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Mom's White Chicken Chilli

This white chicken chilli is a lighter, refreshing alternative to the classic tomato-based version. A high-protein favourite, it combines tender poached chicken with creamy white beans and sweetcorn in a fragrant, savoury broth seasoned with mild green chillies and earthy cumin. It is a wonderfully comforting meal that feels nourishing without being heavy, making it an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake while enjoying a bowl of pure homemade comfort.

Perfect for a fuss-free midweek supper, this simple one-pot dish relies on shop-bought staples like tinned beans and frozen corn for convenience. The addition of fresh lime juice at the end provides a bright, zesty finish that balances the warmth of the spices perfectly. Serve it in deep bowls with a dollop of soured cream, a few slices of avocado, or a handful of fresh coriander for a wholesome family dinner.

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Ingredients for Mom's White Chicken Chilli

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 900g chicken breasts, bone-in, skinless (about 2 large breasts)

  • 0.9L (900g) chicken stock (i use low sodium chicken stock)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed

  • 150g frozen shoe peg white corn

  • 1 jar diced green chilies (they are mild.)

  • The juice of 1 lime (about 2 to 45ml lime juice)

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook onions for 4 to 5 minutes or until translucent.

Add garlic and cook an additional minute.

Add the whole chicken breasts, stock and salt to the saucepan, cover, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.

Cook for 18-20 minutes, remove chicken to a plate and allow to cool.

While the chicken is cooling, add the remaining ingredients to the pot.

Remove the chicken from the bone, chop into bite-size pieces, and add to the pot.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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