Quick & Hearty White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Days

Warm kitchens come alive with a hearty white bean chicken chili that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Fragrant spices dance through tender meat and creamy legumes, creating a meal that satisfies deeply.

Rustic and unpretentious, this recipe brings southwestern charm to your dinner table.

chicken transforms from ordinary protein to a robust main attraction with carefully selected seasonings.

Slow-simmered ingredients meld together, developing complex layers of flavor that surprise and delight.

Each bite tells a story of culinary creativity and home-cooked love.

You’ll find this chili becomes an instant classic that everyone requests again and again.

Ingredients For White Bean Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts: The primary protein source that provides tender, shredded meat for the chili.

• Great Northern Beans, Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that add texture and protein to the chili.
• Corn: Adds a sweet crunch and additional texture to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a savory base flavor for the chili.
• Green Chiles: Contribute a mild, tangy heat to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Offers a robust, aromatic base note to the chili.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Coriander, Oregano: A blend of spices that create a warm, complex flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds an optional extra kick of heat to the chili.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Create a rich, creamy texture and smooth finish.
• Lime Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy freshness to balance the rich flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro: A garnish that adds a fresh, herbal note.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid base that helps cook the ingredients and develop flavor.

How To Prepare White Bean Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prep The Protein

Place whole chicken breasts inside a large cooking pot or slow cooker, ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Base

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Great Northern beans
• Cannellini beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced green chiles

Step 3: Season And Spice

• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Ground coriander
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

• Slow cooker on low: 6-8 hours
• Slow cooker on high: 3-4 hours

Cooking is complete when chicken becomes tender and easily falls apart.

Step 5: Shred The Chicken

Use two forks to pull apart and shred chicken directly inside the cooking pot.

Step 6: Create Creamy Texture

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream

Mix until chili becomes smooth and rich.

Step 7: Add Bright Finish

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili and blend thoroughly.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle hot chili into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

Tips For White Bean Chicken Chili Success

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easy shredding in the chili.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Add extra heat by increasing cayenne pepper or including diced jalapeños for spice lovers.
• Boost protein by mixing different types of beans like kidney or black beans for more texture and nutrition.

Delicious Twists For White Bean Chicken Chili

• Spicy Southwest Kick: Increase cayenne pepper, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra heat-packed version.
• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu, use vegetable broth, and add more beans like black or pinto for protein-rich alternative.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate diced red bell peppers, swap oregano for fresh thyme, add crumbled feta cheese, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Green Chili Verde: Use roasted green chiles, add tomatillos, replace cream cheese with queso fresco, and garnish with sliced green onions for a tangy Mexican-inspired variation.

Serving Suggestions For White Bean Chicken Chili

• Hearty Game Night Feast: Ladle this creamy chili into large bowls, perfect for casual gatherings with friends during sports events or movie marathons. Top with crispy tortilla strips and extra shredded cheese for added crunch and flavor.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Create a warm, inviting meal by serving the chili over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Sprinkle fresh green onions and a dollop of additional sour cream for a comforting winter dinner that hugs your soul.
• Southwestern Taco Night Twist: Transform the chili into a filling for soft flour tortillas or crispy taco shells. Accompany with fresh salsa, sliced avocados, and lime wedges to let guests customize their own tasty taco experience.

Storing White Bean Chicken Chili Properly

• Store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili seems too thick.
• Divide the chili into individual serving-sized containers for easy grab-and-go meals or quick lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on personal preference. The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds mild heat, but you can adjust or omit it for a milder version.

• Can I use different beans?

Yes, you can substitute great Northern and cannellini beans with similar white beans like navy beans or white kidney beans without changing the recipe’s overall flavor profile.

• Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?

No, the chicken cooks directly in the pot with other ingredients, becoming tender and easily shreddable during the slow cooking process.

• Is this chili healthy?

Absolutely! It’s protein-packed with chicken, high in fiber from beans, and includes vegetables like corn and green chiles, making it a nutritious one-pot meal.

What Makes White Bean Chicken Chili Special

• Spice Up Your Meal: This turkey chili delivers a flavor explosion with a perfect blend of spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Quick and Nutritious Dinner: Packed with lean ground turkey, protein-rich beans, and colorful bell peppers, this recipe offers a balanced meal that comes together in under an hour.
• Customize Your Comfort: Top with cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips to make this chili your own personal masterpiece that suits every family member's taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a game day gathering, this chili satisfies hungry crowds and provides warmth and satisfaction in every hearty spoonful.

White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

White bean chicken chili brings hearty southwestern comfort to your dinner table. Home cooks can easily prepare this satisfying one-pot meal packed with protein and bold spices for a perfect weeknight solution.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Nestle chicken breasts into a spacious cooking vessel, ensuring ample room for ingredients.
2. Layer diced onions, minced garlic, Northern and cannellini beans, corn, and green chiles around the chicken.
3. Generously drizzle chicken broth over the mixture, then sprinkle cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, black pepper, oregano, and optional cayenne for robust flavor profiles.
4. Securely seal the pot and allow the ingredients to simmer at low temperature (approximately 200°F) for 6-8 hours, or 3-4 hours on high setting, until chicken reaches complete tenderness.
5. Utilize two forks to methodically shred chicken directly within the cooking liquid, creating uniform, delicate strands.
6. Incorporate softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring continuously until the chili transforms into a luxuriously creamy consistency.
7. Brighten the flavor profile by squeezing fresh lime juice throughout the chili, ensuring even distribution.
8. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with vibrant, freshly chopped cilantro for a final aromatic touch.

Notes

• Enhance the protein boost by adding extra beans or swapping chicken for turkey for a leaner option.
• Customize heat levels easily by adjusting cayenne pepper and choosing mild or spicy green chiles.
• Reduce dairy content using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Prep ahead by freezing the chili in portions, which maintains flavor and texture when reheated carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 271 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 765 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg