Easy, Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili is the best, quick pressure cooker recipe with white beans and cream cheese. You can top it with salsa verde, avocado, or any shredded cheese. You can also use dried beans or frozen chicken breasts if preferred.
This post was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.
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White chicken chili is a great comfort food dish for fall and winter. I have been eating this dish for years. If you don't have an Instant Pot check out my other chili recipes listed below.
The best way to keep this recipe on the healthy side and Weight Watchers friendly is to make sure you go easy on the dairy. Dairy products can be loaded in fat, and sometimes (not always) the low-fat options have increased sugar. Be sure to read your nutrition labels carefully and keep your portions moderate.
Table of Contents
How to Make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Saute garlic and onions in the Instant Pot until soft.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chicken breasts, beans, Better than Bouillion, and spices to the pot.
- Pressure Cook.
- Open the pot and shred the chicken.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with cream cheese, frozen corn, and salt and pepper.
- Top with shredded cheese.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
You will cook the dish for 20 minutes on Manual Pressure and then allow steam to release naturally for 10 minutes.
Can You Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. The cook time will remain the same, but the pot will take longer to come to pressure.
How to Use Cooked Chicken
If using cooked chicken, you don't need an Instant Pot. Saute the onions and garlic and add the ingredients to a soup pot using half of the chicken broth noted in the recipe. Add in more broth if needed.
Freezer Tips
I love to freeze chili and soup in these soups molds from Amazon. I reheat them overnight in the fridge or I use this portable CrockPot warmer from Amazon and reheat from frozen. It takes a couple of hours.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
How to Thicken the Chili
I use cream cheese in this dish and that gets it nice and thick. If the texture isn't thick enough for you, you can reduce the amount of broth used in the recipe.
Topping Ideas and What to Serve with the Dish
- Shredded Cheese
- Salsa Verde
- Sour Cream or Plain Non-fat Greek yogurt
- Cooked and Crumbed Bacon
- Chives
- Avocado
- Jalapenos
What to Serve with the Chili
Homemade Southern Cornbread
Keto Low Carb Cornbread
Air Fryer Cornbread
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
More Chili Recipes
Instant Pot Beef Chili
Keto Low Carb Beef Chili
Pumpkin Chili
Sweet Potato Chili
Leftover Turkey Chili
Creamy Seafood Chili
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Chili Cheese Fries
More Instant Pot Soup Recipes
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
Instant Pot Chicken, Seafood, and Sausage Gumbo
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Instant Pot Ramen
Click here for a complete listing of Instant Pot Recipes and Southern Soul Food Recipes.
Check out The Best Healthy Chili Recipes here.
Check out my Homemade Chili Seasoning here.
If you want to make it in a slow cooker, check out Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili.
Easy, Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 skinless chicken breasts (1 pound total)
- 1 15.5 oz canned navy beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 15.5 oz canned Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15.5 oz canned diced tomatoes and chilis drained
- ½ cup whole kernel corn I used frozen
- 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterrey Jack cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor
Seasoning
- McCormick's Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (if spicy is preferred)
- salt and pepper to taste I like to wait until the dish has been prepared to add salt and pepper. That way I can taste repeatedly and adjust accordingly. This results in making sure the dish isn't too salty. You can always add more, you can't take it back when you have used too much.
Instructions
- Place the Instant Pot on the saute setting. Add the garlic and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until both are soft.
- Add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Next add the chicken breasts, beans, diced tomatoes, Better than Bouillon and all of the seasonings (I reserve the salt and pepper until the end).
- Close the pot and seal. Cook on Manual High-Pressure for 20 minutes.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes instead of quick release.
- Open the pot and remove the chicken breasts. Shred the breasts using a knife and fork. Return the chicken to the pot.
- Place the Instant Pot on the saute function. Add the cream cheese, shredded cheese, frozen corn, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the corn is soft and the cheese has melted. If you want creamier chili, add more cream cheese and/or shredded cheese.
- Serve in bowls and load it up with your favorite toppings: additional cheese, sour cream avocado, etc.
Video
Notes
- If you choose to use dried beans, soak the beans in a large bowl of water overnight, first.
- If you use frozen chicken, the cook time will remain the same, but the pot will take longer to come to pressure.
- Feel free to omit the beans if you wish. The cook time will remain the same.
- You can substitute the chicken seasoning for ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Jenn @BoiledNoodle says
Made this tonight and was sooooo good!! This was my first recipe I made in my Ninja Foodi and was perfect!!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I want to try a Foodi!
Kay says
Made this in my electric pressure cooker and it was bomb! Will definitely be trying more of your recipes.
Chris S. says
So simple to make and the family loved it!
Esther Brown says
I follow you on Instagram. I'm attempting to cook this recipe. I'm cooking your recipe on my crockpot...my house is starting to smell yummy! I love your recipes!!!
staysnatched says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Maryanne says
On step 6, when you say, cook for five more minutes, does that mean sauté, or pressure cook. I’m assuming sauté. Thank you!
staysnatched says
Yes, saute! Thanks for checking.
Christa says
Can you double this recipe? If so will the cook time be the same?
staysnatched says
Yes.
Denzel says
This white creamy chicken chili recipe will surely satisfy me!
Frankie says
This recipe looks so good! Perfect for a cold night. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy it!
Christina says
Made this tonight and it was a huge hit! Sautéed some jalapeños with The onion to make it extra spicy!
staysnatched says
Yum that sounds delish! Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie says
This was the best ever!!! I even forgot to buy corn and no one noticed lol!! I doubled it to share at work and everyone loved it (of course I went the spicy version lol) ty so much for sharing !!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!
Jeff Knox says
My daughter dragged me here, shes on a health kick...I like to eat. This is a Bomb recipe!Enough I had to sign up and get more ideas. New to instant pot and air frying, glad she found this site, Thank You!
staysnatched says
haha! I'm glad she dragged you along! Welcome. I hope you enjoy more recipes.
Jennifer says
I made this chili today & it was the first recipe I’ve ever made in an instant pot. It came out great & I will definitely make it again. *looks on the site for my next instant pot meal* lol
staysnatched says
ha ha yes! Search around for the next. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Keri says
Wowzer! YUM! I had printed this recipe out and put it on top of my recipe notebook to try tonight. I got home and my visiting mom had begun putting it all together. She put the frozen corn in before she pressure cooked- and it still came out perfect. Not mushy at all.
This Recipe is a 10/10 for the whole fam- just enough spice and very filling. Can’t wait to meal prep this!
staysnatched says
What a nice mom! Happy meal prepping!
natasha K. says
Yumzers!!! I ate 3 bowl of it! I might have to put it over rice or something, otherwise i will eat it all!! Thank you so much for the recipe! 10 out of 10 for sure!
staysnatched says
Thanks for the review!
Cyrena says
Newbie here . Just got my Ninja Foodie... So so so good! First time using frozen chicken breasts !! Wow is all I can say!! I added black beans since I didn’t have the other! So good! I will definitely make this again!! Thank you for such an each to follow directions!!!
,
staysnatched says
I love your modifications!
Joy Adams says
I've made this a few times and it's always a hit. My family loves it and there's never leftovers.
staysnatched says
That's so good to hear!
Jessica F. says
This was easy and delicious! Definitely adding it to my soup rotation 🙂
staysnatched says
I love that! It's a favorite!
Jenna H says
This was soooo good! Wish I made a double batch. Thanks for the recipe!
staysnatched says
A double batch is necessary!
Miranda Smith says
This was an absolutely amazing dish!!! My whole family loved it! Most definitely saving to make again this fall and winter. ♥️P.S. I’m a Cajun cook, so this definitely got ??????
staysnatched says
Yay! That's so good to hear!
Ashley Merritt says
Bomb. Love this one too! Great recipes for a busy mom!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Kelly says
I made this recipe for dinner tonight in my Instant Pot. It was so easy and so delicious. I will definitely make this again.
staysnatched says
I’m glad to hear that you will make it again!
Erin Gibson says
This chili was creamy, spicy, and so easy to make. It’s the perfect recipe for cold days to cozy up with. Loved it!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Emily says
Made this yesterday for friends when watching football.. Super easy and super delicious..Everyone approved and can't wait to make it again! We had cooked chicken so I just through it in a pot over the stove!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Diana says
Omg I made this last weekend and my son (who hates beans!) was asking for thirds!! Thank you for such an easy meal to add to the busy mom dinner rotation! We also have dairy allergies and used dairy free products and it was amazing.
staysnatched says
Yay! I love to hear that. I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Ashley W says
Came across this Instagram and so glad I did. Made this white chicken chili last night, and it was amazing! My husband loved it as well. We made a double batch to last us for a couple of days. I will definitely be trying out more of Brandi’s recipes! Thanks 🙂
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm excited for you to try more recipes.
Leandra says
I made this for dinner tonight just on the stovetop with pre-cooked chicken. The flavor is amazing and the cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy touch while the corn gives a pop of sweetness. The level of spice and seasonings make this recipe perfectly warm for a cold day. I will definitely be adding this to the rotation!
staysnatched says
Glad you're adding it to the rotation.
Kim says
The best chicken chili I have ever made, yum! Love all of your recipes that I have tried!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! That's so good to hear!
P. Dixon says
I made this chili using your exact recipe and it was absolutely delicious. It was so easy to make in the instant pot. I will for sure be making this frequently in the coming colder months. I recommend this recipe to any one who is looking for a hearty, delicious chili.
staysnatched says
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Chloe says
BRANDI DOES NOT FAIL ME. I can’t have milk so I did almond milk cream cheese and no cheese. It was still creamy and delicious. I added some plain Greek yogurt on the top. So good. This was my first instant pot experience and damn she makes it so easy for me!!!
