Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying meal that comes together in no time, you’ve found it with this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe! This dish has quickly become one of my go-to favorites for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and hearty, making it great for chilly evenings or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the Instant Pot, you can whip up a delicious bowl of chili that everyone will love. Plus, clean-up is a breeze! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something comforting, this chili will hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 55 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy days.
- Family-Friendly: The mild spice level means even little ones can enjoy it without tears!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this chili ahead of time and reheat it for an effortless dinner option.
- Flavorful and Filling: With tender chicken, beans, corn, and jalapenos, each bite is packed with flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe calls for some simple, wholesome items that you likely already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
For the Chili
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 15 oz cans of black beans (drained)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 15 oz creamed corn (with juices)
- 1 cup salsa (Rotel or Diced Tomatoes)
- 2 small diced jalapeños (or 1 Tbsp of chopped pickled jalapenos)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (cut into fours)
Variations
One of the best things about this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is how flexible it is! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Swap the protein: Substitute chicken with turkey or even white beans for a vegetarian option.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrition.
- Change up the beans: Use pinto beans or chickpeas instead of black beans for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch!
How to Make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Pour in your choice of water or chicken broth, then sprinkle with salt. This step is essential as it infuses flavor right into the chicken while cooking.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Next, add in your drained black beans, diced onion, creamed corn (with juices), salsa, jalapeños, chili powder, cayenne pepper, ranch dressing, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Mixing these ingredients together creates a wonderful base filled with flavors that meld beautifully during cooking.
Step 3: Cook Under Pressure
Seal your Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. This crucial step allows all those delicious flavors to combine while fully cooking the chicken until tender. Don’t worry; once it’s done cooking, you’ll let out the pressure naturally for about 10 minutes before releasing any remaining steam.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir everything together well. The texture should be creamy and inviting—perfectly ready to serve!
Enjoy your hearty bowl of Instant Pot White Chicken Chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or fresh cilantro. It’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Making this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a breeze, especially with these handy tips to help you achieve the best flavor and texture!
-
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the taste of your chili. Opt for fresh jalapeños instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor.
-
Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit the cayenne pepper. You can always add more spice later if desired!
-
Don’t skip the cream cheese: Adding cream cheese gives the chili a rich and creamy texture. Make sure to cut it into smaller pieces so it melts evenly throughout the dish.
-
Let it rest after cooking: Allowing the chili to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps all the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing every bite.
-
Customize your beans: While black beans are delicious, feel free to mix in other varieties like pinto or white beans for added texture and nutrition.
How to Serve Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Serving this delightful chili is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present your dish in style.
Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh and zesty touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Diced avocado: Creamy avocado provides a cool balance to the spices in your chili.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up each bowl, enhancing the overall taste.
Side Dishes
- Cornbread: This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili. Its sweetness contrasts nicely with the spiciness.
- Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips make for a great side, offering texture and an avenue for scooping up that creamy goodness.
- Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in a vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the richness of the chili.
- Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa can turn it into a heartier meal while adding extra nutrients.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a delightful bowl of Instant Pot White Chicken Chili! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep for busy days ahead, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week. You can store leftovers or even freeze portions for later, ensuring you have a hearty dish ready whenever you need it!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Let the chili cool down before portioning.
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe:
Can I use frozen chicken in this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe?
Yes! You can cook frozen chicken breasts directly in your Instant Pot. Just increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes, and make sure to check that they reach a safe internal temperature.
How spicy is the Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe?
This recipe is mildly spicy due to the jalapeños and chili powder. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce or omit the jalapeños altogether.
Can I substitute other beans in this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans based on your preference.
What can I serve with my Instant Pot White Chicken Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad. You could also top it with avocado slices or shredded cheese for extra flavor!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili! Its creamy texture and delightful blend of flavors make it a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or serving up a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every spoonful, and feel free to share your experiences with me!
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This creamy, spicy chili comes together effortlessly thanks to the Instant Pot, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal in just 55 minutes. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome black beans, sweet creamed corn, and zesty jalapeños, each spoonful is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or meal prep option, this dish is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans (drained)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 15 oz creamed corn (with juices)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 small diced jalapeños
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (cut into fours)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and pour in water or broth; sprinkle with salt.
- Add drained black beans, diced onion, creamed corn, salsa, jalapeños, chili powder, cayenne pepper, ranch dressing, heavy cream, and cream cheese.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
- Remove chicken and shred it with forks; return to the pot and stir well before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 245g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
