This White Bean Chicken Chili is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any time of the year. Packed with protein from the chicken breast and white beans, and flavored with aromatic spices, this chili is both nutritious and delicious. It's easy to make and can be served with your favorite toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but there are a few you might need to pick up at the supermarket. Make sure to get white beans, which are essential for the chili's creamy texture. Also, frozen corn adds a sweet crunch, so don't forget to grab a bag. Finally, ensure you have ground cumin and dried oregano for that perfect blend of spices.

Ingredients for White Bean Chicken Chili
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding a rich flavor.
Chicken breast: Provides lean protein and is the main meat component of the chili.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent and aromatic qualities.
White beans: The primary bean used in this chili, offering a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Chicken broth: Forms the liquid base of the chili, adding depth and richness.
Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor that is essential in chili recipes.
Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter, aromatic flavor that complements the other spices.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Frozen corn: Adds a sweet crunch and bright color to the chili.
Sour cream: A creamy topping that balances the spices and adds richness.
Shredded cheese: Melts into the hot chili, adding a gooey, savory finish.
Technique Tip for This Chili
When browning the chicken, ensure the pieces are spread out evenly in the pot to avoid overcrowding. This allows the chicken to sear properly and develop a rich, golden crust, enhancing the overall flavor of the chili.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture and flavor profile.
Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.
Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor when fresh garlic is not available.
White beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar texture and flavor.
Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor for a vegetarian option.
Ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, citrusy flavor that complements the dish.
Dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with umami flavor.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without altering the color of the dish.
Frozen corn - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn can provide a similar sweetness and texture.
Sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Shredded cheese - Substitute with grated Parmesan: Grated Parmesan can provide a similar salty and savory flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Chili
How To Store / Freeze This Chili
- Allow the white bean chicken chili to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
- Transfer the cooled chili into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
- Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the chili within a safe timeframe.
- Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chili within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even tastier.
- For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The white bean chicken chili can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its deliciousness.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals and stirring in between.
- If the chili appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese just before serving to enhance the flavors and presentation.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Pour the leftover white bean chicken chili into a saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili appears too thick.
- Once heated through, serve hot with fresh sour cream and shredded cheese on top.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the chili to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splatters.
- Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed.
- Garnish with sour cream and shredded cheese before serving.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir halfway through the baking time to ensure even heating.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Pour the leftover chili into your slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Once hot, ladle into bowls and top with sour cream and shredded cheese.
Double Boiler Method:
- Fill the bottom part of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
- Place the chili in the top part of the double boiler.
- Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chili is warmed through.
- Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese on top.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used for cooking the chili, allowing enough space for all ingredients to simmer together.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.
Chef's knife: Essential for dicing the chicken and chopping the onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and dicing ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the spices accurately.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the chicken broth and frozen corn.
Can opener: Required to open the cans of white beans.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly.
Ladle: Useful for serving the chili into bowls.
Serving bowls: For serving the finished chili.
Grater: Used if you need to shred the cheese for serving.
Small bowls: For holding the sour cream and shredded cheese toppings.
How to Save Time on Making This Chili
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion and mince the garlic in advance. Dice the chicken breast and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned white beans instead of dried ones to save soaking and cooking time.
Frozen corn convenience: Keep frozen corn on hand to eliminate the need for shucking and cutting fresh corn.
One-pot cooking: Utilize a large pot to cook everything together, reducing the number of dishes to wash.
Quick toppings: Pre-shred the cheese and portion out the sour cream for easy serving.

White Bean Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, diced
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cans White Beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Frozen Corn
- 1 cup Sour Cream for serving
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until softened.
- Add the white beans, chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen corn and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with sour cream and shredded cheese on top.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Chili
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