There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of chili, and if you haven’t yet tried this White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe, you’re truly missing out on a cozy, flavorful meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. This recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a perfect blend of spices, creating a lighter twist on classic chili that still packs a punch of bold taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a simple but delicious weeknight dinner, this White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe is sure to become a regular favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe plays a crucial role in building a balance of flavors, textures, and colors, making it an easy yet impressive dish. These essentials come together seamlessly to create a soup that is rich, savory, and bright, without requiring complicated steps or rare ingredients.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing, helping to soften the aromatics and infuse flavor.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down, creating an aromatic foundation.
- Garlic, minced: Brings warmth and a subtle bite that enhances the overall savory profile.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed: Tender protein that soaks up spices and ensures a filling meal.
- Diced green chilies: Offer a mild kick and bright color, boosting the chili’s character without overwhelming heat.
- White beans, drained and rinsed: Provide creaminess and substance, making the chili hearty and nutritious.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid that brings all the ingredients together in a hearty stew-like consistency.
- Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, warm depth that is signature to chili flavors.
- Chili powder: Lends smoky, slightly spicy notes that complement the chicken and beans.
- Dried oregano: Naturaly herbal, it brightens the mix and enhances the overall complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for creaminess and a mild tang that rounds out the chili.
- Juice of 1 lime: Adds a refreshing citrus lift that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Optional toppings like chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, diced avocado, and tortilla chips: These create personalized textures and bursts of flavor, making each bowl unique and exciting.
How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it unlocks the full flavor potential of the aromatics and lays a rich foundation for the chili.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken to the pot and stir frequently, allowing the pieces to brown on all sides. Browning enhances the flavor complexity of the chicken and gives the chili a lovely texture that you’ll notice in every bite.
Step 3: Build the Chili Base
Now it’s time to add the diced green chilies and the drained, rinsed white beans. Follow with the chicken broth and sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil; this step awakens the spices and marries all the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili gently simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow cook allows the chicken to become tender and fully absorb the spice blend, while the beans soften perfectly. You’ll start noticing the beautiful melding of flavors as the aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 5: Finish with Creaminess and Zing
Once the chili has simmered and the chicken is cooked through, remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream followed by the fresh lime juice. These ingredients add a creamy texture and a vibrant zing that balances the warmth of the spices perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe is now ready to be ladled into bowls. Add your favorite toppings and dive into a bowl of pure comfort and flavor.
How to Serve White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can truly elevate your White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe. Bright chopped cilantro adds fresh herbal notes, while shredded cheese brings creamy richness. Diced avocado introduces a buttery smoothness, and crunchy tortilla chips lend an irresistible contrast. Each topping personalizes the dish, allowing you to enjoy a new experience with every serving.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that complement its warmth without overpowering it. Consider serving with warm cornbread to soak up all the delicious broth, a fresh green salad for a crisp counterpoint, or even some steamed rice for added substance if you want a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to impress, consider serving this chili in mini bread bowls or small cast-iron skillets for rustic charm. You can also use it as a filling for soft tacos or stuffed baked potatoes, turning the White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe into a versatile star of your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Bean Chicken Chili can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the flavors fresh and the texture just as delicious.
Freezing
This chili freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, which helps maintain the texture of both the chicken and beans.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the chili. Avoid high heat to preserve the creamy texture and tender chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they stay tender and juicy during simmering and add a bit more richness to the chili.
Is this chili spicy?
This White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe has a mild to moderate spice level, thanks to the diced green chilies and chili powder, but it’s easy to adjust based on your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out the chicken for extra beans, diced vegetables, or even tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a tangy, creamy substitute for sour cream and adds a little boost of protein as well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! This chili keeps very well in the fridge and freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prepping and quick weeknight dinners.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe that this White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to return to again and again, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy enough to make any day of the week. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying bowls of chili you’ve ever had!
Print
White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This White Bean Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Made with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of spices, it’s simmered to perfection in chicken broth and finished with a touch of lime and sour cream for a bright, creamy finish. Ideal for family meals, this chili is both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cubed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, ensuring it’s sealed and cooked partially through.
- Add main ingredients and spices: Stir in the diced green chilies, white beans, chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook fully and the flavors to meld together.
- Finish with sour cream and lime: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream and freshly squeezed lime juice until well combined, adding a creamy and tangy finish.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Top with your choice of chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier chili.
- Adjust the chili powder and green chilies for desired spiciness.
- Beans can be mashed slightly for a thicker consistency if preferred.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the sour cream or use a plant-based alternative.
