White Bean Chicken Chili: Creamy Comfort In A Bowl

Imagine coming home after a chilly day. The soulful aroma of White Bean Chicken Chili fills your kitchen. Instantly, you feel warmed, comforted, and truly at home.

This chili has a special magic. It blends tender chicken, hearty white beans, and spices. It wraps around you like a cozy blanket.

I recall cold winter evenings with my family. We would gather around the table for this chili. As we shared stories and laughter, the rich texture brought us closer. Each bite was a reminder of love and warmth.

This White Bean Chicken Chili is quick to make. With just 15 minutes of prep and less than an hour of cooking, it’s ideal for any day. It’s a hit among readers, earning an average rating of 4.95 out of 5 from over a thousand votes since May 2013. Are you ready for this creamy comfort?

Key Takeaways

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories Per Serving: 547 kcal

Ingredients Required for White Bean Chicken Chili

To make the best White Bean Chicken Chili, start with key ingredients. These essentials mix well to offer a tasty and hearty meal. Let’s take a closer look at these main parts:

Chicken and Broth

• 1 ¼ pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast
• 2 cups of low sodium chicken stock
• 6 cups of chicken broth for chili

White Beans

• 2 (15-ounce) cans of white beans such as Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, or navy beans
• 1 cup of frozen corn

Vegetables and Spices

• 6 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ¼ teaspoons of ground cumin and onion powder
• 3 (4-ounce) cans of mild chopped green chilies
• 2 cups of salsa verde

Cream Cheese and Dairy

• 8 ounces of cream cheese for that velvety and creamy texture
• Optional but highly recommended: a touch of shredded cheddar cheese

Mixing these chosen ingredients, you’re on the path to making a delicious White Bean Chicken Chili. With a 4.9 star rating from 106 reviews, its success is clear. Whether you crave a chicken taco soup or a creamy soup, these ingredients promise a great meal.

How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili on the Stove

Making a white bean chicken chili on the stove is simple. It’s ideal for cozy nights when you need comfort food. With a few basic steps and key ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

Preparing the Vegetables

To start, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re fragrant. This is the first step to create a flavorful base. Adding bell peppers and jalapeños will give your chili a spicy kick.

Cooking the Chicken

Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and spices. Cook it in the pot until it’s tender, which should take about 15 minutes. After cooking, shred the chicken. It will mix perfectly into the chili, adding a savory taste.

Adding the Cream Cheese

The cream cheese is what makes the chili creamy. Melt it into the veggies on low heat, stirring well. This will make your chili thick and creamy.

Final Steps

Add the chicken, white beans, and chicken broth back to the pot. You can mash some beans for a thicker chili. Let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors combine.

This recipe serves four and is highly rated for its simplicity and flavor. Whether you want a spicy dish or a classic chili, this stove-top version will be a hit.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

If you want an easy way to make a filling meal, try crockpot white chicken chili. It takes little prep and uses a slow cooker. You get a tasty and healthy dish that’s great for any day.

Preparing Your Crockpot

Start by preparing your crockpot. Put diced onions, minced garlic, and green chiles at the bottom. These ingredients build a flavorful foundation. They give the chili a nice flavor and a bit of heat. Then, add chicken breasts. You can also use thighs if you want.

Chicken thighs might need more cooking time.

Setting the Cooking Time

Getting the cooking time right is key. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking makes sure the chicken stays tender. The flavors also blend well together. Don’t cook it too fast, or the chicken might dry out.

Finishing Touches

When cooking is almost done, add white beans. They should be rinsed and drained to cut down on salt. Put in 4 ounces of cream cheese for a smooth, rich chili. Before serving, top with fresh cilantro and avocado.

This adds freshness and color. You can also add lime, plain Greek yogurt, cheese, or jalapenos. These garnishes bring more flavor and creaminess. They also add a spicy kick if you like.

Tips for Making the Best White Bean Chicken Chili

To make the perfect White Bean Chicken Chili, focus on a few key tips for rich results. Learning the best ways to make chili can make your dish taste and feel better.

1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Grate your own cheese for smoother melting and creaminess. This step makes your chili extra creamy and delicious.
2. Simmer Slowly for Depth: Let your chili simmer slowly. This method blends the flavors deeply. Slow cooking brings out each ingredient’s richness.
3. Customize the Heat Level: Change the spice level as you like. Choosing between mild or spicy peppers makes your chili special.
4. Fresh Lime Brightness: Adding lime juice at the end gives a fresh twist. Just two tablespoons can change your dish with a hint of brightness.
5. Consistent Stirring: Stir your chili often as it cooks. This prevents sticking and keeps the flavor and texture right.
6. Proper Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze them for 3 months. This way, you can enjoy your chili later without any taste loss.

The secret to amazing White Bean Chicken Chili is in the details. Following these tips will help you make a dish that’s both tasty and comforting. Whether you follow a classic recipe or try something new like taco soup with cream cheese, these tips will guide you to success.

Variations on the Classic Chili Recipe

Personalizing your white bean chicken chili adds a fun twist to the usual recipe. You can choose a spicy version or try different beans. This lets you make the dish uniquely yours.

Adding More Heat

To make your spicy white chicken chili hotter, add more ingredients. Try diced jalapeños or more chili powder. A bit of cayenne pepper can increase the spice for those who like it hot. Or, swap a mild green chile for a hotter kind like serrano peppers.

Using Different Beans

Changing the beans in your chili alters its texture and taste. Instead of white beans, think about adding black or pinto beans. Cannellini beans give a creamy feel that goes well with chicken and spices. This switch keeps meals interesting and lets you use any beans you have.

Adding Cream Cheese for Extra Creaminess

Cream cheese is a top pick to make your chili richer. Adding it to your cream cheese chicken chili recipe ensures a creamy and indulgent texture. Each bite becomes a velvety delight.

It’s easy to add cream cheese to your chili. Just soften it and cut it into chunks. This helps it melt smoothly without clumps. Slowly mix it into the chili, stirring well.

Follow these steps for the best texture:

1. After cooking the chicken and veggies, turn down the heat.
2. Add cream cheese chunks one by one, stir until melted before adding more.
3. Keep stirring until the cream cheese is fully mixed in, making the chili smooth and creamy.

You can make the texture even richer. Some recipes say to add a cup of heavy cream with the cream cheese. This boosts flavor and makes the chili even more luxurious. Choose low-fat or full-fat cream cheese based on your preference. The full-fat kind usually tastes richer.

Also, mix in ingredients like low-sodium chicken broth, diced green chiles, and fresh corn. This will take your cream cheese chicken chili to the next level. Each spoonful will burst with creamy flavor.

Serving Suggestions for White Bean Chicken Chili

Make your White Bean Chicken Chili more than just a meal. Add the perfect chili toppings and sides. These tips do more than just add taste; they lift the whole dinner.

Perfect Toppings

Choosing your own chili toppings is a big part of the fun. Here are some choices:

• Shredded cheddar cheese: It melts into gooey goodness.
• Sour cream: It brings a creamy balance to the spices.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh herb flavor.
• Sliced jalapenos: They’re great for spice lovers.
• Tortilla chips: Gives a crunchy contrast to the chili.

Side Dishes to Complement

Choosing the right side dishes for chili enhances your meal. Here’s what you can serve:

• Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly, a classic.
• Warm crusty bread: It’s perfect for dipping.
• Green salad: A light, healthy option with vinaigrette.
• Buttermilk biscuits: Soft and buttery for soaking up chili.
• Charred corn: It brings a smoky sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

To keep your White Bean Chicken Chili tasting great, follow these storage and reheating tips. We’ll show you how to store it in the fridge and freezer. Plus, you’ll learn the best way to reheat it. This way, you won’t lose that rich taste and creamy texture.

Refrigerator Storage

Your chili can stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Storing chili in the fridge is easy if you want to eat it within a few days. Keeping air out stops the chili from going bad.

Freezing the Chili

Freezing chili is a great way to keep it longer, up to three months. Let the chili cool, then put it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to eat. This way, it tastes like it was just made.

Reheating Tips

Reheating chili the right way keeps it creamy and tasty. On the stove, heat it slowly in a pot, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add a little chicken broth or water. To microwave, use a covered bowl and stir now and then until it’s hot.

Keep these tips in mind for storing and reheating chili. With proper care, you can enjoy the wonderful taste of White Bean Chicken Chili any time. It will be just as delicious as the day you made it.

