Quick & Easy White Chicken Chili with Hominy: Your Ultimate Pantry Meal

This White Chicken Chili with Hominy is a comforting, hearty dish that requires minimal effort! It’s one of the easiest meals you’ll ever prepare, using readily available pantry staples to create a profoundly flavorful and satisfying dish in just 20 minutes.

Life can get incredibly hectic, leaving little time or energy to whip up an elaborate meal. On such demanding days, I often find myself reaching for reliable, incredibly simple recipes that don’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Dishes like Mexican tuna salad or avocado tostadas are frequent saviors. Today, however, we’re diving into a recipe that has become a true weeknight hero in my kitchen: this delicious and incredibly quick White Chicken Chili with Hominy.

The inspiration for this beloved chili recipe comes from a friend who shared her version with me over a decade ago. Over the years, I’ve tinkered and tweaked, making subtle modifications to perfect the balance of flavors and textures. The result is a wonderfully comforting chicken soup, generously laden with tender, juicy white beans, bursts of chewy hominy, and just the right hint of smoky spice from green chiles. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and exciting with every spoonful.

Despite my personal touches, the core essence of that original, brilliant recipe remains untouched: its reliance on humble, mostly canned pantry ingredients. This ensures that you can create an incredibly quick and nutritious meal without a last-minute dash to the grocery store. What truly elevates this simple dish from a mere weeknight meal to a potential showstopper are the garnishes. A thoughtfully chosen array of toppings, which I’ll list at the end of this post, transforms this humble chili into an inviting and vibrant culinary experience. So, let me guide you through the effortless steps to bring this comforting White Chicken Chili with Hominy to your table.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy White Chicken Chili

• Hearty and Delicious: This chili isn’t just filling; it’s a symphony of comforting flavors. The succulent chicken, creamy white beans, unique chewy hominy, smoky green chiles, and aromatic spices come together to create a deeply satisfying and utterly delicious bowl of warmth. It’s a meal that truly nourishes the soul, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a hug in a bowl.
• Incredibly Easy to Make: I truly cannot overstate how simple this recipe is. It’s genuinely one of the easiest and most stress-free meals I know how to prepare. The process involves minimal chopping – just an onion and some garlic – followed by simply opening a few cans and combining their contents in a single pot. This means less prep, less cooking time, and fewer dishes, making it an ideal choice for even the busiest cooks or those just starting their culinary journey.
• Budget-Friendly: One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its affordability. The vast majority of ingredients are common pantry staples like canned chicken, beans, and hominy, which are not only inexpensive but also easy to find at any grocery store. Opting for this homemade chili helps you save money compared to takeout or more complex recipes, proving that delicious and nutritious meals don’t have to break the bank.
• Perfect for Weeknights: When dinner needs to be on the table fast, this chili delivers. Ready in approximately 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s the ultimate solution for those busy weekday evenings when time is of the essence. You can enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, allowing you more time to relax and unwind.
• Great for Leftovers & Meal Prepping: This chili is a fantastic candidate for leftovers; in fact, many find its flavors deepen and improve the next day. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the following day or for simple meal prepping. Feel free to double the recipe to ensure you have plenty for future meals, saving you even more time later in the week.

For more delicious and authentic recipes featuring hominy, be sure to explore our Pozole Blanco or the rich and flavorful Slow Cooker Menudo.

