What are the main ingredients needed to make white bean chili?

White bean chili typically includes white beans such as cannellini or great northern beans, chicken (rotisserie or cooked), garlic, onion, mild green chilies, chicken broth, spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and coriander, plus corn. Creaminess often comes from pureed beans or cream cheese. Fresh lime juice and cilantro add brightness, and toppings like avocado, tortilla chips, and cheese can be added before serving.

How can I make white bean chili creamy without adding extra dairy?

To achieve a creamy texture without extra dairy, puree a portion of the cooked white beans with some chili broth until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the chili. This method thickens the chili naturally and enhances its flavor without relying on cream, cheese, or flour to create creaminess.

What is the easiest way to prepare white bean chicken chili on busy weeknights?

For a quick and flavorful option, use shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken. Sauté onions and garlic, add broth, chilies, spices, beans, and corn, then simmer briefly. Stir in the chicken at the end with fresh lime juice and cilantro. This approach saves cooking time while maintaining rich flavor and is perfect for fall or winter dinners.

Can I cook white bean chicken chili in a slow cooker, and how?

Yes, to make white bean chili in a slow cooker, add raw chicken breasts, chicken broth, spices, and green chilies at the start. Sauté onions and garlic before adding them. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5–6 hours until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken to shred, add softened cream cheese and pureed beans, then return the shredded chicken and corn to the pot to heat through before serving.

When is the best time to serve white bean chili?

White bean chili is ideal for cold-weather meals, especially during fall and winter. It suits busy weeknights, casual gatherings, football Sundays, and festive occasions like Halloween. Its warmth and hearty ingredients make it a comforting choice that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

White Bean Chili Recipes For Quick Comfort Meals

Name: White Bean Chili
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Diced onion; Olive oil; Fresh minced garlic; Chicken broth; Canned diced green chilies, mild; Ground cumin; Paprika; Oregano; Coriander; Cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; Light cream cheese, cut into small cubes; Frozen corn (or canned corn as an alternative); Cannellini beans (or great northern beans), rinsed and drained (1 cup reserved for pureeing with 1/4 cup broth from the pot); Shredded cooked chicken; Fresh lime juice; Fresh cilantro; Optional toppings: avocado slices, tortilla chips or strips, Monterey Jack cheese

Description

🍲 This White Chicken Chili delivers creamy, comforting flavors perfect for quick, hearty meals.
🍋 Brightened with fresh lime and cilantro, it offers a nutritious and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Diced onion

Olive oil

Fresh minced garlic

Chicken broth

Canned diced green chilies, mild

Ground cumin

Paprika

Oregano

Coriander

Cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

Light cream cheese, cut into small cubes

Frozen corn (or canned corn as an alternative)

Cannellini beans (or great northern beans), rinsed and drained (1 cup reserved for pureeing with 1/4 cup broth from the pot)

Shredded cooked chicken

Fresh lime juice

Fresh cilantro

Optional toppings: avocado slices, tortilla chips or strips, Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

1-First Step: Prep and Sauté Aromatics Drain and rinse the beans, reserving 1 cup for later. If using dried beans, simmer them until tender first. Chop your onion and mince the garlic to get ready. Heat the olive oil in a large pot, add the diced onion, and sauté for about 4 minutes until it’s soft. Then, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more to bring out its aroma.

2-Second and Third Steps: Build the Base Add the chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This step lets the spices mingle and creates a flavorful broth.

3-Fourth Step: Add Beans and Creaminess Puree the reserved 1 cup of beans with 1/4 cup of broth until smooth, then stir it back in along with the light cream cheese, corn, and the rest of the beans. Simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes to thicken things up. For folks wanting creamy pasta options, check out this chicken and broccoli pasta recipe for a similar cozy vibe.

4-Fifth and Sixth Steps: Finish with Protein and Freshness Mix in the shredded cooked chicken and let it heat through. Finally, add the fresh lime juice and cilantro for a bright finish. These touches make the white bean chili pop with flavor and keep it light yet satisfying.

Notes

🍛 Pureeing some beans with broth adds creaminess without extra dairy or flour.
🍗 Use shredded or leftover cooked chicken to keep meat tender and flavorful.
🧅 Sauté onions and garlic before adding liquid to build deep flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 383
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 525 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 33 g
Cholesterol: 77 mg

Keywords: White Chicken Chili, Comfort Food, Quick Meals, Creamy Chili