White Bean Chicken Chili is a lighter take on traditional chili, with just a bit of heat and tons of flavor thanks to green chilis, zippy lime juice, and an earthy blend of spices. It’s easy, healthy, and perfect for dinner!

Close up image of a bowl of white bean chicken chili topped with sliced avocados, sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

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Easy White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

If you love chili but you’re looking for something a little bit different, you’ll flip for this white chicken chili recipe. It uses ground chicken, cannellini beans, corn, and freshly squeezed lime juice to form the base of a hearty and flavorful meal.

Even better? It’s on the table in well under an hour, and the chili freezes beautifully, so you can have a quick dinner another time. That’s a weeknight win!

Dutch oven and ladle full of white bean chicken chili.

White bean chicken chili is wonderful on its own, or you can add homemade cornbread on the side, and top it with some of the options outlined below. This is a super make-ahead recipe, and I actually like making it a day or two in advance of when I want to eat it because the extra time allows the flavors to deepen.

For a more traditional chili, see my crock pot chili recipe! Then, if you have a bit of chili leftover, here’s what to do with it.

Ingredients to make White Bean Chicken Chili.

Recipe Ingredients

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

  • Olive oil – I always use extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Yellow onion – Onions are a must in any chili recipe!
  • Garlic – Garlic helps create a nice base flavor for the chili.
  • Ground chicken – You could substitute shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or ground turkey here with similar results if you prefer.
  • Salt – I like to use kosher salt.
  • Black pepper
  • Ground spices – Cumin and smoked paprika for a nice smoky undertone.
  • Diced green chilis – If you prefer a less spicy chili, you can reduce the amount of chilis.
  • Cannellini beans – You can also use navy beans or white kidney beans.
  • Frozen corn – Fresh corn works well too!
  • Chicken broth or stock – For a richer, deeper flavor to the chili. I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth to avoid an overpoweringly salty taste!
  • Lime juice – Use freshly squeezed lime juice if possible!
  • Cilantro – Chopped, fresh cilantro adds flavor and color.

Directions For How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili

  1. Sautรฉ: 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. Sautรฉ for 5 to 6 minutes or until softened. 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. Reduce the heat to low, and add the diced green chilies.
  2. Blend: 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.
  3. Combine: Add the pureed beans, drained beans, corn, and stock to the pot, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the flavors have melded together.
  4. Serve: 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!
close up image of a bowl of white bean chicken chili topped with sliced avocados, sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

Tips for Success

Chili freezes well. So, you can make a double batch and save some in the freezer for another time. Place cooled chili in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before heating.

Storage + Reheating

Store leftover white bean chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a pot over medium heat and heat until warm, or reheat in 30-second intervals in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

White bean chicken chili makes a fantastic one-bowl meal. I love to serve it with a few toppings and other accompaniments:

  • Sour cream. Spicy chili cooled with sour cream is always a hit. Place dollops of sour cream atop bowls of chili just before you serve it.
  • Shredded Mexican-style cheese. Cheese is a must! You can use any kind you likeโ€”sharp cheddar is very goodโ€”but I prefer shredded Mexican-style cheese.
  • Sliced avocado. Creamy slices of avocado are delicious with homemade chili.
  • Cornbread. Homemade cornbread is a classic pairing with chili! A slice of warm cornbread topped with melted butter is so good with a hot bowl of chili! You can try my Skillet Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins with this chicken chili.

FAQs

What will thicken white chicken chili?

To thicken white chicken chili, you can simmer the chili uncovered until thick, or add a cornstarch or flour slurry.

How do you make chili more flavorful?

Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley will enhance the flavor of white chicken chili, or you can add cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee, and tomato paste for some depth if you’re making a traditional chili.

Should chili be thick or soupy?

Chili should be thickโ€”definitely thicker than a traditional soup.

More Tasty Chicken Recipes

A bowl of white bean chicken chili topped with cheese, yogurt, and avocado slices.

White Bean Chicken Chili

White Bean Chicken Chili is a lighter take on traditional chili, with just a bit of heat and tons of flavor thanks to green chilis, zippy lime juice, and an earthy blend of spices. It's easy, healthy, and perfect for dinner!
No ratings yet
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Food processor or blender

Ingredients  

  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (5.5-ounce) diced green chilis
  • 2 (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans
  • 1 ยฝ cups frozen corn
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
  • ยผ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions 

  • 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. Sautรฉ for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. 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. Turn the heat down to low, then add the diced green chilies.
    3 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 yellow onion, diced, 2-3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 pound ground chicken, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, ยฝ teaspoon black pepper, 1 Tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 (5.5-ounce) diced green chilis
  • In a food processor or blender, add one can of the beans, in addition to the drained liquid from the second can, then blend until smooth. You can add some of the chicken stock to thin it out, if necessary.
    2 (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans
  • Add the pureed beans, drained beans, corn and stock to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the flavors have melded together. Stir in the lime juice and fresh cilantro, then adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper, if desired. Serve with desired toppings.
    1 ยฝ cups frozen corn, 2 cups chicken stock, 2 Tablespoons lime juice, ยผ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 2038mg | Potassium: 1046mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 394IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 187mg | Iron: 8mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

Share With Us!

I hope you enjoy this delicious White Bean Chicken Chili! If you give it a try, please share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag me on social media @allthingsmamma and use the hashtag #allthingsmamma.

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

Comments

  1. Sherry says:

    I love this white chicken chile recipe! Followed
    The easy directions and this chile has great flavor. I did not have the green chilis but small-diced a green pepper and added cayenne to taste instead. It worked very well but next time I will be sure to use the can of green chilis. Thanks so much for a wonderful, flavorful and easy weeknight dinner.

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