White Chicken Chili Bake

White Chicken Chili Bake is a comforting, creamy casserole-style dish that transforms the flavors of classic white chicken chili into a cheesy, satisfying bake. Made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a creamy chili-spiced sauce, this hearty meal is topped with melty cheese and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s everything you love about white chili—only cozier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bake brings together the richness of a casserole with the bold, cozy flavor of white chicken chili. It’s easy to prepare, great for feeding a crowd, and perfect for make-ahead meals or freezer-friendly dinners. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings for added crunch and freshness.

ingredients

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

• Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• Canned white beans (drained and rinsed)
• Diced green chiles
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chicken broth
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, sautéed onion and garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with melted, golden cheese.
7. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with your favorite toppings before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Stir in corn, spinach, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Use pepper jack cheese and top with crushed tortilla chips.
• Low-Carb Version: Use fewer beans and add cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with more beans or a plant-based meat substitute.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions.
To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds flavor to the dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What beans work best?

Cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans all work well in this recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mild by default, but you can increase the heat by adding jalapeños or spicy chiles.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well and adds protein with less fat.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You can prepare the mixture and heat in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours, then transfer to the oven to melt and brown the cheese if desired.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and cooked before using in the recipe.

What sides go well with this?

Try a green salad, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

Can I add rice?

Yes, stir in 1–2 cups of cooked rice to make the bake more filling.

How do I keep the bake from drying out?

Don’t overbake, and be sure to use enough broth and creamy ingredients to keep it moist.

Conclusion

White Chicken Chili Bake is the ultimate cozy comfort food—a creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with classic chili flavors. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s simple to prepare and satisfying to serve, whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. With its rich flavor and easy versatility, this dish is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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