Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Warm up with a bowl of Instant Pot White Chicken Chili! This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty flavors, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this chili is sure to impress. Let’s get started!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Instant Pot White Chicken Chili:
For the Chili
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained; or 1 cup frozen corn)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime (for flavor)
For Toppings (optional)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla chips
Timing
Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this hearty chili:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus time for pressure to build and release)
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Set Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add a splash of olive oil.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken breasts, white beans, corn, diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook Under Pressure
- Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Pressure Cook: Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Release Pressure
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
- Shred Chicken: Open the lid and remove the chicken breasts. Shred them using two forks and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Add Lime Juice: Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 28g |
Tips for Success
To ensure your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For added flavor and convenience, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper and green chilies to suit your spice preference.
- Thicken the Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) after cooking.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Enjoy this comforting chili with family and friends, and warm up your winter nights!
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes! You can use any type of white beans or even a mix of beans for added texture.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients.
Can I make this chili on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all the ingredients in a pot. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- For the Chili
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained; or 1 cup frozen corn)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime (for flavor)
- For Toppings (optional)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Set Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add a splash of olive oil.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken breasts, white beans, corn, diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook Under Pressure
- Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Pressure Cook: Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Release Pressure
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
- Shred Chicken: Open the lid and remove the chicken breasts. Shred them using two forks and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Add Lime Juice: Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, and tortilla chips.
