Cozy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort meets convenience in this soul-warming white chicken chili instant pot recipe that promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of robust spices, this dish delivers incredible flavor in minutes.

The pressure cooker works magic, infusing every ingredient with deep, harmonious tastes.

Hearty and nutritious, this chili combines protein-rich chicken with soft white beans and a zesty broth that tingles your taste buds.

Minimal prep and quick cooking make this recipe a weeknight champion for busy home cooks.

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the rich, comforting flavors, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Prepare to fall in love with a chili that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili – What Makes It Special

• Whip up a hearty, delicious chili in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep work and cleanup, making it a lifesaver for busy families.
• Create a complete meal using just your Instant Pot, reducing dishes and simplifying the cooking process for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy texture, and mild southwestern flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this chili satisfies everyone at the dinner table.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or avocado to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

White Chicken Chili Instant Pot Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and easily shreddable in the Instant Pot.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes that add texture and protein to the chili.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide a burst of flavor and additional texture.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the foundation for the chili and helps cook the ingredients.

• Onion, Green Chiles: Provide depth of flavor and a mild spicy kick to the chili.

• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin: Spices that enhance the overall taste and add warmth to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich creaminess and helps thicken the chili for a luxurious texture.

Must-Have Gear for Instant Pot Chicken Chili

• Instant Pot: Essential for quick, pressure-cooked meals that lock in flavor.
• Large Cutting Board: Perfect for prepping ingredients without scratching counters.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop onions and slice cream cheese smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
• Meat Shredding Forks or Two Forks: Ideal for pulling chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces.

Cooking Up Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Create Flavor Foundation

Grab your Instant Pot and pour in the broth.

• White beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced onions
• Green chiles
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 2: Nestle Chicken Into Liquid

Gently place whole chicken breasts into the liquid mixture.

Press them down slightly so they’re partially submerged.

Step 3: Pressure Cook With Power

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure.

Cook for 10 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for another 10 minutes.

Step 4: Shred Tender Chicken

Remove chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 5: Create Creamy Finish

Drop chunks of cream cheese into the chili.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a rich, smooth texture.

If you prefer a thicker consistency, use the sauté function to reduce liquid or add a cornstarch slurry.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting white chicken chili!

White Chicken Chili – Expert Pointers

• Check chicken at 8 minutes to ensure it stays tender and juicy, avoiding dry meat.
• Add extra broth for a soupier chili or let it simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce naturally.
• Sauté onions and garlic before adding other ingredients to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives for lighter or lactose-free options.
• Use hand mixer or potato masher to partially break down beans for a creamier, more integrated chili.

White Chicken Chili – Options for Every Taste

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meatless version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap corn and beans with cauliflower rice and zucchini chunks. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and add more green chiles for extra flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, include smoked paprika, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free yogurt as a topping to maintain creamy texture while keeping the recipe allergen-friendly.

Ways to Present Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this creamy white chicken chili in deep, warm bowls for a comforting meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Toppings Fiesta: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream to add texture and extra flavor bursts.
• Sidekick Pairings: Complement the chili with warm cornbread, a crisp green salad, or toasted garlic bread to create a satisfying and complete dinner experience.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making this chili perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners that taste even better the next day.

White Chicken Chili – Storage You Can Trust

• Transfer cooled chili to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Pour chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze flat for easy stacking, keeping fresh for 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour chili into saucepan, add splash of broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have some on hand?

You can swap green chiles with jalapeños, use different white beans like cannellini or great northern beans, and replace cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for similar creaminess.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The green chiles provide mild heat. If you want less spice, use mild green chiles or reduce the amount. For more heat, add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking and shred chicken before serving.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired instant pot white chicken chili delivers rich, creamy comfort with minimal effort. Protein-packed beans, tender chicken, and zesty spices create a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners you can savor with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 19 ounces (540 grams) white kidney beans, drained
• 12 ounces (340 grams) corn, drained
• 4.3 ounces (122 grams) green chiles

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2–3 teaspoons chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Cornstarch
• Water for thickening

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Instant Pot base by layering broth, white beans, corn, diced onions, green chiles, and aromatic seasonings to create a flavorful foundation.
2. Gently nestle whole chicken breasts into the liquid mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged for even cooking.
3. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for precisely 10 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly.
4. Once cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for an additional 10 minutes to preserve moisture and tenderness.
5. Carefully extract chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into tender, bite-sized pieces.
6. Return shredded chicken to the pot and incorporate cream cheese fragments, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
7. If a thicker consistency is desired, use cornstarch slurry or continue simmering to reduce liquid and enhance texture.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices to elevate the final flavor profile of the chili.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy shredding in the Instant Pot.
• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that still provides creamy texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting green chile pepper quantity or adding extra jalapeños for spice lovers.
• Make this chili gluten-free by ensuring broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free, perfect for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg