Irresistible White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a hearty white bean chicken chili brings warmth to chilly evenings and comfort to your dinner table.

Fragrant spices dance through tender meat and creamy legumes, creating a symphony of flavors that awakens hungry souls.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that satisfies deep cravings and nourishes with every spoonful.

Chili lovers appreciate how simple components can transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Weeknight cooking becomes a delightful adventure when you embrace this quick and delectable recipe.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement as the aroma fills every corner.

Rich, inviting, and packed with protein, this dish beckons you to grab a ladle and savor each delicious bite.

Why White Bean Chicken Chili Is A Cozy Favorite

• Quickly Craft a Flavor Explosion: This white chicken chili delivers an incredible taste experience with layers of spices, creating a mouthwatering meal that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: Simple chopping and sautéing techniques make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, allowing you to create a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated steps.
• Versatile Comfort Food Champion: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings, this chili adapts beautifully to different occasions and pleases crowds with its creamy, hearty profile.
• Nutrition Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from chicken, beans provide essential nutrients, making this a wholesome meal that supports balanced eating without sacrificing incredible flavor.

What Goes Into White Bean Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh poultry cut into bite-sized pieces for tender and uniform cooking.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavor foundation for the chili.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and deepens the overall taste of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a rich, luxurious texture and softens the bold spice profile.
• Green Chiles: Introduces a mild heat and additional complexity to the chili.

• White Beans: Adds protein, texture, and absorbs the rich, spiced broth.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Oregano: Spices that contribute depth and traditional chili flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Creates a non-stick surface and adds a subtle flavor to the base.

• Fresh Cilantro: Provides a bright, herbal finish to the completed dish.

How To Make White Bean Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and release their sweet fragrance. Toss in minced garlic to create a flavor foundation.

Step 2: Build Spice Layer

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to toast the spices and develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 3: Cook Chicken Pieces

Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized chunks. Add to the pot and cook until the exterior turns white and starts to brown, which takes about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Create Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth and diced green chiles. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Step 5: Slow Simmer

Let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook completely and flavors to blend harmoniously.

Step 6: Incorporate Beans

Drain and rinse white beans. Fold them into the simmering chili and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, letting the beans absorb the spiced broth.

Step 7: Add Creamy Finish

Stir in heavy cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture that softens the chili’s bold flavors.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the chili into serving bowls. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a bright, herbal finish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips For White Bean Chicken Chili Success

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality chicken breasts and crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and tender meat texture.
• Spice Balancing Act: Adjust spice levels by gradually adding chili powder and cumin, tasting as you go to create your perfect heat intensity.
• Bean Preparation Pro: Rinse canned white beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner taste and better texture.
• Cream Stirring Technique: Add heavy cream slowly and stir gently to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth, silky consistency in the chili.
• Meal Prep Magic: This white chicken chili stores beautifully in refrigerator for 3-4 days, with flavors developing and intensifying overnight.

Ways To Change Up White Bean Chicken Chili

• Vegetarian White Bean Chili: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version packed with protein.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and include a dash of cayenne pepper for heat lovers seeking an extra kick.
• Low-Carb Lean Protein Option: Substitute white beans with cauliflower florets and use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-rich alternative.
• Green Chili Verde Style: Swap green chiles for tomatillos, add roasted poblano peppers, and use shredded chicken thighs for a more authentic Mexican-inspired chili experience.

Tasty Pairings With White Bean Chicken Chili

• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Refresh the palate with a cold, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona, cutting through the chili's rich, creamy texture.
• Complement with Zesty Cornbread: Bake a slightly sweet, golden cornbread with jalapeño bits to balance the chili's spicy undertones and provide a crumbly textural contrast.
• Serve with Tangy Lime Sour Cream: Whip up a quick condiment by mixing sour cream, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro, adding a bright, cool element to the hearty dish.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a citrusy vinaigrette to cut through the chili's richness and provide a fresh, crunchy side.

Storage Guide For White Bean Chicken Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 4 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating until thoroughly warmed.

Questions About White Bean Chicken Chili

• What ingredients make this white chicken chili unique?

The combination of white beans, green chiles, and heavy cream creates a creamy, zesty twist on traditional chili, offering a lighter and more delicate flavor profile compared to red meat-based versions.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level from green chiles and spices like chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make this chili healthier?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light coconut milk to reduce calories and fat. Using skinless chicken breast and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers can also boost nutritional value.

White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white bean chicken chili delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Southwest flavors with creamy texture. Spicy, rich ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last warming spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans (15 oz/425 g) white beans
• 1 large onion

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 4 cups (32 fl oz/946 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 can (4 oz/113 g) diced green chiles
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, preparing them for a flavor-packed chili base.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
3. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aromatics.
4. Incorporate minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring to toast the spices and develop deep flavors.
5. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform cooking and tender meat.
6. Add chicken to the pot, cooking until exterior turns white and begins to brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.
7. Pour in chicken broth and diced green chiles, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
8. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing chicken to cook completely and flavors to meld.
9. Drain and rinse white beans, then fold them into the simmering chili.
10. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, letting beans absorb the rich, spiced broth.
11. Stir in heavy cream, creating a luxurious, creamy texture and softening the chili’s bold flavors.
12. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
13. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and quicker cooking time.
• Toast spices briefly to enhance their aromatic compounds and deepen the chili’s overall flavor complexity.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to personal preference.
• For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg