Name: White Bean Chicken Chili: 7 Reasons to Love This Comfort Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cans white beans (15 oz each, such as Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 each green bell pepper, diced; 1 each jalapeño pepper, diced (optional, for heat); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh cilantro; Lime; Avocado

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White Bean Chicken Chili has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during chilly evenings. This comforting dish combines tender chicken and creamy white beans, simmered with aromatic spices that create a symphony of flavors. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the heart and soul. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This White Bean Chicken Chili

There are countless reasons to adore this White Bean Chicken Chili. First, it’s a healthy white bean chili recipe packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for family dinners. The combination of spices gives it a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional chili. Whether you prefer a spicy white bean chicken chili or a milder version, this recipe is adaptable to your heat preference. Plus, it’s a slow cooker white bean chicken option, allowing for easy meal prep. It’s also versatile; you can make it as a white chicken chili recipe without cream or add toppings to suit your taste. The best part? It’s ready in just 40 minutes!

Ingredients for White Bean Chicken Chili

Gather these items:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cans white beans (15 oz each, such as Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 each green bell pepper, diced
1 each jalapeño pepper, diced (optional, for heat)
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh cilantro
Lime
Avocado

How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili Step-by-Step

Step 1: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and jalapeño if using. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink – about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed white beans. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and slices of avocado if desired!

Pro Tips for the Perfect White Bean Chicken Chili

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
For a creamy white chicken chili, consider adding a splash of cream or coconut milk.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
Adjust spices according to your taste; try adding cayenne for more heat.

Best Ways to Serve White Bean Chicken Chili

This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve with warm cornbread for a hearty meal.
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added creaminess.
Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the chili.

How to Store and Reheat White Bean Chicken Chili

To store your White Bean Chicken Chili, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for about 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This chili is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Bean Chicken Chili

What’s the secret to perfect White Bean Chicken Chili?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors. Using fresh spices and high-quality ingredients enhances the dish’s natural flavors. Don’t forget to let it simmer long enough to meld all the ingredients together!

Can I make White Bean Chicken Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. Just store it in the fridge overnight, and reheat before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with White Bean Chicken Chili?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Adjust the seasoning as you cook, and don’t skip the simmering step to blend the flavors.

Variations of White Bean Chicken Chili You Can Try

Here are a few fun variations:

For a low-carb white bean chicken chili, replace beans with cauliflower.
Create a white bean chicken chili with corn by adding corn kernels for sweetness.
Try a vegetarian white bean chili option by using chickpeas and vegetable broth instead of chicken.
For a twist, make a white bean chicken chili with salsa verde to add a zesty kick.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making creamy potato soup for a comforting meal. If you’re interested in slow cooker options, slow cooker Tuscan chicken is a great choice!

White Bean Chicken Chili: 7 Reasons to Love This Comfort Dish

Author: basmer
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A comforting and hearty White Bean Chicken Chili made with tender chicken and creamy beans, simmered together with aromatic spices for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Instructions

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and jalapeño if using. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink – about 5 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed white beans. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and slices of avocado if desired!