Why Make This Recipe
Spicy White Chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili. It is creamy, hearty, and offers a mild kick of spice that warms you up from the inside out. Perfect for cold weather or a cozy gathering, this dish is simple to make and packs a punch of flavor. It is also a fantastic way to use chicken, beans, and spices for a satisfying meal.
How to Make Spicy White Chili
Ingredients:
- 5 skinless chicken thighs, bone-in
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, chopped (or 1 spoonful if jarred)
- 2-3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 cans of white beans, rinsed (cannellini & great northern)
- 1 can of sweet corn, drained
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano or Italian spice blend
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic croutons
- Shredded cheese
Directions:
- In a crock pot, add chicken, onions, garlic, broth, salt, white pepper, cumin, and oregano.
- Set the slow cooker on LOW for 4-5 hours.
- Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot and take off the bones. Shred the chicken and place it back in the crock pot.
- Add the rinsed beans, corn, red pepper flakes, and cilantro. Stir well.
- Let it cook for another 20-30 minutes.
- Serve hot in bowls, topped with garlic croutons and shredded cheese.
How to Serve Spicy White Chili
Spicy White Chili is best served hot. You can ladle it into bowls and top it with crispy garlic croutons and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added flavor. Fresh cilantro can also be added on top for a refreshing touch. This dish goes excellent with cornbread or tortilla chips.
How to Store Spicy White Chili
To store Spicy White Chili, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Tips to Make Spicy White Chili
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a little heavy cream or sour cream just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your taste.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding more beans.
- Make sure to rinse the beans thoroughly to reduce the sodium content and improve the taste.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different types of beans or using different white meats like shredded turkey. You can also add bell peppers or zucchini for additional veggies.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but the cooking time may need to be extended by a couple of hours to ensure they cook thoroughly.
2. Is this chili spicy?
The recipe features a mild amount of spice from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less according to your preference.
3. Can I make this chili in a regular pot?
Absolutely! You can cook this chili in a regular pot on the stovetop. Just simmer it on low heat for about 1-2 hours until the chicken is cooked and tender.

Spicy White Chili
Ingredients
Method
- In a crock pot, add chicken, onions, garlic, broth, salt, white pepper, cumin, and oregano.
- Set the slow cooker on LOW for 4-5 hours.
- Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot and take off the bones. Shred the chicken and place it back in the crock pot.
- Add the rinsed beans, corn, red pepper flakes, and cilantro. Stir well.
- Let it cook for another 20-30 minutes.
- Serve hot in bowls, topped with garlic croutons and shredded cheese.