White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

This White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and sweet corn in a flavorful broth. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this chili stands out with its rich flavors and easy preparation, making it a favorite for many.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious chili ready in under an hour.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a vibrant and satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Options: Customize your bowl with toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cheese to suit everyone’s taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this dish is both nutritious and filling.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make this White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe efficiently, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering and ensuring even cooking of all ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic quick and easy, saving you time in the kitchen.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients safely.

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.

Main Ingredients

• 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)
• 2 cans green chiles
• 1½ cups canned (drained) 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
• Chopped cilantro, optional

How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. This step prepares your pot for sautéing the chicken and onions.

Step 2: Cook Chicken and Onions

Add the cubed chicken breast and diced onion to the pot. Sauté them together until:
1. The chicken is no longer pink.
2. The onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic after cooking the chicken and onions for about 30 seconds. This will enhance the flavor of your chili.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add all other ingredients except for the heavy cream into the pot. Stir everything together to ensure an even mix.

Step 5: Simmer

Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Add Cream

Remove from heat once done simmering. Stir in the heavy cream along with chopped cilantro if desired.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot with optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, cilantro, cheese, or tortilla chips for added flavor!

Enjoy your delightful bowl of White Bean Chicken Chili!

How to Serve White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Serving your white bean chicken chili is just as important as making it. A well-served dish enhances the dining experience and brings out the flavors of your chili.

With Toppings

• Avocado – Sliced or diced avocado adds a creamy texture that complements the chili.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream balances the heat and richness of the dish.
• Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro provides a burst of freshness and color.
• Shredded Cheese – Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on top, adding a savory element.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the chili and adding a delightful crunch.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowls – Serve your chili in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and delicious presentation.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Rice – Serving the chili over cooked rice makes for a filling meal.
• Quinoa – Quinoa adds protein and gives a nutty flavor that pairs well with the chili.

How to Perfect White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Creating the perfect white bean chicken chili requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition, making your chili taste vibrant.
• Adjust Spices – Tailor spices according to your taste preference; feel free to add more cumin or chili powder for extra kick.
• Simmer Longer for Flavor – Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen flavors; just be careful not to let it boil too vigorously.
• Add Cream at the End – Stirring in heavy cream at the end keeps it rich without curdling during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your white bean chicken chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread – This slightly sweet bread contrasts nicely with savory chili flavors.
2. Garden Salad – A light, fresh salad balances out the richness of the chili.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Smoky grilled veggies add another layer of flavor to your meal.
4. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes allow you to enjoy both toppings and chili together.
5. Rice Pilaf – A herbed rice pilaf provides additional texture and taste that complements the dish.
6. Guacamole – This creamy dip offers great contrast and pairs perfectly with tortilla chips alongside your chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your white bean chicken chili recipe, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Failing to sauté the chicken and onion can lead to a bland dish. Always cook these until they are fragrant and slightly golden.
• Not Using Enough Spice: Under-seasoning your chili can make it taste flat. Be generous with spices like cumin and chili powder for depth of flavor.
• Ignoring the Cream: Adding cream too early can cause it to separate. Stir it in at the end for a smooth and creamy texture.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap canned beans or broth can affect taste. Opt for high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Overcooking the Chili: Cooking too long can mushy the beans. Simmer just until heated through to maintain texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this white bean chicken chili recipe:

Can I make this white bean chicken chili recipe spicy?

Yes, you can add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños to increase heat levels.

How do I thicken my white bean chicken chili?

For a thicker consistency, mash some beans or add a cornstarch slurry during cooking.

What other toppings work well with this white bean chicken chili recipe?

Consider avocado, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips as delightful toppings.

Can I use different beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with black beans or pinto beans if desired.

Final Thoughts

This white bean chicken chili recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort that’s sure to please!

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

📖 Recipe Card

Print

White Bean Chicken Chili

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy white beans, and sweet corn, simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for any occasion, this dish offers warmth and comfort, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a flavorful meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. Customize your chili with toppings like avocado or cheese to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy this hearty bowl of goodness that not only satisfies the taste buds but also nourishes the body.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

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 onions are translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Stir in green chiles, corn, beans, chicken broth, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
5. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
7. Serve hot with optional toppings like avocado or sour cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg