High Protein White Chicken Chili

Name: High Protein White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 lime, juiced

Author: Tessa

Published: April 23, 2025

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You know those days when you need something hearty, healthy, and ready in a flash? That’s exactly why this Best High Protein White Chicken Chili has become my weeknight superhero. I stumbled onto this recipe during one of those crazy busy weeks when my kids had back-to-back activities, and let me tell you—it saved dinner! Packed with 30 grams of protein per serving and bursting with flavor from cumin, green chiles, and fresh lime, this chili comes together in just 35 minutes. The secret? A creamy swirl of sour cream at the end that makes it taste like you simmered it all day.

Why You’ll Love This Best High Protein White Chicken Chili

This isn’t just another chili recipe—it’s a game-changer! Here’s why it’s become my go-to:

Protein powerhouse: Packed with 30g of protein per bowl to keep you full for hours
Weeknight easy: Ready in 35 minutes flat (yes, I timed it!)
Flavor bomb: The lime-cilantro-sour cream combo makes it taste restaurant-worthy
Meal prep magic: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld
Customizable: Easily adjust the heat level to your family’s taste

Trust me, this is the chili that’ll make you actually look forward to healthy eating!

Best High Protein White Chicken Chili - detail 1

Ingredients for the Best High Protein White Chicken Chili

Gathering these simple ingredients is half the battle – and trust me, every single one plays a starring role in creating that perfect chili flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing all those delicious flavors
1 medium onion, diced – yellow works best for sweetness
3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is always better than powdered!
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced – thighs work too for extra richness
1 teaspoon ground cumin – the earthy backbone of our spice blend
1 teaspoon dried oregano – rub between your fingers to wake up the flavor
1/2 teaspoon chili powder – adjust up if you like more heat
1/2 teaspoon salt – plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly cracked makes all the difference
1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed – great northern or cannellini both work
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles – mild or hot depending on your preference
3 cups chicken broth – low-sodium lets you control the salt
1/2 cup sour cream – full-fat gives the creamiest result
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – stems and all for maximum flavor
1 lime, juiced – about 2 tablespoons of bright, fresh acidity

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that come together magically. I always keep these staples on hand for last-minute chili emergencies!

How to Make the Best High Protein White Chicken Chili

Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for chili perfection:

Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in your favorite pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until they turn soft and fragrant – about 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing already!
Brown the chicken: Toss in the diced chicken along with cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. I use wooden tongs to flip everything until the chicken loses its pink color (5-6 minutes). Don’t rush this step – those browned bits add so much flavor!
Bring it all together: Now stir in your drained white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth. Crank the heat up to bring it to a good boil – you’ll hear it bubbling happily.
Simmer magic: Reduce to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away uncovered for 15 minutes. This gives time for the flavors to get to know each other. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
The creamy finish: Here’s my favorite part! Remove the pot from heat before stirring in sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice. This prevents curdling and keeps everything silky smooth.

That’s it! In less time than it takes to watch a sitcom, you’ve got a pot of protein-packed comfort ready to devour.

Tips for Perfect Best High Protein White Chicken Chili

Want to take your chili from good to “wow”? Try these tricks:

Blend 1 cup of the chili (without sour cream) for extra thickness
Add a pinch of cayenne if you like more heat
Let it sit 5 minutes after adding sour cream for richer flavor

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Serving Suggestions for Best High Protein White Chicken Chili

Oh, the fun part! This chili is like a blank canvas for all your favorite toppings. Here’s how I love to serve it:

Must-have toppings: Diced avocado, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are perfect), and extra cilantro
For crunch: Crumbled tortilla chips or toasted pepitas
On the side: Warm cornbread or a simple green salad with lime dressing

My kids go crazy for “chili bars” where everyone builds their own bowl – it makes healthy eating feel like a party!

Storing and Reheating Best High Protein White Chicken Chili

Here’s the beautiful thing about this chili – it gets even better as leftovers! Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep happily in your fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, go low and slow – microwave at 50% power or warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to bring back that creamy texture. Freezing? Absolutely! Portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the sour cream if freezing – stir it in fresh when reheating. Trust me, future-you will thank present-you for this meal prep win!

Nutritional Information for Best High Protein White Chicken Chili

Here’s what you’re getting in every comforting bowl (based on a single serving):

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g (that’s more than half your daily need!)
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 12g

Remember – these are estimates and may vary slightly based on your exact ingredients. I always recommend using a nutrition calculator if you’re tracking closely. But honestly? With this much protein and flavor, it’s a nutritional win in my book!

Frequently Asked Questions About Best High Protein White Chicken Chili

I get asked about this recipe ALL the time – here are the most common questions that pop up:

Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
You bet! Drain two 12.5-oz cans well and flake the meat. Add it when you’d normally stir in the beans. Just know fresh chicken gives better texture.

How can I make this chili spicier?
Easy fixes! Add an extra 1/2 tsp chili powder, throw in some diced jalapeños with the onions, or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end.

What if I don’t have white beans?
No panic! Chickpeas or navy beans work great too. Just avoid kidney beans – they’ll overpower the delicate flavors.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté onions/garlic first, then dump everything except sour cream in the crockpot. Cook on low 4-6 hours. Stir in dairy at the end.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt works beautifully! Or for dairy-free, try coconut cream – just add a squeeze more lime to balance the sweetness.

Share Your Best High Protein White Chicken Chili Experience

I’d love to hear how your chili turns out! Did you add any fun twists? Maybe your kids gobbled it up? Drop a comment below – your cooking stories always make my day!