred the meat using two forks before returning it to the simmering liquid.
  5. Introduce velvety sour cream, luxurious heavy cream, and a zesty splash of fresh lime juice, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious, creamy consistency.
  6. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, garnishing with delicate sprigs of fresh cilantro for an elevated presentation and burst of herbaceous flavor.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of green chilies or adding jalapeños for extra spiciness.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free and skip any potential wheat-based seasonings.
  • Quickly shred chicken using two forks or a hand mixer for perfectly pulled meat without extra effort.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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