Healthy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Healthy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a hearty, protein-rich meal made with tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, green chiles, and bold spices. Made entirely in the pressure cooker, it’s a nutritious and cozy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Flavorful: Ready in under an hour with deep, slow-simmered flavor thanks to the Instant Pot.
• Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and fiber without heavy cream or excessive fat.
• One-Pot Convenience: No need for multiple dishes—everything cooks in the Instant Pot.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt to your preferred spice level or dietary needs.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (great northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: avocado, Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, jalapeños

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics
   Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, green chiles, and spices. Cook for 1 more minute.
2. Add Chicken and Broth
   Place chicken breasts in the pot. Pour in chicken broth and add a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Pressure Cook
   Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Manual (or Pressure Cook) for 15 minutes on high pressure.
4. Quick Release and Shred Chicken
   Once cooking is complete, carefully turn the valve to Venting for a quick release. Remove the chicken and shred with two forks.
5. Finish the Chili
   Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the white beans, lime juice, and cilantro. Let it simmer on the Keep Warm setting for 5–10 minutes to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Pressure Build/Release Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Extra Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup Greek yogurt or light cream cheese after cooking.
• Spicier: Add a diced jalapeño with the onion or increase cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken, use veggie broth, and add more beans or diced tofu.
• Add Corn: Stir in 1 cup corn kernels for sweetness and texture.
• Thicker Texture: Blend ½ cup of the beans before adding to the pot.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, just increase the pressure cooking time to 17–18 minutes. No need to thaw.

What beans work best?

Great northern or cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture and mild flavor.

How can I thicken the chili?

Mash some of the beans or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or blended beans.

Is this chili spicy?

It’s mildly spiced. Adjust cayenne or add diced jalapeños to increase heat.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Just skip any optional dairy-based toppings or cream additions.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

Make it in a slow cooker (6–7 hours on low) or on the stovetop (simmer for 30–40 minutes).

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it stores and reheats very well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. They’ll be just as flavorful and slightly juicier.

How do I serve it?

With toppings like avocado, tortilla strips, or Greek yogurt. It also pairs well with cornbread or a green salad.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as you don’t exceed the max fill line in your Instant Pot.

Conclusion

Healthy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, a meal prep staple, or a crowd-pleasing game day option, this chili is sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum taste.

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