• Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact

Search

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact

Subscribe for EASY meals!

  • Appetizers
  • Breakfast
  • Sides
  • Dinner
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Lena's Kitchen

Lena's Kitchen

easy, elevated and approachable simple recipes for the everyday home cook

  • Weeknight Meals
  • Sides
  • Salads
  • Appetizers
  • Sweets
Home » Instant Pot Meals

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Posted: October 20, 2023 by lena gladstone | Updated: October 20, 2023

Instant Pot white chicken chili pin.
Instant Pot white chicken chili pin.
Instant Pot white chicken chili pin.
Instant Pot white chicken chili pin.
Instant Pot white chicken chili pin.

This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a warm, hearty meal that brings a whole new meaning to comfort food! It’s packed with tender chicken, mildly spicy poblano peppers, and hearty beans, all served in a light yet creamy broth. Top each bowl with a generous amount of garnishes for the perfect fall and winter meal.

Instant Pot white chicken chili in a bowl.
Jump to Recipe

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Convenience: There is no need to simmer your chili for hours with this Instant Pot recipe! You’ll have a flavorful, filling meal on the table in less than an hour.
  • Healthy & wholesome: Packed with protein-filled chicken, fiber-rich beans, and a medley of vegetables, this chili is incredibly nourishing.
  • Stovetop option: Don’t own an Instant Pot? No problem! This recipe also includes stovetop instructions, making it easy to prepare no matter what!
Instant Pot white chicken chili in a bowl.

No-fuss Instant Pot white chicken chili

Instant Pot recipes, like Instant Pot chicken noodle soup, are always some of my favorites because of their hands-off approach and ability to quickly infuse flavors together. This Instant Pot white chicken chili ticks all of the boxes, and I know your whole family is going to love it! 

Traditional chili often leans towards the dark and spicy side, but this version is lighter and creamier, resulting in a completely different eating experience! Tender chunks of chicken are mixed with creamy beans, subtly spicy poblano peppers, sweet corn, and warming spices.

Plus, this white bean chicken chili makes great leftovers! Prepare a double or triple batch, portion it into single-serving containers, and keep them in the freezer for high-protein lunches and dinners during busy weeks.

Ingredients for Instant Pot white chicken chili.

Ingredients & substitutions

  • Olive oil: To sauté the onions and other aromatics. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado, sunflower, grapeseed, or canola oil will all work.
  • Onion: Provides a subtly sweet and savory element. White or yellow onions are best, but red onions or even shallots will work.
  • Poblano peppers: Bring a mild heat and a unique, earthy flavor. Try green bell peppers for less heat, or add jalapeños for more spice.
  • Garlic cloves: For that characteristic savory aroma and zesty kick. Garlic powder will work in a pinch, but I highly recommend fresh garlic for this chili.
  • Cannellini beans: To thicken the chili and add a creamy mouthfeel. If you don’t have cannellini beans, try Great Northern beans or navy beans.
  • Chicken thighs: I prefer boneless chicken thighs since they remain tender and flavorful under pressure cooking. You can use chicken breasts, but they might be less juicy.
  • Chicken stock: Forms the base of the chili, adding depth and richness. You can also use turkey stock, vegetable broth, or water.
  • Tomatoes with green chilies: Add acidity and a slight kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, just use regular canned diced tomatoes.
  • Frozen corn: Offer a sweet, juicy crunch throughout the chili. You can opt for fresh corn when it’s in season, or use canned corn if you can’t find frozen.
  • Spices: I use a mixture of cumin and chili powder to give the chili a warm, spicy, and earthy taste. You can also use ancho or chipotle chili powder for a different flavor profile.
  • Lime: Brings a bright, citrusy flavor that rounds out the savoriness of this chili. Make sure to use freshly squeezed lime, not bottled lime juice.
Add vegetables, beans, and chicken to an Instant Pot.

How to make Instant Pot white chicken chili

  1. Start with the base: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the onions and poblano peppers in olive oil until they’re soft and golden. Mix in the garlic and cook it for another minute until it’s fragrant.
  2. Add the mix-ins: Add the beans, chicken, chicken stock, tomatoes, corn, and seasonings to the Instant Pot, then cover it with the lid.
  3. Pressure cook the chili: Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to seal, then let the Instant Pot cook on manual mode for 15 minutes. After that, open the valve and let the steam release.
  4. Finishing touches: Take out the cooked chicken thighs and shred them with two forks. They should fall apart easily! Once shredded, mix the chicken back into the chili and add the lime juice. You’re then ready to serve with your favorite toppings.
Instant Pot white chicken chili in a bowl.

Serving suggestions

Top this Instant Pot white chicken chili with garnishes like sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, jalapeño slices, and cilantro to complete it. And to make it more filling, try pairing your bowl with some of these sides:

  • Bread: Cornbread, garlic bread, or Spanish tomato bread all make great additions.
  • Side salad: A crisp green salad or shaved zucchini salad with feta will balance out the hearty chili.
  • Grains: Serve your chili over a bed of steamed rice or Instant Pot quinoa to soak up all the flavors.
Instant Pot white chicken chili in a bowl.

Frequently asked questions

Are poblano peppers spicy?

No, poblano peppers offer a mild heat. However, if you’re extremely sensitive to spice, you can use green bell peppers in place of poblano peppers.

Is it necessary to use the Instant Pot?

While the Instant Pot speeds up the process and infuses flavors the best, you can also use a slow cooker or cook it on the stovetop (see the recipe card for stovetop instructions).

How can I make this Instant Pot white chicken chili thicker?

For a thicker chili, remove some of the bean mixture and blend it until smooth in a standalone blender or with an immersion blender. Then, return the bean mixture back to the Instant Pot and incorporate it with the rest of the chili.

Instant Pot white chicken chili in a bowl.

Storage & reheating

Keeping your Instant Pot white chicken chili fresh and flavorful for leftovers is a breeze! Here’s what to do:

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Once cooled, transfer the chili to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If leftovers are from the freezer, thaw them overnight in the fridge first.

Variations

  • Spicy: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes and include jalapeño or serrano peppers.
  • Creamy: Stir in a half cup of half and half or heavy cream for a richer consistency.
  • Beans: Switch out cannellini beans with black beans or kidney beans.
  • Sweetness: Add a sweet potato, peeled and diced, for a creamy and sweet flavor.

Top tips

  • Beans: Ensure your beans are thoroughly rinsed to avoid an overly salty chili.
  • Natural release: After pressure cooking, you can let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes before the quick release for extra tender chicken.
  • Keep warm: If you’re not serving immediately, keep the chili on the ‘Keep Warm’ setting to ensure it stays hot until you’re ready to eat.
Instant Pot white chicken chili in a bowl.

Looking for more hearty recipes?

If you enjoyed this Instant Pot white bean chicken chili, be sure to check out some more hearty dishes like these:

  • Turkey Quinoa Chili
  • White Bean Soup
  • Chicken and Sausage Pasta
  • Tuscan Chicken Meatballs
  • Beef Yakisoba Noodles

If you try this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog

The Easiest Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

3.4 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 40 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Lena Gladstone
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe
This Instant Pot white chicken chili is a warm, hearty meal that brings a whole new meaning to comfort food! It’s packed with tender chicken, mildly spicy poblano peppers, and hearty beans, all served in a light yet creamy broth.

Equipment

  • instant pot
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients

Chili

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 poblano peppers, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 15.5-ounce cans cannellini beans, or use Great Northern drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs, or use chicken breast
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1 10-ounce can tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
  • 1 large lime, juiced

Toppings

  • sour cream, for serving (optional)
  • avocados, chopped for serving (optional)
  • tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
  • jalapeño, for serving (optional)
  • cilantro, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Set the Instant Pot to saute mode and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and poblano peppers and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, chicken stock, tomatoes, corn, and beans. Cover and secure the lid with the valve set to seal. Using the manual pressure setting, cook for 15 minutes on high. Will take about 5-10 minutes to come to pressure. Open the valve and let the steam release once done cooking.
  • Transfer chicken thighs to a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken.
  • Add the shredded chicken and lime to the Instant Pot, and gently mix to combine.
  • To serve, ladle the chili into bowls, and top with sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, jalapeño, and cilantro or your favorite toppings.

Notes

To thicken soup: For a thicker soup, remove ½ of the bean mixture, blend until smooth (in a blender or with an immersion blender), and return to the Instant Pot.
Stovetop cooking instructions: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and poblano peppers and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the chicken, chicken stock, tomatoes with chilies, cumin, chili powder, and kosher salt. Stir to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and shreddable, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and use two forks to shred it. Stir in the beans and corn. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Add the shredded chicken and lime juice to the pot and stir to combine. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili recipe, easy dinner, Instant Pot recipe, Instant Pot white chicken chili, white chicken chili

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 658mg | Potassium: 570mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 349IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg

You might also like:
Instant Pot baby back ribs with sides.Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe
The Best Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas
Instant Pot Egg Bites on plate with salsa and herbs.Instant Pot Egg Bites Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)
Instant Pot beef ragu on creamy polenta.Instant Pot Beef Ragu

Reader Interactions

3.40 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Reviews
Questions

Comments

  1. Karyn Vorhees

    at

    I can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      I hope you love it when you give it a try Karyn. It’s a great one.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome, glad you’re here!

Hi, I’m Lena Gladstone, the recipe developer and food photographer behind Lena’s Kitchen. Here you will find approachable food recipes to share with the whole family. Keto friendly, weeknight dinners all made with fresh ingredients. Click here to learn more!

Let’s Connect

Craving More Easy Recipes?

Subscribe for weekly ideas in your inbox.


 

More like this

Overhead shot of Greek lamb chops served with herbed sauce on the side.

Greek Lamb Chops

A bowl of freshly made pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño, surrounded by lime, salt, chips, and fresh ingredients.

Fresh Pico De Gallo

A white plate with slices of grilled steak, some medium-rare, with a gold serving fork; surrounded by bowls of chopped vegetables and herbs.

Easy Carne Asada Recipe

A bowl of simple guacamole, garnished with tortilla chips, is surrounded by fresh cilantro, lime, and tortilla chips on a marble surface.

Simple Guacamole Recipe

A white bowl filled with easy artichoke dip, garnished with olive oil, and a spoon inside. Surrounding items include pita chips, fresh herbs, a lemon wedge, and a jar labeled “Farms.”.

Easy Artichoke Dip

A plate of butter lettuce cups filled with grilled corn, sliced radishes, prosciutto bits, shredded cheese, and creamy dressing.

Butter Lettuce Salad

A glass jar filled with lemon vinaigrette sits on a small round coaster.

Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

Overhead shot of air fryer carrots on a plate topped with parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

Air Fryer Carrots

RECIPE CATEGORY

Craving More Easy Recipes?

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Home
Recipes
Contact
Shop

FAQ
Privacy Policy
Accessibility

Copyright © 2025 · Site Credits · Sitemap

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.