Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Instant Pot White Chicken Chili to bring comfort on a chilly evening. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen wrapped me in a cozy hug. It was one of those days when the weather turned cold unexpectedly, and all I wanted was something hearty and delicious. I gathered my ingredients, feeling the anticipation build as I prepped each one. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can transform into something so satisfying. This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili has since become a family favorite, perfect for game nights or quiet dinners at home. The best part? It’s a breeze to make, thanks to the Instant Pot!
Recipe Snapshot
18 mins
0 mins
18 mins
Medium
350 kcal
30 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
10 g
Skillet, Instant Pot, Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board, Wooden Spoon
What’s Great About This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Quick & Easy to Prepare
Using the Instant Pot makes this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili incredibly quick to whip up. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed
The blend of spices like cumin and smoked paprika infuses the chili with a depth of flavor that makes your taste buds dance. Each bite is a burst of warmth and spice.
Healthy & Wholesome
This chili is loaded with nutritious ingredients like chicken, beans, and corn, making it a healthy choice for dinner. Plus, it’s packed with protein!
Versatile Meal
Whether you serve it over rice, with tortilla chips, or on its own, this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili adapts to whatever you’re craving. It’s a versatile dish that can fit any occasion.
Perfect for Leftovers
This chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. It’s a great option for meal prep, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready to heat up.
Great for Gatherings
Hosting friends or family? This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a hit! It’s easy to make in large batches, so you can feed a crowd with minimal fuss.
Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

The ingredients for this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili come together beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in crafting the final dish, from the tender chicken to the sweet corn. Together, they make a wholesome, satisfying meal.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: This serves as the protein base, offering both flavor and heartiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, it adds richness to the dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: This ingredient builds the flavor foundation and adds sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for depth and aroma.
- 2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped: They bring a gentle heat to the chili, which can be adjusted based on your preference.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: This spice adds earthiness and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: A touch of this blend enhances the chili with exotic flavor notes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: It provides a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: For an additional layer of flavor.
- 4 ounces diced green chiles, canned: They add a mild spiciness and texture.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Sweetness and crunch come from the corn.
- 30 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: They contribute creaminess and protein.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 lime, juiced: Adds brightness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Instructions

Cooking this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a straightforward process that delivers amazing flavors. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead to a delightful meal.
- Set your Instant Pot to “SautĂ©” mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up. You want it hot enough that the onions sizzle when you add them.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them until the onion is softened and translucent, which takes about 2 minutes. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
- Now, incorporate the chopped jalapeños, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add in the diced green chiles, corn kernels, cannellini beans, and chicken broth. Make sure to stir well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing.” This is crucial for the pressure cooking process!
- Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (Manual) for 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens as all the flavors meld together.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.” Be cautious of the steam that escapes!
- Stir through the shredded chicken and add the lime juice. Let everything sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- Remove the pot from the heat. You can serve as is or add your favorite toppings, like fresh cilantro or avocado.
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking Liquid: Always ensure there’s enough cooking liquid in your Instant Pot to prevent burning.
- Quick Release: Be careful when performing a quick release; the steam can be very hot.
- Thickness Adjustment: If the chili is too thick after cooking, you can add a bit more broth to thin it out.
- Flavor Development: Letting the chili sit after cooking allows the flavors to deepen and develop.
Helpful Hints

Cooking is an adventure, and these tips will help you make the best Instant Pot White Chicken Chili possible!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This chili freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Pairing: Serve with tortilla chips or over rice for a hearty meal.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños according to your taste.
- Garnishes: Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
How to Enjoy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Serving your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some fantastic ways to serve this comforting dish:
- As a Main Dish: This chili is hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish, especially when paired with some warm cornbread.
- For Gatherings: It’s perfect for potlucks or game nights. You can keep it warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.
- With Toppings: Consider offering toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocados, and fresh cilantro to let everyone customize their bowls.
- For Lunches: Leftover chili makes for a quick and satisfying lunch. Pack it in a thermos to enjoy on the go!
- Seasonal Pairing: As winter approaches, this chili becomes a cozy favorite, ideal for chilly nights.
FAQ
Conclusion
This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili stands out for its rich flavors, hearty texture, and the sheer ease of preparation. It’s a great dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. I encourage you to give it a try; you’ll find it perfect for cozy nights and gatherings alike. Enjoy the delicious journey this recipe takes you on!

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Equipment
- Skillet
- Instant Pot
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 ounces diced green chiles canned
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 30 ounces cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lime juiced
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up. You want it hot enough that the onions sizzle when you add them.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them until the onion is softened and translucent, which takes about 2 minutes. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
- Now, incorporate the chopped jalapeños, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add in the diced green chiles, corn kernels, cannellini beans, and chicken broth. Make sure to stir well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to "Sealing." This is crucial for the pressure cooking process!
- Set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" (Manual) for 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens as all the flavors meld together.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to "Venting." Be cautious of the steam that escapes!
- Stir through the shredded chicken and add the lime juice. Let everything sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- Remove the pot from the heat. You can serve as is or add your favorite toppings, like fresh cilantro or avocado.
Notes
- Stovetop method: Saute the aromatics and spices. Fold in the beans, chilis, and corn, and add the chicken broth. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add in the chicken and lime juice and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from the pot and serve.
- Slow cooker method: Saute the aromatics, jalapeños, and seasonings in a skillet as normal. Dump them into a slow cooker with the beans, green chilies, corn, and chicken broth. Cook on High for 1 to 2 hours or on Low for 4 to 5 hours. Stir the shredded chicken and lime juice into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes, then serve.


