White Bean Chicken Chili
Creamy white bean chicken chili features tender chicken, hearty beans, and subtle spice, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken breasts lightly brown, about 45 minutes. Let chicken cool, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Put enough broth in a soup pot to cover the bottom. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the broth until fragrant.
- Add chopped green chilies with liquid to the pot, along with the Great Northern beans.
- Stir in cumin, oregano, and Tabasco sauce.
- Pour in the remaining chicken broth and add the cooked chicken pieces.
- Bring the mixture to a slight boil and stir well.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and cook for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding diced jalapeños or bell peppers. If you can't find Great Northern beans, white kidney beans are a good substitute. This chili is also excellent with fresh cilantro or avocado on top for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your White Bean Chicken Chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. Top each bowl with diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. This dish pairs beautifully with Topoppo Salad for a refreshing side option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Bean Chicken Chili contains roughly 470 calories, with 19g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (159% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2578mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this chili in a slow cooker, sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
How can I make this chili spicier?
If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also try using spicy green chilies or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat level.
What can I substitute for chicken breasts?
You can easily substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. For a vegetarian version, consider using tofu or additional beans to maintain the protein content without the chicken.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).