Hearty White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Chili nights just got a delightful makeover with this white bean chicken chili that brings comfort and zest to your dinner table.

Packed with tender chicken and creamy white beans, this recipe offers a hearty twist on traditional chili.

The blend of spices creates a warming sensation that dances across your palate with each spoonful.

Nutritious ingredients come together in a pot of pure deliciousness, promising a meal that satisfies and nourishes.

Perfectly balanced between bold flavors and comforting textures, this chili transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Grab a ladle and let this soul-warming dish become your new cold-weather favorite.

Serving White Bean Chili for Weeknight Dinners

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warming, satisfying meal that hugs your soul.
• Taco Tuesday Twist: Transform the chili into a filling for soft tortillas, topped with crisp lettuce and zesty salsa for a fun dinner variation.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in individual ramekins with tortilla chips for dipping, perfect for sports watching or casual gatherings with friends.
• Leftover Magic: Pack the chili in meal prep containers for a delicious lunch, which stays flavorful and reheats beautifully the next day.

Storing White Bean Chili for Future Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chili refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air before sealing. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chili in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What type of beans work best in this white bean chicken chili?

Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal due to their creamy texture and mild flavor, which blend perfectly with the chicken and spices.

• Can I make this chili spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to control heat. For more spice, add extra cayenne or include diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce or eliminate the cayenne.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, white bean chicken chili freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

Classic White Bean Chicken Chili Enjoyment

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delightful white bean chicken chili with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a hassle-free meal.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Enjoy a hearty, warming dish bursting with zesty spices and rich ingredients that create a deeply satisfying taste experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various dietary preferences, this chili works great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Nutrient-Rich Meal: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, this recipe offers a balanced, nutritious option that keeps you feeling full and energized.

Ingredients for a Satisfying White Bean Chili

• Chicken: Tender, cooked shredded meat that provides the primary protein for the chili.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes that add protein and hearty texture to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth and savory foundation for the chili.
• Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that creates a warm, complex flavor profile with a subtle heat.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall chicken flavor of the chili.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild, slightly tangy pepper flavor and additional complexity.
• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, rich texture and balances the spices.
• Shredded Cheese: Optional topping that adds richness and additional flavor.
• Cilantro, Jalapeños: Optional fresh garnishes that provide brightness and extra heat.

Instructions for Homemade White Bean Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat your pot and dance those chopped onions and minced garlic around until they turn soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavor into the cooking space.

Step 2: Combine Hearty Ingredients

• White beans
• Green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Let the chili bubble gently on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing each ingredient to whisper its deliciousness into the others.

Step 4: Create Creamy Comfort

Swirl in sour cream and sprinkle shredded cheese, stirring until the chili transforms into a velvety, warm embrace.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Ladle the chili into bowls and crown it with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, or an extra handful of cheese for a final flourish.

Kitchen Tips for White Bean Chili Success

• Toast cumin and chili powder in the pot before adding liquid to enhance their rich, complex taste.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat preference; start with less and add gradually.
• Use full-fat sour cream and stir gently to prevent separation, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
• Swap chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives like jackfruit for diverse dietary needs.
• Make extra batch and freeze in portions for convenient, ready-to-heat meals during busy weeks.

Flavor Swaps for White Bean Chicken Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced bell peppers, increase cayenne pepper, and incorporate fire-roasted green chilies for an intense southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Substitute white beans with riced cauliflower, reduce broth quantity, and add more protein-rich ingredients like ground turkey for a keto-friendly adaptation.
• Instant Pot Quick Chili: Modify recipe to use pressure cooker method, reducing cooking time to 10-15 minutes while maintaining rich, robust flavors.

White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty white bean chicken chili brings comfort straight from Mexican-inspired kitchens to your dinner table. Spicy, creamy goodness blends tender chicken, rich beans, and zesty seasonings you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern)
• 1 medium onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 cans (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies

Spices and Liquids:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Tortilla chips or strips
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté diced onions with minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, and all spices (cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper) into the pot, thoroughly mixing ingredients.
3. Elevate temperature and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop rich flavors for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Reduce heat and incorporate sour cream, gently stirring to create a smooth, creamy texture. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and chili reaches optimal temperature.
5. Transfer chili to serving bowls and embellish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or extra cheese for added zest and visual appeal. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that keeps the hearty texture and spicy flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling added salt, making this dish heart-friendly and diet-conscious.
• Create a meal-prep friendly recipe by preparing larger batches and freezing in individual portions for quick weeknight dinners.
• Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or extra beans, transforming this chili into a more nutrient-dense one-pot meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 231 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg