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Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

When you need a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal, Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a perfect choice. This creamy, hearty chili is packed with tender chicken breast, white navy beans, and savory spices. Plus, it's creamy and satisfying for the entire family!

With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can have a rich and satisfying dinner on the table with minimal prep and clean-up.

Make this recipe once, and your family will ask for it again and again!

Why Use an Instant Pot for White Chicken Chili?

The Instant Pot is a helpful kitchen tool that makes cooking quicker and easier, especially for dishes like chili that traditionally require long cooking times. Here’s why using an Instant Pot for white chicken chili is the best choice:

• Reduced Cook Time: What typically takes hours on the stovetop can be done in under 30 minutes using the Instant Pot. This is a game-changer for busy nights when you don’t have time to simmer a soup or stew for hours.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The machine does all the work once the ingredients are in your Instant Pot. You don’t need to stand over the stove or stir frequently. Just set the lid in place, and let the pressure cooker do its thing.
• Flavor Concentration: The pressure cooker locks in all the chili flavors, making it taste like it’s been cooking for hours. The chicken breast becomes tender and juicy, while the spices and broth meld together beautifully.

Can I use a Crock Pot instead?

Yes, if you don't have an Instant Pot, you can use a slow cooker for this chicken recipe. Simply put everything except the cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro into the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours. 

Remove the chicken breasts and shred them, then put them back into the slow cooker.

Add cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese and stir until melted. Stir in chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe

To make this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, though you can also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor. If you’re in a pinch, frozen chicken breasts can also be used, but may take a bit longer to cook.
• White Beans: Navy beans or cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture, but you can also use Great Northern beans.
• Chicken Broth: The broth serves as the base of the chili.
• Cream Cheese: This adds richness and creaminess to the chili.
• Spices: Common chili spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion round out the flavor.
• Onion and Green Chiles: A chopped onion and green chiles give depth and flavor to the chili.

How to Make White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot

Making white chicken chili in the Instant Pot couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner:

Sauté Chicken:

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil.

Add chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides.

Pressure Cook Chicken:

Turn off Sauté mode, add 1 cup of chicken broth, and secure the lid.

Set the pressure valve to Sealing. Press Manual and cook for 10 minutes.

Once done, do a quick release of pressure. 

Add Remaining Ingredients:

Add the remaining 4 cups of chicken broth, onion, garlic, green chiles, navy beans, garlic salt, seasoned salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to blend.

Cook Chili:

Secure the lid, set the pressure valve to Sealing, and press Manual for 15 minutes.

After cooking, let it sit for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.

Shred Chicken and Add Cream/Cheese:

Remove the chicken breasts, shred them, and put the shredded chicken back in the pot.

Stir in cream, cream cheese and shredded cheese until melted. Stir in chopped cilantro.

Serve:

Serve the chili with fresh lime, chips, sour cream, onions, and extra cheese if desired.

That’s it! You’ll have a rich, creamy chili in no time.

Can You Use Frozen Chicken for White Chicken Chili?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe, (and it’s a great option for nights when you forget to thaw your fresh chicken breasts). Simply increase the pressure cooking time by  5-10 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken breast) to make sure the chicken is fully cooked.

The Instant Pot does a fantastic job of cooking frozen chicken breasts quickly without drying them out. 

How Long is the Cook Time for Creamy White Chicken Chili?

The total cook time for this Instant Pot white chicken chili is around 45 minutes, with 25-30 minutes of active pressure cooking. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure, but once it does, the chicken and beans will cook in no time.

If you already have cooked chicken, the process will go even faster!

What are the Best Toppings for White Chicken Chili?

A good chili is all about the toppings, and Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is no exception. Here are some delicious toppings to level up your dinner:

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds extra creaminess and balances the spices.
• Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy chili. (I love the blue corn chips from Aldi!)
• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese adds richness.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture.
• Extra Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish with its vibrant flavor.
• Lime:  A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick that brightens the entire dish. 

You Will Love This Easy Instant Pot Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity, speed, and delicious flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just trying to get dinner on the table without a lot of hands-on effort, this creamy white chicken chili will become a staple in your kitchen.

More Easy to Make Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Beef Chili

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Instant Pot Green Beans with Bacon

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin