Name: Delicious White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (4 oz) green chilies; 1 jalapeño, diced (optional); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; Juice of 1 lime; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for garnish); 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for garnish); 1 avocado, diced (optional, for garnish); Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)

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White Bean Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, offering a creamy, hearty, and flavorful meal with a slight kick of spice. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a medley of warming spices to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Comforting: The creamy texture and rich flavors make this an ideal dish for cold nights.
Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep work.
Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber from white beans.
Versatile: Can be adapted to suit different spice levels and dietary preferences.
Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

chicken breast or thighs
white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans)
onion
garlic
chicken broth
green chilies
jalapeño (optional)
ground cumin
dried oregano
chili powder
smoked paprika
salt
black pepper
lime juice
fresh cilantro
shredded cheese (optional)
sour cream (optional)
avocado (optional)
tortilla chips (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot, along with cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and add the green chilies and optional jalapeño. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add the Beans: Stir in the white beans and let the chili simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Final Touches: Squeeze in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mash some of the beans or stir in a bit of sour cream.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, diced avocado, and tortilla chips if desired.

Variations

Make It Spicier: Add more jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Creamy Version: Stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream for extra richness.
Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients (except garnishes) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Instant Pot Method: Use the sauté function for onions and garlic, then add all other ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving hack. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the chili in the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just omit the cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.

What type of white beans work best?

Cannellini beans and great northern beans are excellent choices due to their creamy texture.

How do I make the chili thicker?

Mash some of the beans with a fork or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the pot.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, White Bean Chicken Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use canned chicken?

While fresh or rotisserie chicken is preferred, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Just drain and rinse before adding.

What can I serve with this chili?

Cornbread, rice, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad make excellent side dishes.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Ground turkey, shredded pork, or even shrimp can be used instead of chicken.

How do I adjust the spice level?

For milder chili, omit the jalapeño and reduce the chili powder. For spicier chili, add more jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.

Conclusion

White Bean Chicken Chili is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. With its creamy texture, rich spices, and nourishing ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal or make a large batch for meal prep, this chili is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade chili!

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