This white chicken chili is the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a big bowl and get cozy!
Blending a small portion of the beans into the broth gives it that thick, velvety consistency without adding extra dairy.
Green chilies and cumin bring a mellow heat, but a pinch of smoked paprika takes the depth up a notch.
I prefer to use homemade chicken stock whenever possible because it adds a richer, more well-rounded base.
Letting the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes helps everything come together, but an hour is even better.
A handful of fresh cilantro stirred in at the end adds just the right balance to the creaminess.
How to Make Ruby Tuesday White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
- 4 cups Chicken Stock
- 2 cans White Beans (15 oz. each)
- 2 Jalapeños (chopped)
- 1 cup Salsa
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Cilantro (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Simmer the white beans, half of the chopped onion, and half of the minced garlic in chicken stock for about 2 hours.
Stir occasionally until the beans are soft.
Step 2:
Once beans are softened, add shredded chicken and salsa to the simmering mixture.
Let it cook while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Step 3:
In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped jalapeños, remaining onion, remaining garlic, and spices until they are fragrant.
Add this mixture to the simmering pot.
Step 4:
Continue to simmer everything together for another hour to blend the flavors thoroughly.
Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5:
Serve hot with a topping of Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Softening Beans Faster
If you want to cut down the cooking time, use canned white beans instead of dried beans.
This can save you up to an hour.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeños to better suit your heat preferences.
If you want it spicier, just add an extra chopped jalapeño.
Adding Freshness
For some added freshness, consider garnishing with additional chopped cilantro just before serving.
It adds a pop of color and flavor.
Alternative Garnishes
If you prefer, you can substitute or add sliced avocado or lime wedges for an extra zing.
These small touches can enhance the dish to your taste.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The flavors often get even better the next day!
What to Serve with Ruby Tuesday White Chicken Chili
Cornbread
When it comes to serving Ruby Tuesday White Chicken Chili, cornbread is a traditional choice that never disappoints.
Its subtle sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory chili, and its dense texture makes it a hearty choice.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad can bring lightness to your meal while maintaining richness with its creamy dressing.
Crunchy croutons provide a nice textural contrast to the creamy beans in the chili.
Quesadillas
For a twist, warm up some quesadillas as a side dish with your chili.
They add a cheesy element that enhances the overall meal without overwhelming the palate.
Roasted Vegetables
If you’re looking for something a bit different, roasted vegetables could be a refreshing option.
The natural sweetness from roasting complements the spiciness of the chili, adding a nice variety to your meal.
Pickled Jalapeños
To spice things up a bit more, consider adding a side of pickled jalapeños.
They add a kick that goes hand in hand with the chili’s flavors and bring an extra dimension to the table.
Avocado Slices
For a fresh touch, slice up some ripe avocados as a creamy contrast to the chili.
The richness of the avocado balances the flavors beautifully and adds a buttery texture.
Coleslaw
A side of coleslaw can provide a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the warm chili.
Its tangy dressing and crisp texture add a refreshing contrast and help cleanse the palate between bites.
Variations and Substitutions
Using Different Beans
You can switch out great northern beans with cannellini or navy beans if that’s what you have on hand.
This small change keeps the dish creamy and delicious with the same thick texture.
Salsa Choices
Many people use tomato-based salsa, but salsa verde can add a brilliant new flavor dimension to your chili.
The combo of tomatillos and mild green chilies really spices things up in just the right way.
Spice Adjustments
Reducing the amount of chili powder can make the dish milder for those who prefer a less spicy option.
On the other hand, adding extra cumin can introduce a deeper, smokier flavor.
Vegetarian Options
Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to create a vegetarian twist.
Vegetable stock is a perfect swap for chicken stock to maintain all of that great flavor.
Cheese and Toppings
Try Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar for a subtle flavor difference when garnishing your chili.
Top it off with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Bring your own signature touch to this classic recipe!
How to Store Leftover Ruby Tuesday White Chicken Chili
Avoid wasting your delicious Ruby Tuesday white chicken chili by storing it properly!
Here’s how you can keep it fresh and ready for another meal.
Refrigerate
Place your leftover chili in an airtight container to prevent any air from getting in.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
This will help maintain its flavor and texture.
Freeze
If you’re not planning to eat it soon, freeze it for later enjoyment.
Once the chili has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
It can safely stay in the freezer for about three to four months.
Label and Date
Use a label to write the date you stored the chili.
This will help you remember how long it’s been in the fridge or freezer.
Having a clear date will make it easy to track its freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken
If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, adding it to the chili too early can make it dry and tough.
Wait until the last few minutes to mix it in, letting it warm without overcooking.
Skipping the Bean Blending
To achieve a thick and hearty texture, blend a portion of the beans.
It naturally thickens the chili, so don’t skip this step if you like it rich and creamy.
Neglecting to Stir
Stir the chili regularly to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
It also helps distribute the flavors evenly, ensuring every bite is perfect.

Ruby Tuesday White Chicken Chili Recipe
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
- 4 cups Chicken Stock
- 2 cans White Beans 15 oz. each
- 2 Jalapeños chopped
- 1 cup Salsa
- 1 Onion chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Cilantro chopped
- Simmer the white beans, half of the chopped onion, and half of the minced garlic in chicken stock for about 2 hours.
- Stir occasionally until the beans are soft.
- Once beans are softened, add shredded chicken and salsa to the simmering mixture.
- Let it cook while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped jalapeños, remaining onion, remaining garlic, and spices until they are fragrant.
- Add this mixture to the simmering pot.
- Continue to simmer everything together for another hour to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot with a topping of Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
- This dish can serve 6 people and requires about 10 minutes of preparation time.
- Total cooking time is approximately 3 hours.
- Ruth’s Chris Creamed Corn Recipe - March 8, 2025
- Hibachi vs Teriyaki: The 6 Differences You Need To Know - February 28, 2025
- Too Much Pepper? Here Are 7 Ways To Fix It - February 27, 2025