Patrick Simon October 26, 2025

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White Bean Chicken Chili

Name: White Bean Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed; 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chilies; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips

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As the weather turns crisp and cozy, there’s nothing quite like settling in with a warm bowl of White Bean Chicken Chili to comfort your soul. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings, weekend dinners, or any occasion that calls for a satisfying meal filled with incredible flavors. The blend of creamy white beans, tender chicken, and zesty spices creates a delightful warmth that wraps you like a favorite blanket. Whether you’re coming in from the cold or hosting friends, this chili is sure to bring smiles and contentment to your table.

Why This White Bean Chicken Chili Works

This White Bean Chicken Chili is a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients and robust flavors. It’s a brilliant choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet hearty meal. With lean chicken, fiber-rich white beans, and zesty green chilies, this dish is not only comforting but also nourishing.

Quick and easy to prepare
Packed with protein and fiber
Versatile for various toppings
A crowd-pleaser for both family and friends

Gather These Ingredients

To create your delicious White Bean Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together beautifully. Feel free to make substitutions to accommodate your preferences; for instance, swapping turkey bacon for a lighter touch can enhance the dish’s profile without sacrificing flavor.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chilies
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips

Step by Step

Cooking up this savory White Bean Chicken Chili is straightforward and immensely satisfying. Let’s dive into the process:

Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The sweet scent of onion fills the kitchen, setting the stage for the layers of flavor to come.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Your senses will be awakened by the warm aroma.
Brown the chicken: Introduce the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 6-8 minutes. You want the chicken to take on a golden color and enhance that flavor depth.
Combine everything: Mix in the white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir well to ensure all the flavors meld together harmoniously.
Bring to a boil: Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken and the aromas will mingle, creating a comforting scent that beckons you to the table.
Season and finish: Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
Serve hot: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with any extras like shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips. Each serving is a warm invitation to savor the richness of this dish.

Prep time: ~15 minutes, Cook time: ~45 minutes, Total time: ~1 hour, Servings: ~6, Kcal: ~350

Plan Ahead

If you want to save time, you can prep several ingredients in advance. Chop the onions and garlic the night before, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also cube the chicken and keep it covered until you’re ready to cook. The chili itself can be made early; just let it cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover White Bean Chicken Chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in an airtight container, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently over medium heat on the stove while adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Look for the chili to be steaming hot throughout, ensuring it’s fresh and ready to delight your taste buds once more.

Perfect Pairings

This White Bean Chicken Chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider these options to enhance your meal:

Fresh cornbread for a sweet contrast
A simple green salad for crunch
Crisp tortilla chips to scoop up every last bite
Warm flour tortillas to wrap around the chili
A dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess

Make It Your Own

There are many ways to customize this White Bean Chicken Chili to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Swap in ground turkey or chicken sausage for a different protein flavor.
Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Spice things up with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy more heat.
Experiment with different beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, for a distinct twist.
Use a variety of fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of or in addition to cilantro.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure your White Bean Chicken Chili turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:

Use freshly squeezed lime juice for better flavor.
Give your ingredients room to breathe; don’t overcrowd the pot while browning the chicken.
For deeper taste, let the chili simmer longer if time allows; this enriches the flavors.
If you like a thicker chili, mash a few beans against the side of the pot to break them down, enriching the soupiness.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use canned chicken? Yes, you can use canned chicken to cut down on cooking time. Drain it and add it in during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Is this chili spicy? The spice level can be adjusted based on your taste preference. Omit the chili powder or add more green chilies for extra heat.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! You can sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
What if I don’t like cilantro? If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to substitute with fresh parsley or simply leave it out altogether.
Can I add cheese to the chili? Yes! Adding cheese can be a great way to enhance flavor. Just be sure to incorporate it as a garnish on top.

Final Thoughts

This White Bean Chicken Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that brings people together. With its delightful balance of flavors and nourishing ingredients, it has the ability to lift spirits and warm hearts. So grab your ingredients and make this chili soon; you’ll find it becomes a favorite in your home for many cozy nights ahead. Enjoy the process, savor the aromas, and delight in each delicious bite!

White Bean Chicken Chili

Author: patrick
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A hearty and comforting dish featuring creamy white beans, tender chicken, and zesty spices, perfect for cozy gatherings.

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add cubed chicken and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 6-8 minutes.
Mix in the white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Ladle the chili into bowls and add any optional toppings before serving hot.