Read the whole blog post before you cook. Brandi doesn’t waste time telling a story behind the meal. She gives some amazing suggestions and gets straight to the point.
staysnatched says
haha! I enjoyed reading this. I love your substitutions.
Jackie says
If I use ground chicken, would the instructions be the same?
staysnatched says
No, you don’t need an Instant Pot for ground chicken. I would cook it on the stove.
Corry says
This was a win for me since my 11YO who doesn’t eat regular chili has already checked to make sure we have leftovers because he wants to have more!
I cooked on the soup setting for 9 minutes, which was an unintentional experiment. It turned out great! Any idea why the cook times can vary? I see the 20 minutes in the recipe now when I re-read it and I have no idea why I didn’t see that and use it.
staysnatched says
I'm not sure because I never use presets. I test on my own.
Cyndee Parrish says
Pleasantly surprised to have found a ln alternate standby chicken chili. Delectable ty!
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Rebekah says
I’ve made this at least once a week since I saw it!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoy it.
Lauren says
I made it using frozen chicken breast and it came out perfect! Came out so good! Little tip..use a hand mixer to shred the chicken! So easy!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Danielle @slowcarfasthome says
this recipe is delicioius! We have a dairy allergy in the family, so we used vegan Kite hill cream cheese and it was the perfect substitution for this chili! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Monica Cole says
This has become a staple in our house! I love all of Brandi's recipes, especially her instant pot recipes. This is super flavorful and I love to top it with avocado!
staysnatched says
Avocado sounds like an amazing way to top this!
Sabrina Boucher says
Loved this chili! Perfect for the colder weather and really packs so much flavor in one bowl.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Arleevia says
This was my first time ever making white chicken chili. I made it following the directions to a “T”. It was delicious!! Will definitely be making it again!! I definitely look to when you trying out new recipes!!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Sydney says
Oh my gosh! Do yourself a favor and double the batch and freeze for a rainy day! So easy and DELICIOUS
staysnatched says
Double batch is such a great idea!
Ashlynn says
I’ve tried multiple chicken chili recipes and this one is the first and only one that has ever hit h spot! This was so simple and flavorful. The recipe itself was easy to follow and I love the way Brandi writes her recipes. She takes time to add helpful tips and suggestions. So easy to follow her steps for a great meal.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you find the suggestions helpful!
Anne D says
Oh man, this is another winner from Brandi! Very easy and so, so good. Was the perfect dinner for a cold rainy night. Served it with a little shredded cheese and sour cream on top and a side of chips. I thought I had diced tomatoes with chilis, but just had regular diced tomatoes so I won't make that mistake next time. Looking forward to eating the leftovers - they won't even make it to the freezer. Thanks for another home run, Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Kathleen Gregorio says
This recipe is so good and so easy. I made a huge batch a froze the leftovers in true Stay Snatched fashion. Flavorful and unlike any other white chili I have made in the past!
staysnatched says
Freezing the chili is a must!
Krista says
This is my new favorite White Chicken Chili recipe!!! Fantastic and SO easy using the instant pot! Perfect for a cold Illinois night!
staysnatched says
Yay! Glad to hear it's your favorite.
Alexandra says
Made this tonight and it was sooo tasty, even my mom who is a picky eater liked it! Unfortunately I only had cannellini beans, so I had to substitute, but I can’t wait to make it again with the beans in the recipe! Thanks for sharing this Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Kristina Jones says
I made this chili and it was soooooo delicious! My whole family loved it.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm glad the family enjoyed it.
Emily says
So delicious. Added plain nonfat Greek yogurt in lieu of cream cheese because it’s what I had on hand. Such a nice blend of spice, will definitely make again!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Ashley says
This recipe was amazing! My husband is a trained chef and is literally never impressed by anything. He took one bite and said “mmm, where did you get this recipe?”. We added a lot of spices bc we like it hot! I’ve been eating the leftovers for two days! Definitely making this again.
staysnatched says
Wow! I'm so glad I could impress him.
Ms Jen says
This was awesome! My son really wanted white chicken chili. I used to make one on the stove with bone in chicken. This one was much easier and SO much better tasting! The levels of flavor were amazing! And my son said it was the best chili he had ever had!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad your son enjoyed it.
LaKenya says
Mannnn!! Let’s just say I wasn’t sure if I would like this recipe or not but I figured why not try it because Brandi never disappoints. Well, I was right! This is the best chili recipe that I’ve had in a long time. It’s so flavorful and filling!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed the chili!
Angele D says
Another delicious recipe! Not too creamy where it is heavy in the stomach. It didn't need any additional topping in my opinion.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Molly says
Made this tonight and it was delicious! Super quick and easy but packed with flavor. Also got to eat it while watching the Chiefs beat the Browns which I know made Brandi happy!
staysnatched says
haha yes that did make me happy!