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

• Canned Chicken or Rotisserie Chicken: The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Canned chicken is incredibly convenient and a true pantry hero, allowing you to get dinner on the table in record time. Simply drain it and break up any large pieces with a spoon. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken offers a slightly richer flavor and is another excellent time-saving option. Both work wonderfully, so choose what best suits your schedule and preference. If you have leftover cooked chicken at hand, that works perfectly too!
• White Beans: For this chili, creamy cannellini beans or smaller, slightly sweeter Great Northern beans are ideal. Cannellini beans provide a wonderfully smooth, earthy base, while Great Northern beans add a delicate sweetness and firmer texture. You can use either one exclusively or a combination of both for a more complex bean profile. For those who enjoy their distinct flavor, garbanzo beans (chickpeas) can also be a delicious substitute, adding a nuttier note. Always remember to drain and rinse your canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility.
• White Hominy: Hominy is a truly unique ingredient made from dried corn kernels that have undergone a special process called nixtamalization, then rehydrated. This process gives hominy a distinct chewy texture and a subtle, earthy corn flavor that is different from regular sweet corn. It adds an authentic, hearty element to the chili that perfectly complements the other ingredients. While white hominy is traditional for this dish, yellow hominy can be used if white is unavailable, though it will slightly alter the color and intensity of the corn flavor.
• Green Chiles: The type of green chile you choose significantly impacts the flavor profile of your chili. Roasted Hatch, Pueblo, or Anaheim chiles are highly recommended for their robust, smoky, and slightly spicy notes. Roasting fresh chiles at home enhances their flavor depth; click here to learn how to roast chiles. You can roast a batch, peel them, and freeze them for future use in recipes like this one. If fresh isn’t an option, look for frozen roasted green chiles, which are increasingly available in the freezer section of many grocery stores, or order them online from specialized retailers like The Hatch Chile Store. As a last resort, canned green chiles can be used, but be aware that they tend to have a less vibrant and robust flavor compared to fresh or frozen roasted varieties.
• Chicken Broth: A good quality chicken broth forms the flavorful base of your chili. Opt for store-bought low-sodium chicken broth to better control the overall saltiness of your dish. If you have homemade chicken broth or bone broth available, these will, of course, provide an even richer and more complex flavor. Bone broth, in particular, adds extra depth and nutritional benefits.
• Onion and Garlic: These essential aromatics are the building blocks of flavor in many savory dishes, and this chili is no exception. Sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant creates a deeply savory foundation, adding layers of complexity to the broth that truly make the chili sing. Don’t skip this step, as it’s crucial for developing that delicious, homemade taste.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise quantities and measurements.

1. Gather and Prepare Ingredients: Start by opening all your canned ingredients – the chicken, white beans, and hominy. Make sure to drain them thoroughly. It’s crucial to rinse the beans and hominy under cold running water to remove excess sodium and any starchy residue, which results in a cleaner tasting chili.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or a Dutch oven, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for 3-5 minutes until they become soft, translucent, and wonderfully fragrant. This step is essential for building the foundational flavor of your chili.
3. Add Chicken: Introduce the drained canned chicken to the pot. If you’re using canned chicken breast, it often comes in larger chunks, so use the back of your spoon or a fork to break up any big pieces into smaller, bite-sized shreds. If using pre-cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken, simply add it to the pot.





4. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Now, add the drained and rinsed white beans and hominy to the pot. Stir in the diced green chiles and pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Season and Simmer: Season the chili with ground cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes. This simmering time is crucial as it allows all the delicious flavors to meld and deepen.
6. Taste and Serve: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or cumin depending on your preference. While the chili is simmering, prepare your desired garnishes. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve This Comforting Chili

While this White Chicken Chili with Hominy is wonderfully satisfying on its own, I firmly believe that the right garnishes can elevate it to an entirely new level, adding layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here are my top recommendations for topping each serving:

• A Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast that perfectly balances the chili’s warmth and spice.
• A Sprinkle of Freshly Diced Cilantro: Offers a bright, fresh herbaceousness that lifts the entire dish.
• Shredded White Cheese: Think Monterey Jack, Muenster, Chihuahua, or Oaxaca cheese for a melty, savory addition.
• A Splash of Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime provides a zesty, acidic kick that brightens all the flavors.
• Crumbled Tortilla Chips: For that essential crunch and a salty counterpoint. For an extra special touch, try lime-flavored tortilla chips – they add an unexpected zing that you won’t regret!
• For a Spicy Kick: Add sliced pickled jalapeños and a little of their briny juice. This offers a delightful heat and tangy flavor.
• Avocado Slices or Guacamole: For a creamy, rich texture and healthy fats.

Storage and Reheating Made Easy

This White Chicken Chili is not only delicious freshly made but also fantastic as leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy it for days to come:

• Storing: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a pot over low to medium heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating until it’s warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between, until piping hot.
• Adjusting Consistency: If your chili seems a bit too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

Expert Tips and Delicious Variations

• Chicken Choices: While canned or rotisserie chicken offers ultimate convenience, you can easily use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. For a quick homemade option, consider preparing a batch of Instant Pot shredded chicken to keep in your fridge or freezer, ready for this chili or other recipes. Cooked turkey is also a fantastic substitute, especially after Thanksgiving.
• Customizing Spice Levels: The amount of green chiles in the recipe provides a mild to medium heat. If you crave more heat, feel free to add an extra chile or two, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. For those who prefer less spice, use fewer chiles or take the time to remove the seeds and veins from your chiles, as these parts contain the most capsaicin (the compound responsible for heat).
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Transforming this into a vegetarian delight is simple. Omit the chicken entirely and increase the quantity of white beans or hominy to maintain the hearty texture. Be sure to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it fully plant-based. You can also add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Creamy Texture: For an even creamier chili, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream, a dollop of cream cheese, or a splash of full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) just before serving. This adds a luxurious richness that’s incredibly comforting.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating finely diced carrots, celery, or corn kernels (frozen or canned) along with the other ingredients. Add them during the simmering stage to ensure they cook through.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Chicken Chili

Can I substitute white hominy for something else?

Yes, while white hominy offers a unique texture and a distinct, mild corn flavor that is traditional for this chili, you can make substitutions. You can use yellow hominy if white is unavailable, which might impart a slightly different color and a bit more pronounced corn flavor. Alternatively, you could use regular canned or frozen corn kernels for a similar sweetness and pop of color, though the texture will be softer and less chewy than hominy. Keep in mind that hominy’s nixtamalized corn flavor is quite specific, so any substitute will result in a slightly different overall profile.

What’s the difference between white chicken chili and regular chili?

The primary differences between white chicken chili and traditional “red” chili lie in their main ingredients and flavor profiles. Regular chili, often called red chili, typically features red kidney beans, ground beef (or other red meat), tomatoes (or tomato-based sauces), and a rich blend of chili powders and red chiles. It’s known for its deep, savory, and often smoky flavor with a reddish hue. White chicken chili, on the other hand, is characterized by its use of white beans (like cannellini or Great Northern), shredded chicken, and green chiles (such as Hatch or Anaheim). It tends to have a lighter color and a brighter, often tangier, and more herbaceous flavor profile, with the smoky notes coming from the green chiles rather than red chili powder. Both are comforting and hearty, but offer distinct culinary experiences.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This White Chicken Chili is an excellent dish for making ahead. In fact, many people find that the flavors meld and deepen beautifully after a day or two in the refrigerator, making it even more delicious. Prepare the chili as directed, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this White Chicken Chili with Hominy recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free chicken broth. Most canned beans, hominy, chicken, and chiles are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check the labels of your chicken broth and any canned ingredients to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten-containing additives, especially if you have severe gluten sensitivities.

What kind of pot should I use for this chili?

A heavy-bottomed pot, such as a Dutch oven, is ideal for making this chili. The heavy construction of a Dutch oven distributes heat evenly, preventing sticking and ensuring a gentle, consistent simmer that helps the flavors develop beautifully. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, any large, sturdy pot with a lid will work perfectly well.

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this incredibly easy and flavorful White Chicken Chili with Hominy! If you give this recipe a try, please take a moment to leave me a commentbelow with a star rating – your feedback is greatly appreciated. Also, make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay connected and discover more delicious recipes. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for all the latest updates and culinary inspiration!

Originally published March 24, 2020. Updated post and photos January 2024.