While most of our favorite chili recipes rely on a slow cooker or stovetop simmer to seal in the flavor, this Instant Pot white chicken chili is ready in a flash. So put your go-to beef chili on hold. We’ve got a recipe that makes switching up your winter chili routine more than worth it.
Some white chicken chilis call for mashed beans or heavy cream to thicken the base, but our Instant Pot version keeps things light and simple. If you’re looking for a creamer result, simply garnish with sour cream. It will pair nicely with the added crunch of tortillas and slight tartness of the lime wedges used as garnishes.
To make things even simpler, this recipe can also be made with leftover chicken. Just add it at the end of the cooking process for a shortcut addition.
Instant Pots are multi-cookers. They can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and more depending on the model you have. If you’re new to using an Instant Pot, be sure to read through the instruction manual carefully. Different models may have unique safety warnings and precautions to take before using.
Ingredients for Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
To make this chili, you’ll need:
Olive oil: Used to cook the onions and garlic. Can be substituted with any oil you prefer with a high smoke point.
Yellow onion and garlic cloves: Add depth of flavor to the chili.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Can swap with leftover shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or leftover Thanksgiving turkey (added at the end of cooking rather than the beginning).
Chicken broth: The liquid base of this chili.
Canned great Northern beans: Can substitute with other preferred types of beans, if desired, including cannellini beans.
Ground cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper: Warming spices to deepen the flavor of the chili. For more heat, increase the spice to taste.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor.
Cream cheese: Melts in for a rich, creamy texture.
Fresh cilantro: Brightens the chili and adds a pop of color. Can substitute with parsley, if preferred.
Sour cream, tortilla strips, lime wedges, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Used as garnishes. Can swap the Monterey Jack cheese with pepper Jack, Cheddar, or a Mexican blend.
Credit:
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
How To Make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Full instructions are below, but here’s a brief recap before you get started:
Step 1. Heat oil in a preheated pressure multicooker on SAUTÉ and HIGH temperature settings. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until onion is translucent. Press CANCEL.
Step 2. Add chicken, chicken broth, beans, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cover and lock in place; turn steam release handle to SEALING position. See full recipe below for cooking instructions.
Step 3. Transfer the chicken to a plate or bowl. Shred and return to cooker. Add cream cheese and cilantro, stirring until combined. Garnish with sour cream, tortilla strips, lime wedges, or shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
What To Serve With White Chicken Chili
Adorning this chili with a variety of toppings, including sour cream, tortilla strips, lime wedges, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese is a great place to start. Turn it into a party by setting up a variety of additional toppings so everyone can customize their bowl—ripe avocado, sliced jalapeños, sweet corn, and green onions are great options, to name a few. Serve with rice or cornbread and veggies for an even more substantial meal.
How Can I Thicken Instant Pot White Chicken Chili?
The cream cheese should help thicken the chili, but if you’d like an even thicker consistency, stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking for a quick fix. You can also blend a portion of the chili for a thicker texture.
How To Store and Reheat White Chicken Chili
Refrigerate white chicken chili in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot throughout before serving.
More Comforting Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love
If you love using your Instant Pot, you’ll love these comforting recipes:
