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White Bean Chicken Chili

White Bean Chicken Chili

White Bean Chicken Chili is a warm, hearty, and comforting dish combining tender chicken, creamy white beans, and aromatic spices. Easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep with delicious leftovers.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Beans and Broth

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 2 green chilies or jalapeños, chopped

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Juice of 1 lime

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Diced avocado
  • Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and aromatics: Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Sauté onions and garlic in a large pot with a splash of olive oil until translucent and fragrant, then add the chicken and cook until no longer pink on the outside.
  2. Add spices and chilies: Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, and your chopped green chilies or jalapeños. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the chicken with flavor.
  3. Combine beans and broth: Pour in the canned white beans (drained and rinsed) along with the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer until flavors meld: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and the chicken cook through completely.
  5. Finish with brightness: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. These fresh additions lift the dish, cutting through the richness beautifully.

Notes

  • Use homemade broth if possible: It adds richer flavor compared to store-bought varieties.
  • Don’t skip rinsing the beans: This reduces excess sodium and improves texture.
  • Adjust liquid consistency: Add more broth or water if you prefer a soupier chili versus a stew-like texture.
  • Cook low and slow: Simmering gently helps tenderize chicken and deeply blend flavors.
  • Let it rest: Allow chili to sit for 10 minutes before serving for best taste.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: White Bean Chicken Chili, chicken chili, white beans, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free, hearty chili, healthy chili