EASY White Bean Chili with Chicken

Easy White Bean Chili with Chicken is loaded with the robust flavor of well-season shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and spices. Plus, there are enough roasted green chilies to give it that ‘wow’ factor from your first spoonful to the very last drop!

 

White Bean Chicken Chili for easy dinner

A delicious meal, this white bean chili with chicken is the perfect dish to make for an easy dinner, on game nights, or for a family gathering.

We love chili occasionally.  Some of our favorites include Easy Beef Chili, and Sweet Potato Chili, and don’t miss our vegetarian version, our Easy Vegetarian Chili.

Reasons To Love White Bean Chili with Chicken…

• This recipe comes together in less than 15 minutes.
• An ideal recipe to cook in your favorite slower cooker or crockpot for a few hours ( and even in the Instant Pot).
• It feeds a crowd of 8 to 10 people, and it freezes well for extra meals. 
• Chicken makes this low-fat alternative.
• Perfect for any gathering and game nights.
• Plus, it is not as spicy, and more on the mild side.
• Ideal for storing and freezing.

How to Make It?

This is an easy 3-step process:

1. First, you must sauté some onions and garlic, until they are fully cooked and caramelized.  This will give more flavor to the chili.
2. Next, grill 2 chicken breasts in the same skillet (for easy cleanup) until they are nicely cooked and browned on both sides.
3. Then place all the ingredients into your crock or slow cooker and turn it on.

Notes & Tips…

• A super easy meal to put together and it’s positively delicious every time.
• Keep in mind, this recipe is hot and spicy for heat lovers.  But if you prefer milder, reduce the amount of roasted green chilies to only 1 can (4 ounces), instead of two.
• Serve it with our homemade Cheesy Mini Biscuits (Jim’s n Nicks Copycat) on the side and enjoy!
• Add a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro to garnish.

Ingredients Overview:

Our full recipe is at the bottom of this post.

• White Beans: These can be cannellini beans or Northern beans. Be sure you rinse and drain them before adding them.
• Organic Chicken Broth: You will need 4 cups for this recipe.
• Olive Oil: Is used to saute the chicken in the skillet.
• Butter: You will need about 1 tablespoon.
• Onions:
• Garlic Cloves:
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You will need 2 large breasts, about 2 pounds.
• Roasted Green Chilies: – You will need 2 small cans (4-ounce each)
• Seasonings: You will need some ground cumin, salt and black pepper.
• Cheddar Cheese: You can use mild shredded cheddar cheese when serving.

Directions to Make It…

1.  Turn on your crockpot to “High” temperature.
2.  Add the chicken broth, plus 2 cans (rinsed) of beans into the crockpot. And cover.  (*Reserve the 3rd can of beans for later.)
3.  In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter on medium heat, until butter is melted.
4.  Add the garlic and onions and sauté, stirring until they are softened and golden brown, about 6 minutes.  Add the onion mixture to the crockpot or slow cooker.

5.  Prepare the chicken.  Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the chicken breasts.
6.  Place chicken into the same skillet, and grill chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. (No need to add any oil or butter.) Transfer chicken into the crock-pot.

7.  Add the chilies, cumin, salt, and black pepper.  Stir once or twice. Cover.
8.  Cook on “High” for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours.  (I cooked it on High for 4 hrs.) Total prep time: 15 minutes.

9.  *Add in the 3rd can (rinsed) of beans, 15 minutes before you finish the cooking.  Add 1/2 cup of water to the mixture if you prefer more liquid.

10.  Remove the chicken and shred it.  Set it aside.  Remove 1+ 1/2 cups of beans with 1/2 cup of liquid and puree in a blender.  Return the creamy mixture and shredded chicken to the crockpot or slow cooker.

11.  Change the temperature to “Warm” or turn it off completely.  It will keep the chili warm until you are ready to serve.   Serve it in individual bowls.  Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese on top. Serve with sour cream on the side. Yields: 3 quarts

Pairings…

It is essential to pair a dish as rich and flavorful as this White Bean Chili with Chicken with something that complements and balances out its intensity. We suggest serving it with a light salad. And for beverages, a crisp white wine or light beer would make this dish every bit delightful.

 More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love…

• Easy Vegetarian Chili
• Sweet Potato Chili
• Easy Beef Chili Recipe
• 12 Favorite Super Bowl Recipes
• Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe

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Hello friends!  Are you cooking?  If you make our easy white bean chili with chicken, let us know and leave a comment and a star rating below!  Sharing your experience and insights will not only help those who read them but will help us too! 

Happy and Healthy Cooking!  🙂

Anna and Liz