Why White Bean Chicken Chili is the Perfect Comfort Food

White Bean Chicken Chili is the peak of comfort food for those wanting a warm meal in cold weather. It’s warm, creamy texture and rich flavors soothe the soul on cold days. Plus, it’s versatile with toppings like cilantro, cheese, and sour cream to suit all tastes.

Its quick preparation is a big plus. You can make this comforting meal in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, using rotisserie chicken and canned Cannellini beans.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and peppers in olive oil for flavor. Then, spices like oregano, cumin, and chili powder are added. This makes each bite full of flavor.

Simmer the chili for at least 10 minutes for flavors to blend. Adding heavy cream gives it a thick, rich texture.

This chili fits any schedule, slow cooking for relaxed meals or quick heating for busy days. Plus, each bowl can be made special with different toppings, such as tortilla chips or fresh cilantro.

White Bean Chicken Chili is also very nutritious, high in protein and fiber. It’s fulfilling and brings a comforting feeling we often crave. This chili is like a warm hug in a bowl, making us feel at home.

Health Benefits of White Bean Chicken Chili

White Bean Chicken Chili isn’t just a cozy dish for fall. It’s full of health benefits too. With lots of protein, fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, it’s a top choice for healthy chili recipes.

Protein Content

Chicken breasts and white beans are the main protein sources in this chili. Lean chicken breasts help with muscle repair and growth. The white beans add great plant-based protein, boosting the meal’s nutrition. With around 28 grams of protein per serving, this chili is great for meeting daily protein needs.

Fiber and Nutrients

White Bean Chicken Chili is also rich in fiber, thanks to the white beans. Fiber is key for a healthy digestive system. Poblano peppers, green chilies, and jalapeños offer vitamins and antioxidants, important for the immune system. Fresh herbs and spices like cilantro, cumin, and oregano make this protein-rich meal both tasty and healthy.

Adding White Bean Chicken Chili to your meal plan is a smart choice. It’s not only delicious but packed with health benefits. A great example of nutritious and tasty healthy chili recipes.

User Reviews and Testimonials

The online community loves the white bean chicken chili. Many say it’s versatile and full of flavor. They enjoy its creamy texture and the perfect spice mix. It’s a favorite for family meals and parties.

People are happy with how you can change the recipe. One user mentioned, “I love adjusting the chicken amount based on what I have. It always tastes great!” This makes it easy for anyone to make it suit their taste or needs.

Many suggest putting the chili in the fridge overnight to improve its taste. “It’s even better the next day!” they say. This tip is great for those who prepare meals ahead of time.

People with dietary restrictions are thankful for this recipe. One said, “I’m grateful it’s dairy-free, egg-free, and can be gluten-free.” It’s nice that more people can enjoy this chili.

Others talk about the spice level. One person shared, “I use chipotle chili powder for medium heat. But there are milder options for my kids.” This shows the recipe can be adjusted to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Everyone loves the recipe’s clear instructions and serving ideas. Someone said, “With rice and rolls, it’s a full meal. We often have it.” It seems many have made this chili a household staple.

In conclusion, the white bean chicken chili reviews and chili recipe testimonials reveal it’s more than a meal. It’s a comfort food that brings families and friends together.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Bean Chicken Chili

Exploring questions about White Bean Chicken Chili helps everyone, from new cooks to pros. Whether it’s swap outs or how-to’s, we’re here to make sure you get great results. Let’s dive into some common questions about making chili.

People often wonder about using canned versus fresh beans. Both are good choices. Yet, fresh beans soaked overnight might bring out a better taste and texture. For canned beans, it’s best to drain and rinse them first. You get to choose from White Beans, Pinto Beans, Garbanzo Beans, and Red Kidney Beans. So, pick based on what you like or have on hand.

Another common question is about making chili in a crockpot. Yes, you can make it in a slow cooker. Just put all the ingredients in and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours. If you’re using cooked chicken already, it saves time but still keeps the flavor. Make sure to check if the beans get soft, especially dried ones.

If you want your chili creamier, think about adding cream cheese or 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end. You can also mash some beans to thicken it naturally. The calories per serving amount to 377, with 39g carbs, 38g protein, and 8g fat.

For storing leftover chili, keep it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. This makes it great for planning ahead. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring now and then to keep it smooth.

Got more questions or need details about the recipe? Checking out these FAQs on white bean chicken chili can clear things up, making sure a delicious meal is ready for your family. If you’re curious about other chili-related tips, just ask for more expert advice!