If you’re in search of a meal that warms the soul and satisfies the belly, look no further than White Bean Chicken Chili. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and a blend of spices that come together to create an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe not only captures a perfect balance of flavors, but it also showcases how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary.
Why We Love This White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this White Bean Chicken Chili recipe. For starters, it’s made with wholesome ingredients that promote health and well-being. The base of this dish consists of lean chicken and nutrient-rich beans, providing protein and fiber that keeps you feeling full. The spices used, including cumin and oregano, do more than enhance the flavor—they also offer numerous health benefits. Additionally, this chili is easy to prepare. You can whip it up in just under 30 minutes, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s not just a meal; it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients for White Bean Chicken Chili
To create your very own White Bean Chicken Chili, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (15-ounce) cans reduced sodium cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 (4.5-ounce) cans diced green chiles
- 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
For serving, consider these toppings:
- Diced jalapeño
- Diced avocado
- Nonfat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheese
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili
Making White Bean Chicken Chili is an easy and rewarding process. Begin by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced yellow onion and sauté it until softened, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This will form the aromatic base of your chili.
Next, stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and minced garlic. Cook these together until the garlic becomes fragrant, allowing the spices to release their flavorful essence into the dish. This is where the real magic begins, as the aroma will start to fill your kitchen.
Now, add the boneless skinless chicken breasts, cannellini beans, diced green chiles, and reduced sodium chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of the ingredients. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. This is crucial; you want the chicken to cook through without boiling it too vigorously. Allow it to simmer for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F.
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat. Once rested, dice or shred the chicken based on your preference and return it to the pot. To achieve the perfect chili consistency, consider pureeing a portion of the chili using an immersion blender or a standard blender, then stirring it back into the pot. This will create a rich and creamy texture, enhancing the overall experience.
Finally, add the freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice to the pot, stirring them in for added freshness. Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully. When ready, ladle the chili into bowls and set out a spread of toppings for everyone to customize their bowls.
How to Serve White Bean Chicken Chili
Serving White Bean Chicken Chili is almost as delightful as preparing it. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the array of toppings that you can offer. You can create a chili bar with your favorite toppings. Start with a base of the warm chili in bowls. On the side, have diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Creamy diced avocado adds a wonderful texture that complements the chili well.
Provide options for a topping of nonfat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; both options add creaminess and a slight tang that balances the spices. Shredded cheese is another fantastic choice that melts beautifully atop the warm chili, while tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips bring a delightful crunch to your meal.
Encourage your guests and family to mix and match toppings based on their preferences, allowing everyone to create their favorite bowl of chili. This interactive approach not only enhances the meal but also creates a fun and engaging dining experience.
Expert Tips for White Bean Chicken Chili
Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs and spices can make a noticeable difference in flavor. Consider using organic chicken and beans for a more wholesome meal.
Adjust Heat Levels: If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños to the mixture. Alternatively, for a milder version, reduce the cayenne or omit it altogether.
Let It Rest: Allow the chili to cool slightly before serving. Like many stews and soups, the flavors will deepen and develop further if allowed to rest for about 10-15 minutes.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
Use Leftovers Wisely: If you find yourself with leftovers, consider using them as a filling for burritos or tacos the next day for a fun twist!
How to Store White Bean Chicken Chili
Storing your White Bean Chicken Chili is straightforward. If you have any leftovers (which is often the case because this dish is so satisfying), let the chili cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, you can keep the chili in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion out the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space at the top as the chili will expand when frozen. In the freezer, it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, and your White Bean Chicken Chili will taste just as delicious as when you made it fresh!
Variations of White Bean Chicken Chili
The beauty of White Bean Chicken Chili is in its versatility. While the original recipe is fantastic as-is, there are numerous ways to customize the dish according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with additional beans or tofu for a vegetarian option. You might also choose to add more vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to maintain a hearty texture.
- Spicy Green Chili Version: If you enjoy a spicy kick, consider swapping the diced green chiles for a can of diced jalapeños or add fresh chili peppers to the mix for a fiery flavor.
- Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili: For an ultra-creamy texture, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking, allowing it to melt and integrate fully into the chili.
- Add Grains: Consider mixing in some quinoa or brown rice for an added boost of nutrients and texture, making the chili even heartier.
- Herb Variations: Besides cilantro, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add different flavors and garnishes to your chili.
FAQ About White Bean Chicken Chili
What is White Bean Chicken Chili?
White Bean Chicken Chili is a savory stew made with white cannellini beans, chicken, spices, and broth. It’s a warm and comforting dish perfect for any time you crave a hearty meal.
Can I make White Bean Chicken Chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. You can prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and simply reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level in your White Bean Chicken Chili, you can add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat. Conversely, if you prefer it milder, reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely.
What can I serve with White Bean Chicken Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as cornbread, rice, or even a fresh salad. The toppings also enhance the meal, so feel free to provide plenty of options!
Can I freeze White Bean Chicken Chili?
Yes! You can freeze White Bean Chicken Chili for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool it completely before storing it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
White Bean Chicken Chili
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans reduced sodium cannellini beans, rinsed and drained Each can is 15 ounces
- 2 cans diced green chiles Each can is 4.5 ounces
- 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
For Serving
- 1 medium diced jalapeño Optional topping
- 1 medium diced avocado Optional topping
- 1 cup nonfat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt Optional topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese Optional topping
- 1 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips Optional topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the diced yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant.
Cooking
- Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts, cannellini beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to distribute.
- Increase the heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-14 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F.
- Remove chicken, let it rest, then dice or shred it and return it to the pot.
- Puree a portion of the chili if desired for a creamy texture.
- Add cilantro and lime juice, stirring to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Serving
- Ladle the chili into bowls and allow guests to customize with various toppings.