Chicken White Bean Chili

Picture a warm bowl of Chicken White Bean Chili, where savory aromas fill the kitchen as tender chicken mingles with flavorful spices.

This comforting dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to favorite for chilly nights.

As the ingredients simmer together, a delightful transformation occurs, turning simple pantry staples into a satisfying meal.

Let’s bring this dish to life and enjoy the cozy comfort it offers.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (4-ounce) can green chilies, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken White Bean Chili, follow this timeline:

1. Preparation Time (15 minutes)
   • Minute 0-1: Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
   • Minute 1-5: Gather all necessary equipment and ingredients on your workspace.
   • Minute 5-10: Dice the chicken breasts and onion, and mince the garlic.
   • Minute 10-15: Measure out the spices (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper) and rinse and drain the white beans.
2. Cook Time (40 minutes)
   • Minute 15-20: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
   • Minute 20-25: In the same pot, cook the onion until translucent.
   • Minute 25-27: Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
   • Minute 27-30: Add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with the white beans, chicken broth, and green chilies. Bring to a boil.
   • Minute 30-40: Reduce heat and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Resting Time (5 minutes)
   • Minute 40-45: After simmering, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped cilantro and let rest for 5 minutes.
4. Serving
   • Minute 45: Serve the chili with lime wedges on the side.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced chicken and cook until browned.

Remove chicken and set aside.

In the same pot, add onion and cook until translucent.

Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Add cooked chicken back to the pot along with white beans, chicken broth, and green chilies.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in chopped cilantro.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve the chili with slices of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Tortilla Chips: Pair the chili with crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and a fun way to scoop up the chili.
• Avocado Slices: Add slices of fresh avocado on top for creaminess and a healthy fat boost.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on each serving can provide a cool, tangy contrast to the spices.
• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for a melty, cheesy finish.

Storage

To store Chicken White Bean Chili, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Freezing

To freeze Chicken White Bean Chili, let it cool completely.

Then, transfer it to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.

Store for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat Chicken White Bean Chili, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish.

Stir halfway until heated through.

Final Thoughts

The Chicken White Bean Chili is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.

The combination of spices and the addition of cilantro and lime wedges give the chili a fresh and vibrant flavor.

Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.

Adjust the level of heat according to your preference by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper.

For a creamier texture, consider mashing some of the beans before adding them to the pot. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Fresh Chicken Breasts?

Yes, you can substitute canned chicken. Drain and shred it before adding. Reduce initial cooking time as canned chicken’s already cooked. Make certain spices and liquids are well-balanced to maintain flavor. Adjust seasoning after simmering.

What Can I Substitute for Green Chilies if Unavailable?

You can substitute green chilies with diced jalapeños or poblano peppers for a similar heat level and flavor profile. If you prefer less spice, use bell peppers. Make certain you adjust seasoning to maintain balance.

How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain flavor. Enhance taste with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Adjust spices to suit vegetarian preferences.

Is It Possible to Cook This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

You can cook this recipe in a slow cooker. Sauté the onion and spices beforehand, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Chicken White Bean Chili?

You can pair your dish with cornbread, which complements the chili’s spices, or a simple green salad to balance flavors. Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch, or steamed rice for a heartier meal.

Chicken White Bean Chili

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 30 ounces white beans drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 ounces green chilies diced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 1 lime cut into wedges

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
• Remove chicken and set aside.
• In the same pot, add onion and cook until translucent.
• Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Add cooked chicken back to the pot along with white beans, chicken broth, and green chilies.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir in chopped cilantro.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

To enhance the flavors, you can prepare the chili a day in advance and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight; the flavors will meld together and taste even better. For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot. Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.