White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

This white bean chicken chili recipe is an absolute delight, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of spices, this dish brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. Its versatility means you can serve it as a hearty main course or as a comforting appetizer. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich taste that will keep you coming back for more.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken and nutritious beans, this chili is not only tasty but also good for you.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone or top with avocado, sour cream, and cheese for extra flavor.
• Large Batch: This recipe serves 10, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this white bean chicken chili recipe effectively, you’ll need some essential tools that make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking; its heavy bottom prevents burning while allowing perfect simmering.
• Sharp knife: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables and meat, making prep work quicker.
• Measuring spoons: Helps in accurately measuring spices for consistent flavor every time.

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 Flavor

• 2 cans green chiles
• 1½ cups canned (drained) or frozen corn

For the Chili

• 2 (15.9-ounce) cans great northern beans, drained
• 3 cups chicken broth

Seasonings

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

For Creaminess

• ½ cup heavy cream

Optional Garnishes

• 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.

Step 2: Cook Chicken and Onion

Add the cubed chicken breast and diced onion to the pot. Sauté until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add minced garlic to the mixture and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add the green chiles, corn, great northern beans, chicken broth, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder to the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer

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

Step 6: Stir in Cream

Remove from heat after simmering. Stir in the heavy cream for added richness. If desired, add chopped cilantro at this stage.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot with optional toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips for added texture. Enjoy your delicious white bean chicken chili!

How to Serve White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Serving your white bean chicken chili is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various toppings and accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this hearty dish.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Avocado – Sliced or diced, avocado adds creaminess and a fresh flavor that complements the chili.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy contrast and richness to the dish.
• Chopped Cilantro – Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an aromatic finish that brightens the flavors.

Pair with Crunchy Snacks

• Tortilla Chips – Serve with crispy tortilla chips for dipping, adding texture and crunch to each bite.
• Cornbread – A slice of warm cornbread on the side makes for a comforting addition, perfect for soaking up the chili.

Present in Style

• Bread Bowls – For a fun twist, serve the chili in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds an interactive element to your meal.
• Individual Bowls – Consider serving in individual bowls for a more personal touch at gatherings or dinner parties.

How to Perfect White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

To ensure your white bean chicken chili turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and quality chicken enhance flavors significantly.
• Adjust spice levels – Feel free to modify spices according to your preference. Add more chili powder for heat or skip it for a milder dish.
• Let it simmer longer – If you have extra time, let the chili simmer longer to deepen the flavors even more.
• Consider garnish – Adding garnishes like lime wedges or jalapeños can elevate the presentation and taste.
• Use low-sodium broth – Opting for low-sodium chicken broth lets you control the salt content while still providing rich flavor.

Best Side Dishes for White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Complement your white bean chicken chili with these delicious side dishes that enhance its flavors and textures.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with cumin and lime pairs beautifully with chili for a fulfilling meal.
2. Garden Salad – A fresh salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides balance and freshness alongside the rich chili.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Charred seasonal vegetables add a smoky flavor that contrasts well with the creamy chili.
4. Quesadillas – Cheese-filled quesadillas offer gooey goodness that pairs nicely when dipped into the chili.
5. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole brings an extra layer of flavor and richness, complementing the dish perfectly.
6. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries provide sweetness and crunch that contrast nicely with spicy chili flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make a significant difference in your white bean chicken chili recipe. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for just until it’s no longer pink and tender.
• Ignoring Spice Levels: Not adjusting spices can lead to bland chili. Taste as you go and modify spices to suit your preference.
• Skipping the Cream: Omitting heavy cream will result in a less creamy texture. Make sure to include it for richness.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality beans or broth can affect flavor. Always use fresh, good-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Not Letting It Simmer: Rushing the simmering time can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow it to simmer covered for at least 20 minutes.
• Neglecting Toppings: Skipping toppings can reduce texture and flavor variety. Consider adding avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips for extra enjoyment.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It’s best consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated.

Freezing White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

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

Reheating White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the white bean chicken chili recipe.

How do I make my White Bean Chicken Chili spicier?

You can increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños during cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Can I use different beans in this White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute other canned beans like cannellini or navy beans for great results.

How long does this White Bean Chicken Chili last?

Stored properly, it lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.

What are some good toppings for White Bean Chicken Chili?

Consider adding avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This white bean chicken chili recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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: Vanessa
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

This creamy white bean chicken chili recipe is a warm and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Featuring tender chicken, nutritious great northern beans, and a blend of spices, it promises a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and delicious. With its easy preparation and versatile serving options, you can enjoy this dish as a main course or appetizer. Top it off with fresh avocado, cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips for an added flavor twist. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this chili is sure to please everyone at your table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 cans green chiles
• 1½ cups corn (canned or frozen)
• 2 (15.9-ounce) cans great northern beans
• 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. Add cubed chicken and diced onion; sauté until chicken is cooked through and onion is translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Mix in green chiles, corn, beans, broth, and seasonings; stir well.
5. Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
7. Serve hot with optional toppings like avocado slices or tortilla chips.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg