BEST Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Ready in 20 minutes, this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and is loved by the whole family. Options for stovetop or slow cooker versions too, depending on what tools you have.

March is always a strange time when it comes to sharing recipes. It’s spring in some parts of North America while others still have snow. I’m more aware of this after living in San Francisco for 4 years where weather patterns don’t match any other place in the world.

It also means you’ll get spring recipes like this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread mixed with warm and comforting soup and chili recipes like this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili. This white chicken chili has actually been on our menu for the past few months while I’ve been testing it, and it took me a little longer than usual to nail it. Although spring is in full force in some places, here in Minnesota I’ll be eating my chili and living my best life!

Ingredients in Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

• Chicken breast – Look for quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Yellow Onion – an important spicy taste for this chili!
• Garlic cloves – another important taste-former.
• White beans – Any type of canned kidney beans will work – large northern beans, kidney beans, etc.
• Canned green chillies – Choose your spice level!
• corn grits – either canned or frozen corn will work. No need to thaw the corn if using it frozen!
• chicken broth – must add liquid to the soup!
• Spices – Cumin, chilli powder, oregano and salt and pepper.
• lime juice – makes all flavors burst!
• Optional toppings – Cilantro, jalapeno, shredded cheese, tortilla chips etc…

Which Instant Pot can you use?

Any pressure cooker or pressure cooker can be used for this recipe. I have the Classic Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 and absolutely love it. Mine is the 8 liter version, but you can make this White Chicken Chili in any version.

Pro tip: just press the pressure cooker button. Make sure it’s set too high, then seal the valve. When it’s done cooking (after 10 minutes), make a quick release. This will keep the chicken juicy and not dry out.

How to make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

STEP 1: ADD INGREDIENTS TO THE INSTANT POT

Add the following ingredients to your Instant Pot in this order: onion, garlic, kidney beans, green chiles, corn kernels and garnish with chicken. Pour chicken stock over and stir in spices. Close the lid and clove valve. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.

STEP 2: PRESSURE RELIEF + CHICKEN SHRED

When you are done with the quick release valve, all pressure is released manually. Remove the top and use tongs to loosen your chicken from the remaining ingredients. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board.

STEP 3: FINISH + SERVE

Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and garnish with lime juice and cilantro (if desired). Stir until everything is well combined. Pour into bowls and serve with your desired toppings.

Toppings for White Chicken Chili

There really is no limit when it comes to toppings for your white chicken chilli recipe, but here are some ideas on what to use:

• tortilla strips
• avocado
• Grated cheese
• lime wedges
• Greek yogurt or sour cream

How to do on the stove

This White Chicken Chili can also be made on the stovetop. You actually start by cooking the onion and garlic in some olive oil. Then top with all your ingredients however you wish to add 2-3 cups chicken broth instead of 1 1/2 cups. Just make sure the chicken is completely covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately bring to a simmer. Cook the chicken for about 8-12 minutes. You should check when the chicken is white inside and the juices are clear. If you have a thermometer, you’ll know your chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees F.

Remove the chicken and shred into chunks before returning to the pot. Top up with lime juice and stir. Voila! White chicken chili on the stove.

How to make in the slow cooker

Preparing chicken white chili in the slow cooker is similar to preparing it in the Instant Pot. You add all your ingredients like you would in your Instant Pot (using only 1 cup of broth) and then cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Remove the chicken, shred it, then add it back in. Stir in your lime juice and voila! White Chicken Chili in your slow cooker. Alternatively, you could use your Instant Pot as a slow cooker, but honestly it tastes just as good pressure cooking.

How to store your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

refrigerator – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

freezer – Store in a freezer safe container for up to 6 months. Remove from storage and thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the countertop for several hours.

More Instant Pot Recipes

It’s no secret that I LOVE my Instant Pot. Here are some of my favorite instant pot recipes:

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Like that white chicken chili? Here are some others you might like: