White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe 🍲

Craving a hearty, warm, and comforting dish? This White Bean Chicken Chili is the answer! It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and flavorful spices that make every bite deliciously comforting. 🌶️🥣 Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes.

This chili is perfect for those cold days when you want something filling yet easy to make. The creamy white beans paired with lean chicken make it a healthier version of traditional chili, while the seasonings bring a satisfying warmth.

Let’s dive right into this amazing recipe! 😋

Why You’ll Love This White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe 🌟

✅ Rich and Creamy – The combination of white beans and chicken gives this chili a velvety texture.
✅ Packed with Protein – Lean chicken breast and white beans provide a great protein boost.
✅ Full of Flavor – With the right mix of spices and ingredients, each spoonful is bursting with taste.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – You can make a large batch and enjoy it all week.
✅ Easily Customizable – Adjust the spice level and ingredients to fit your tastes.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions 🛒

To make this White Bean Chicken Chili, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

🐔 For the Chili:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cans (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans) – Drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, chopped 🧅
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced 🌶️
• 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium preferred 🐓
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika – For a smoky flavor
• 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing

🧀 Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese 🧀 (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
• Sour cream 🥄
• Chopped cilantro 🌿
• Sliced jalapeños 🌶️
• Lime wedges 🍋

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

• Chicken Thighs – Use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
• Vegetarian Option – Skip the chicken and use extra beans, adding a bit of extra vegetable broth.
• Spicy Kick – Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Creamy Chili – Stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamier texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions 👨‍🍳

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for now.

💡 Pro Tip: To save time, you can cook the chicken in advance and shred it later.

🔥 Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. This step is important as it brings out the flavors of the vegetables, giving the chili a delicious base.

🔥 Step 3: Add the Spices and Broth

Now, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.

Then, add the chicken broth and green chilies. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a simmer.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans with a fork or potato masher before adding them in.

🔥 Step 4: Add the Chicken and Beans

Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, along with the rinsed white beans. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken and beans are well-coated with the broth and spices. Let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

🔥 Step 5: Adjust the Consistency

Check the consistency of the chili. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more chicken broth. If you like it thicker, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce.

💡 Pro Tip: For an even creamier texture, you can add a small amount of cream cheese or sour cream to the chili at this point.

🔥 Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Give the chili a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you prefer a bolder flavor.

🔥 Step 7: Serve and Top!

Once your chili has reached the perfect consistency, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños make great additions. A squeeze of lime adds a nice, zesty finish.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a complete meal!

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This White Bean Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate your meal:

• With Rice: Serve it over a bowl of rice for a hearty meal.
• In Tortillas: Spoon the chili into warm tortillas for chili wraps.
• Topped with Avocado: Add some creamy avocado slices on top for a fresh contrast.
• Chili Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and toppings for a fun twist!

Storage & Reheating 🧊

📦 Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover White Bean Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and taste even better the next day! 😍

For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Reheat the chili in a pot over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for a few hours if you prefer to use a slow cooker.

💡 Pro Tip: This chili tastes great after being frozen and reheated, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

Can I Make This Chili in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! You can easily convert this recipe into a slow cooker dish. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Can I Use Canned Chicken for This Recipe?

While you can use canned chicken in a pinch, fresh chicken gives the best texture and flavor. However, if using canned chicken, just add it along with the beans and broth in Step 4.

Is This Chili Spicy?

This White Bean Chicken Chili has a mild heat from the green chilies and chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. If you like it spicier, add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper!

Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra beans or even some diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

How Can I Make This Chili Creamier?

If you like a creamy chili, stir in a bit of sour cream or heavy cream toward the end of cooking. You can also add cream cheese to give it a rich, velvety texture.

Conclusion – A Comforting, Hearty Meal 🍽️

This White Bean Chicken Chili is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves comforting, flavorful dishes! With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and zesty spices, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a crowd.

You can adjust the flavors to suit your preferences, and it’s easy to make in advance or freeze for later. Whether you serve it with bread, over rice, or with your favorite toppings, this chili will be a hit at the dinner table!

Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this delicious dish. Let me know how it turns out! 😍🔥