White chicken chili is a lighter-colored variation of chili made with shredded or diced chicken, white beans, and mild green chiles in place of beef, tomatoes, and red chili powder. It's a specific case of the broader white chili, which may use chicken or turkey; when chicken is the protein, it's called white chicken chili.
The dish is associated with the American Southwest and Tex-Mex cooking, developed as a milder alternative to classic chili con carne. Boneless chicken breast or thighs are simmered in a chicken-broth base with white beans (often cannellini or Great Northern), onions, garlic, and mild chiles such as Anaheim, Hatch, or poblano, seasoned with cumin and oregano.
It's typically finished with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips, and served with cornbread or rice. Some versions thicken the broth with a roux or cornstarch for a creamier, more stew-like consistency.