Creamy Comfort: White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Chili is a beloved comfort food, especially when the weather turns cooler. But sometimes, you crave something a little different from the classic beef and tomato-based versions. Enter white bean chicken chili: a lighter, brighter, and equally satisfying alternative. This recipe combines tender chicken breast, creamy white beans, flavorful spices, and a hint of lime for a chili that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or meal prepping for a busy week.

This recipe stands out because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Forget spending hours simmering on the stovetop – this chili comes together in under an hour. Plus, it’s customizable to your liking. Want it spicier? Add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. Prefer a thicker consistency? Blend a portion of the chili before serving. This white bean chicken chili is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Why You’ll Love This White Bean Chicken Chili

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Lean protein from chicken breast and fiber-rich white beans make it a guilt-free indulgence.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the spice level and consistency to your preferences.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as a main course, appetizer, or topping for nachos and baked potatoes.
* **Freezes Well:** Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Chicken Breast:** 2 pounds, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Jalapeño:** 1-2, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
* **Cumin:** 2 teaspoons
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon
* **Chili Powder:** 1 teaspoon
* **Chicken Broth:** 6 cups
* **Great Northern Beans:** 2 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained
* **Cannellini Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained
* **Corn:** 1 cup, frozen or canned (drained)
* **Lime Juice:** 2 tablespoons, fresh
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Garnishes:** Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, tortilla chips

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* **Chicken:** You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be sure to trim any excess fat.
* **Beans:** Great Northern and Cannellini beans create a creamy texture. You can use all of one kind or substitute with other white beans like Navy beans.
* **Jalapeño:** For a milder chili, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing. You can also use a milder pepper like poblano or Anaheim.
* **Spices:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeño to your desired spice level. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add extra heat.
* **Broth:** Chicken broth adds depth of flavor, but vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
* **Corn:** Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work well. If using fresh corn, cut it off the cob.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious white bean chicken chili:

**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add minced garlic and jalapeño and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

**Step 2: Brown the Chicken**

* Add cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point.

**Step 3: Add Spices**

* Stir in cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their flavors.

**Step 4: Simmer the Chili**

* Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
* Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

**Step 5: Add Beans and Corn**

* Stir in rinsed and drained Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, and corn.
* Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

**Step 6: Add Lime Juice and Season**

* Stir in fresh lime juice.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips.

Tips for the Best White Bean Chicken Chili

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Simmer the chili until the chicken is just cooked through.
* **Toast the Spices:** Toasting the spices before adding the broth enhances their flavor and adds depth to the chili.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** For a thicker chili, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
* **Add a Touch of Creaminess:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving for extra creaminess.
* **Let the Flavors Meld:** If you have time, let the chili sit for a while after cooking. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your chili.

Serving Suggestions

White bean chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve it in bowls with your favorite toppings for a satisfying and comforting meal.
* **As an Appetizer:** Offer smaller portions in cups or shot glasses for a party or gathering.
* **On Nachos:** Spoon it over tortilla chips with cheese, sour cream, and guacamole for a delicious appetizer or snack.
* **On Baked Potatoes:** Top baked potatoes with chili, cheese, and sour cream for a hearty and flavorful meal.
* **In Tacos or Burritos:** Use it as a filling for tacos or burritos for a unique and flavorful twist.

Variations and Additions

Get creative and customize your white bean chicken chili with these variations and additions:

* **Spicy Version:** Add more jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Smoky Version:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
* **Vegetarian Version:** Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
* **Creamy Version:** Stir in a can of cream of chicken soup or a dollop of cream cheese.
* **Green Chile Version:** Add a can of diced green chilies for a Southwestern flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Include diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or kale for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Add Toppings:** Experiment with different toppings like diced red onion, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** White bean chicken chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.
* **Storage:** Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** Chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat chili in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for your convenience:

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
* 2 teaspoons cumin
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
* 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, tortilla chips

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and jalapeño and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
2. Add cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point.
3. Stir in cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their flavors.
4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Stir in rinsed and drained Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, and corn. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Stir in fresh lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips.

Enjoy your creamy and delicious White Bean Chicken Chili!

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 35-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

This white bean chicken chili recipe is a winner. It’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and offers a delightful twist on classic chili. The combination of tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a zesty lime finish is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this chili is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, comforting goodness! Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us using #WhiteBeanChickenChili! We can’t wait to see what you come up with.