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Looking for an easy, delicious January meal? My white bean chicken chili is just the thing to make! Made with corn, chicken and a little fresh lime juice, it may become your new favorite chili recipe ever. It is definitely easier and lighter than a classic chili dish! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Why you’ll love this creamy white chicken chili recipe!
If you love hearty chili but you’re looking for something a little bit different, you’ll flip for this white bean chicken chili recipe. My kids request this, along with my Taco Soup Recipe, all winter long!
And I love this recipe too because it’s on the table in well under an hour and takes mere minutes of hands on time. The chili freezes beautifully, so we can have a quick and delicious dinner another time. That’s a weeknight win!
Go to the recipe: White Bean Chicken Chili
What Makes This Chicken Chili Great
See the full recipe here.
- Hearty and cozy: Like my Texas Chili, this recipe is protein-packed and satisfying without being heavy.
- Super creamy: My secret to creating creamy chili is pureeing some of the beans to create a super creamy and satisfying savory chicken chili.
- Comforting flavors: With well-balanced spices and aromatics and plenty of chicken flavor, this soup feels like a warm hug on a cold day!
- The best leftovers: It stores, reheats, and freezes beautifully. (Here are some of my favorite ways to use leftover chili!)
- Put your own spin on it: Add a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of lime or any of your favorite chili toppings for white bean and chicken chili. Everyone can put together their own perfect bowl!
Ingredients For Easy White Chicken Chili
Here’s a quick look at what you will need to make my White Chicken Chili, but you can find the full recipe on All Things Mamma by clicking here.
- Aromatics – Onions are a must in any chili recipe and garlic helps create a nice base flavor.
- Ground chicken – You could substitute shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or ground turkey here with similar results if you prefer. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
- Ground spices – Cumin and smoked paprika for a nice smoky undertone.
- Diced green chilis – These come in mild or spicy versions, so choose whenever you prefer.
- Cannellini beans – I love cannellini bean chili, but you can also use another type of canned beans like navy beans, white kidney beans, or great northern beans.
- Frozen corn – Fresh sweet corn works well too when it’s in season.
- Lime juice – Use freshly squeezed lime juice if possible!
How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili
- Sauté: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and begins to shimmer, add the onion and garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes or until softened.
- Brown: Add the ground chicken, salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Continue to cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add Chilies and Blend Beans: Reduce the heat to low, and add the diced green chilies. In a food processor or blender, add one can of the beans in addition to the drained liquid from the second can. Blend until smooth. You can add some of the chicken stock to thin it out if necessary.
- Add Next Ingredients: Add the pureed beans, drained beans, corn, and stock to the pot, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer: Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the flavors have melded together.
- Finish: Stir in the lime juice and fresh cilantro, then adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper, if desired. Serve with desired toppings such as Greek yogurt, tortilla chips, or shredded Monterey jack or cheddar cheese!
Go to the full recipe: White Bean Chicken Chili
Serving Suggestions
White bean chicken chili makes a fantastic one-bowl meal, but I love to serve it with a variety of toppings and other accompaniments:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheese, like a Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack
- Sliced or diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for an extra squeeze of brightness
- Tortilla chips or tortilla strips to put on top of the chili
- Diced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños
- Green onions
- Crusty bread or cornbread, like my Classic Homemade Cornbread, Skillet Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins, are also great with this white chicken cannellini bean chili.
Go to the full recipe: White Bean Chicken Chili
