This White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe is a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy beans, and sweet corn, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s an ideal dish for cozy nights at home or casual gatherings with friends. This chili stands out with its rich flavors and health benefits, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy beans creates a satisfying taste that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dish: Customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields 10 servings, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To make the most of your cooking experience, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful chili.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: This heavy pot retains heat well, allowing for even cooking and simmering.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, saving you time in the kitchen.
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 Chili
- 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)
- 2 cans green chiles
- 1½ cups canned (drained) or frozen corn
- 2 (15.9-ounce) cans great northern beans, drained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
For Garnish
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Onion
Add the cubed chicken breast and diced onion to the pot.
* Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion is translucent.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the remaining ingredients except for the heavy cream:
* Green chiles
* Corn
* Great northern beans
* Chicken broth
* Salt
* Pepper
* Cumin
* Oregano
* Chili powder
Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat.
Step 6: Add Cream
Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream along with chopped cilantro if desired.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve with optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, cheese, or tortilla chips for extra flavor!
How to Serve White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
Serving white bean chicken chili is a delightful experience that allows you to customize each bowl to your liking. With its creamy texture and hearty flavors, this chili can be enjoyed in various ways.
Toppings
- Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds a creamy richness that complements the chili.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy contrast, balancing the spices beautifully.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro elevates the dish with a burst of flavor and vibrant color.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts perfectly on top, adding extra creaminess.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a satisfying texture and can be used for dipping.
Bread Pairings
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with spicy chili, offering a contrasting flavor.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of artisan bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Garnishes
- Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice adds brightness and enhances all the flavors.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor and crisp texture for garnish.
How to Perfect White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
Achieving the perfect white bean chicken chili requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Here are some suggestions to enhance your dish:
- Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices! Adjust the cumin and chili powder to your taste for deeper flavors.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions add more robust flavors compared to dried ones.
- Cook low and slow: If time allows, simmering longer develops richer flavors; consider using a slow cooker for convenience.
- Add veggies: Incorporating bell peppers or spinach boosts nutrition without compromising taste.
- Adjust creaminess: For a lighter version, reduce heavy cream or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Best Side Dishes for White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
Pairing sides with your white bean chicken chili enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cornbread: This sweet, fluffy bread complements the savory chili perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is ideal for dipping into the chili’s rich broth.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad balances the heat of the chili with crisp veggies.
- Rice: Serving over rice offers additional substance and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make for an indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with chili.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges add another layer of crunch alongside your chili dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the white bean chicken chili recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using unseasoned chicken: Always season your chicken before cooking. This enhances the flavor of the dish and ensures that each bite is delicious.
- Overcooking the beans: If using canned beans, avoid adding them too early in the cooking process. They only need to be heated through so they maintain their texture.
- Skipping the heavy cream: Don’t omit the heavy cream! It adds richness and creaminess to your chili, elevating the overall taste.
- Ignoring spice adjustments: Everyone’s spice tolerance is different. Taste your chili during cooking and adjust spices as needed to suit your palate.
- Not letting it simmer: Allowing time for flavors to meld is crucial. Don’t rush through the simmering process; let it develop for at least 20 minutes.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Store for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I customize this white bean chicken chili recipe?
You can add vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. Additionally, swap out great northern beans for other types of beans if desired.
What toppings go well with white bean chicken chili?
Popular toppings include avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla chips. Feel free to get creative!
Can I make this white bean chicken chili recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply combine all ingredients except for the cream in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream just before serving.
Is this white bean chicken chili recipe healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber from beans while being lower in calories compared to traditional beef chilis.
Final Thoughts
This white bean chicken chili recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that makes it suitable for any occasion. Its creamy texture and hearty ingredients ensure a satisfying meal. Plus, with various customization options available, you can easily make it your own. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this White Bean Chicken Chili, a delightful medley of tender chicken, creamy great northern beans, and sweet corn, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth. This recipe is perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings, providing a nutritious option packed with protein and fiber. With its customizable toppings and easy preparation, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your home.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 cans green chiles
- 1.5 cups corn (canned or frozen)
- 2 (15.9-ounce) cans great northern beans, drained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken and diced onion; sauté for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked and onion is translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add remaining ingredients (except heavy cream) and stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Serve warm with desired toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup or 240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating chopped bell peppers or spinach. Adjust spices according to your taste for a bolder flavor. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
