Healthy High Protein White Chicken Chili
A comforting, creamy, and high-protein chili made with shredded chicken, white beans, and Greek yogurt, perfect for busy weeknights.
I make this white chicken chili on busy weeknights when I want something comforting, high in protein, and quick to pull together from pantry staples. It’s creamy without being heavy, thanks to Greek yogurt, and the green chiles give it a bright, cozy kick. If you prefer a recipe with extra notes and variations, see this Healthy High Protein White Chicken Chili recipe page for another take.
Why you’ll love this dish
This chili hits a lot of home-run boxes: high protein, pantry-friendly, and kid-approved. Two cups of shredded cooked chicken plus a can of white beans deliver substantial protein and fiber, while a simple spice blend (cumin and chili powder) keeps the flavor familiar but interesting. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep for lunches, or when you want a hearty bowl without hours of cooking.
Beyond taste, this recipe is budget-friendly (canned beans and frozen corn keep costs down) and flexible—swap ingredients to match dietary needs or what’s in your pantry.
Step-by-step overview
This recipe is very straightforward. Sauté aromatics, add cooked chicken and the cans (beans, chiles, corn), pour in broth and spices, simmer to blend flavors, then finish with Greek yogurt or sour cream to make it creamy. Total active time is about 10–15 minutes, simmering time 15–20 minutes. No special equipment required—just a large pot and a spoon.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie, poached, or leftover roasted chicken)
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or great northern)
- 1 can diced green chiles
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for creaminess)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Ingredient notes: Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching salt and adjust seasoning later. If you want more heat, add a diced jalapeño with the onion or a pinch of cayenne. For a lighter finish, plain Greek yogurt adds protein and tang without the fat of sour cream.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium. Add a splash of oil, then sauté the diced onion until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken, drained white beans, diced green chiles, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and let the chili simmer 15–20 minutes so the flavors meld. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt or sour cream until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot.
Short, active sentences and clear verbs make this easy to follow. If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer another 5–10 minutes uncovered.
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
Tap a step when it's done. The next one lights up.
0 OF 12 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01This chili can be customized with various substitutions for dietary needs; great tips for storage and reheating listed, as well as suggestions for garnishes.
How did it turn out?
No ratings yet. Tap a star to be the first.
Snap a photo and tag @recipe_smoke1 so I can see how yours came out.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this chili with a squeeze of lime, extra cilantro, or a dollop of avocado. Crisp tortilla chips, a warm corn muffin, or a simple green salad round the meal out nicely. For a Tex‑Mex twist, top with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla strips. If you like pairing with other recipes, try it alongside a lighter chicken dish—this works well when balanced with sides like the chicken enchiladas in this recipe: a protein-forward chicken enchilada recipe.
Storage and reheating tips
Refrigerate: Store cooled chili in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze: To freeze, omit the Greek yogurt/sour cream (dairy can separate). Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen on low heat, adding a splash of broth. Once hot, stir in Greek yogurt or sour cream to finish.
Food safety: Cool hot chili quickly (shallow containers) before refrigerating and don’t refreeze after thawing.
Creative twists
- Slow-cooker version: Add all ingredients except yogurt to a slow cooker on low for 4–6 hours; stir in yogurt just before serving.
- Southwestern: Add black beans and paprika, swap cilantro for chopped green onions.
- Spicy green chili: Double the green chiles and add diced jalapeño for heat.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream (light coconut will add a subtle sweetness).
- Protein-boost: Stir in a scoop of unflavored collagen powder or add extra shredded chicken to up protein per bowl.
Your questions answered
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
A: Yes. Add boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs to the pot with the broth and simmer until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then shred and continue with the recipe.
Will Greek yogurt curdle when heated?
A: If added to a very hot pot, yogurt can separate. Remove the chili from heat and temper yogurt by stirring a spoonful of hot broth into it before mixing into the pot. This helps maintain a smooth texture.
How long does this freeze well?
A: Up to 3 months. Freeze without dairy and add yogurt or sour cream after thawing and reheating.
Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Substitute vegetable broth and double the beans or add shredded jackfruit or tofu for more texture. Adjust seasonings to taste.
How much protein per serving?
A: Exact protein depends on portion size and brands, but two cups of cooked chicken plus beans makes this a high-protein dish—generally 30g+ per generous bowl when using 2 cups chicken and a full can of beans.
Conclusion
This Healthy High Protein White Chicken Chili is a reliable, flexible weeknight meal that delivers on flavor and nutrition. For another similar version with extra notes, see High Protein White Chicken Chili. For another idea, try my White Chicken Chili.
Chicken
Skillet Dinners
Chicken
