White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

This white bean chicken chili recipe is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or meal prep for the week, this chili is both satisfying and nutritious. With tender chicken, creamy beans, and a delightful spice blend, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich in Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a deliciously rich taste that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or dress it up with your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili supports a healthy lifestyle while being extremely satisfying.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this chili tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools to make the preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering and developing flavors; its heavy base ensures even cooking.
• Sharp knife: Essential for quick and safe chopping of onions and garlic, speeding up prep time.
• Measuring spoons: Help achieve accurate measurements of spices for balanced flavor.

Ingredients

This white bean chicken chili recipe is a delicious blend of tender chicken, creamy beans, sweet corn, and a flavorful broth and spice blend.

For the Base

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed to ½-1 inch pieces
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 Tablespoons minced garlic, (about 3 small cloves)

For the Chili

• 2 cans green chiles
• 1½ cups canned (drained) or frozen corn
• 2 (15.9-ounce) cans great northern beans, drained
• 3 cups chicken broth

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

For Creaminess

• ½ cup heavy cream

Optional Toppings

• Chopped cilantro

How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken and Onion

Add the cubed chicken breast and diced onion. Sauté until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add green chiles, corn, great northern beans, chicken broth, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir everything together well.

Step 5: Simmer

Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Add Cream

Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream until well blended for extra creaminess.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot with optional toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, cheese, or tortilla chips for added texture.

Enjoy your warm bowl of white bean chicken chili!

How to Serve White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Serving your white bean chicken chili can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your meal.

Toppings

• Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add a rich texture and balance the spices in the chili.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the chili’s warmth.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some cheese on top for added creaminess and flavor.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch alongside each spoonful.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread pairs perfectly with the chili’s flavors and adds comfort.
• Rice: A side of fluffy rice can soak up the broth, making for a hearty meal.
• Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.

How to Perfect White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Perfecting your white bean chicken chili is all about technique and ingredient selection. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Sauté properly: Make sure to sauté the onions until they are translucent; this builds a flavorful base for your chili.
• Adjust spice levels: Taste as you go! You can always add more cumin or chili powder to suit your palate.
• Simmer gently: Allow the chili to simmer without boiling; this helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
• Incorporate garnishes wisely: Add toppings just before serving for optimal freshness and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Choosing the right side dishes can complement your white bean chicken chili wonderfully. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the spiciness of the chili.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds texture and absorbs extra broth beautifully.
3. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens lightens up the meal and adds crunch.
4. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth of your chili.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide added nutrients and flavors that pair well with chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with butter or sour cream as a hearty side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes is key to making a perfect White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the chicken and onion adds flavor to your chili. Don’t skip this step to ensure a rich taste.
• Not draining canned beans: Leaving excess liquid in canned beans can make your chili too watery. Always drain and rinse them before adding.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dryness. Cook just until it’s no longer pink for tender pieces.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tastes vary, so don’t hesitate to adjust salt and spices based on your preference. Taste as you go!
• Forgetting about toppings: Toppings enhance the overall experience of your chili. Consider adding avocado, cilantro, or cheese for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before sealing for best results.

Freezing White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Divide into portions for easy thawing and reheating.

Reheating White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer chili to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in one-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing this White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe:

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or homemade broth for a lighter flavor. Just ensure it complements the other ingredients well.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level according to your taste.

How can I customize my White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out chicken for turkey or beef if desired.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This chili is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors develop even more after sitting overnight.

Final Thoughts

This White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe is both delicious and versatile. It offers a comforting blend of flavors that can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try today and enjoy all the delightful variations!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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White Bean Chicken Chili

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Warm up with this easy and flavorful White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a delightful blend of spices to create a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Packed with protein and fiber, this chili supports a healthy lifestyle while being incredibly satisfying. Enjoy it on its own or add your favorite toppings for an extra touch. Make a big batch for meal prep; the flavors only get better with time!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound cubed chicken breast
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 cans green chiles
• 1½ cups canned or frozen corn
• 2 (15.9-ounce) cans great northern beans, drained
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Sauté cubed chicken and diced onion until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion is translucent.
3. Add minced garlic; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in green chiles, corn, beans, chicken broth, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Mix well.
5. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Remove from heat; stir in heavy cream until blended.
7. Serve hot with optional toppings like avocado or cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg