Warm up with a bowl of creamy white bean chicken chili, the ultimate comfort food! This delicious recipe combines tender chicken, hearty white beans, and flavorful spices in a rich broth, perfect for chilly evenings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how easy it is to make this family favorite!
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges, for serving
![To make Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili, you need specific ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to your dish. - Chicken - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - White Beans - 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (like cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained - Vegetables and Aromatics - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - Spices and Seasonings - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - Creamy Component - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) - Lime wedges, for serving Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken brings protein. The beans add heartiness. The spices give warmth and depth. The cream makes it rich and smooth. This recipe is comforting and packed with flavor. For the full recipe, check out the instructions that follow! Sautéing the Aromatics Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion first. Sauté it for about five minutes. You want it to turn translucent, which means it’s ready for the next step. Now, add the minced garlic. Stir it in for about a minute. This will make your kitchen smell great! Cooking the Chicken Next, toss in the diced chicken. Stir it around until it turns white and is no longer pink. This should take about five to seven minutes. Make sure to mix it well, so the chicken cooks evenly. Combining Ingredients Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the diced green chilies, corn, and rinsed white beans. Now, add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well. The colors and smells will be amazing at this point! Cooking Time After mixing, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This step helps the flavors to meld together and makes the chili taste even better. Flavor Development During the simmer, you’ll notice the chili thickening. Stir it occasionally. This is important for even cooking. The spices will blend, creating a rich and savory flavor in your creamy white bean chicken chili. Adding Cream After simmering, it’s time for a creamy twist! Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Let it heat through for about five minutes. This makes the chili rich and smooth. Final Adjustments Give the chili a taste. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. You can add a little more of your favorite spices too. Now, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy your delicious creamy white bean chicken chili. For the full recipe, check out the details above. How to Save Time To speed up cooking, use pre-diced chicken. This cuts prep time. You can also use canned white beans. Rinse them well to save time on cooking. Ensuring Tender Chicken To keep chicken tender, cook it on medium heat. Don't rush it. Stir often to avoid sticking. Once the chicken turns white, it’s ready for the next step. Recommended Seasoning Adjustments Feel free to adjust spices to your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or even jalapeños. For a smoky flavor, increase the smoked paprika slightly. Using Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs can boost flavor greatly. Add cilantro at the end for a fresh taste. You might also try adding fresh lime juice for brightness. Perfect Pairings Creamy white bean chicken chili pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips. These sides add texture and balance to the dish's creaminess. You can also serve it with a light salad. Garnishing Ideas Top your chili with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. You can also add avocado slices or shredded cheese. These toppings enhance the dish’s look and taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} Different Proteins You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try turkey or lean pork for a twist. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh. These will absorb the flavors well. Using Other Beans If you want to change the beans, use black beans or pinto beans. Each type gives a new taste and texture. Cannellini beans bring a creamy touch, while black beans add earthiness. Gluten-Free Options This chili is naturally gluten-free. Just check your broth for any gluten ingredients. Most brands offer gluten-free chicken broth. Vegan Alternatives To make this dish vegan, use chickpeas instead of chicken. Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These swaps keep the dish creamy and rich. Adding Heat If you like spicy food, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can always add more heat later. Incorporating Different Spices Mix in spices like oregano, coriander, or even cinnamon. Each spice changes the flavor and adds depth. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favorite mix. For the full recipe, you can check the [Full Recipe]. - Refrigeration Guidelines: After your meal, let the chili cool down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. - Freezing Tips: If you want to save it longer, freeze the chili. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it with the date. - Best Methods for Microwave & Stove: For the microwave, place your chili in a bowl. Heat it for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway. On the stove, pour it into a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring often until hot. - How Long It Lasts: Refrigerated, the chili lasts about 3 to 4 days. If frozen, it's best used within 3 months for the best taste. You can make Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili ahead of time. To do this, follow these meal prep tips: - Cook the chili as directed. Allow it to cool fully. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. - For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to three months. - To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. This makes meal planning easy and saves you time. Yes, you can use canned beans. Here are some pros and cons of canned vs. dried beans: - Pros of Canned Beans: - Ready to use, no soaking needed. - They save cooking time. - They add convenience to your meal prep. - Cons of Canned Beans: - They may have added salt. - Flavor can differ from dried beans. Using canned beans is great for quick meals. Just rinse them well to reduce salt. This chili pairs well with several side dishes and accompaniments: - Cornbread for a sweet touch. - Tortilla chips for crunch. - A fresh green salad for a light side. - Avocado slices for creaminess. These sides enhance the chili's flavors and create a complete meal. The chili has mild heat from the green chilies. You can adjust the heat level with these tips: - Add more diced green chilies for extra spice. - Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper if you like it hot. - For less heat, use fewer chilies or omit them. Tailor the spice to fit your taste. Enjoy every bite! In this blog post, we explored a tasty creamy white bean chicken chili. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, beans, vegetables, and spices. You learned step-by-step instructions to make it perfectly. We also covered tips to save time and enhance flavor. Remember, this recipe is versatile. You can swap ingredients or adjust spices to suit your taste. Enjoy your chili on a cold day or for meal prep. Cooking can be fun and simple, so get started!](https://flavorsprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/3db12b34-0df8-46e3-827e-d7aa54e8c0f9-250x250.webp)