White Bean Chili

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul and fills the belly, you’ve found it! This White Bean Chili is one of my all-time favorites. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that even novice cooks can impress their loved ones with a hearty meal.

There’s something about a big pot of chili simmering on the stove that brings everyone together. The aroma fills your home with comfort, and each spoonful promises warmth and joy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This White Bean Chili comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Family-friendly: With its mild spice level and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch at the start of the week, and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout!
• Flavor-packed: The blend of spices and fresh herbs creates a deeply satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes cooking enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful White Bean Chili:

For the Chili

• 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast (cut into cubes)
• 1 cup diced onion
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeño (approximately 1 jalapeño pepper)
• 1 packed cup cilantro leaves (roughly chopped, divided)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 15.8-ounce cans white beans (drained)
• 6 cups chicken broth or stock
• 16 ounces frozen corn
• 2 4-ounce cans diced green chile peppers (undrained)
• sour cream (optional, for serving)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste.

• Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, try turkey or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add an extra jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to really kick things up.
• Go creamy: Stir in some coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a rich and creamy texture.

How to Make White Bean Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot and shimmery, toss in your cubed chicken. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until it’s just cooked through. This step seals in those juices and gives your chili great flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Now that you have your chicken set aside, add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same pan. Reduce the heat to medium before adding diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until everything softens up beautifully. Cooking these aromatics will infuse your chili with rich flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate Herbs

Add ½ cup of chopped cilantro into the pan with your sautéed veggies. Stir well to combine everything before transferring it all into a large pot. The cilantro adds freshness that brightens up this hearty dish!

Step 4: Add Spices

Set the heat under your pot to medium again. Now it’s time to add cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together well for about 2-3 minutes; this helps release all those wonderful flavors from the spices.

Step 5: Mix in Beans and Broth

Next up! Pour in those drained white beans along with the chicken broth or stock into your pot filled with spices and veggies. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious ingredients.

Step 6: Let It Simmer

Allow your chili mixture to simmer on medium heat for at least 30 minutes but ideally up to two hours if you have time. As it cooks away gently on the stove, take a potato masher and mash some beans to achieve your desired consistency—this gives it that creamy texture we all love!

Step 7: Add Chicken and Corn

Once you’re happy with how it’s simmered away, stir back in your sautéed chicken along with frozen corn and diced green chiles. Let this all simmer together until heated through—about another 10-15 minutes—and watch as everyone begins to gather around!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Just before serving, stir in that remaining half cup of cilantro for brightness. Portion out your warm chili into bowls and if you’d like—a dollop of sour cream on top adds such creaminess! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making White Bean Chili

Making the perfect white bean chili is all about combining flavors and textures, so here are some tips to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant flavor that dried herbs just can’t replicate. It brightens up the chili and enhances its taste.
• Adjust spice levels: If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapeño or cayenne pepper. Start with a little and taste as you go; you can always add more but can’t take it out!
• Experiment with beans: While white beans are traditional, trying different varieties like navy or cannellini beans can add unique textures and flavors to your chili.
• Let it simmer longer: The longer your chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it go for up to 2 hours!
• Serve with a squeeze of lime: A splash of fresh lime juice right before serving can brighten the entire dish and balance the richness wonderfully.

How to Serve White Bean Chili

Serving white bean chili can be as creative as you want! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a cozy night in, there are plenty of ways to present this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped avocado: Creamy avocado slices add a lovely texture and coolness that pairs beautifully with spicy chili.
• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese brings richness and melts beautifully into warm chili.
• Crushed tortilla chips: For an added crunch, top your bowl with some crushed tortilla chips for texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic pairing complements the chili’s flavors perfectly. Sweet cornbread balances the spice while adding a fluffy texture.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a fresh vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
• Guacamole and tortilla chips: These bring extra flavor and crunch to your meal. Guacamole adds creaminess while the chips provide that satisfying crunch.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving chili over rice or quinoa creates a filling meal that’s perfect for soaking up all those wonderful flavors.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with this white bean chili recipe! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser any day of the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

This White Bean Chili is perfect for meal prep! It stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the chili completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making White Bean Chili:

Can I make White Bean Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with additional vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu. The broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How spicy is this White Bean Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer milder chili, reduce or omit the jalapeño and cayenne pepper. You can always add more spice later!

How long does White Bean Chili last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this White Bean Chili will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s great for meal prep!

Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes! If you prefer using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them separately until tender before adding them to the chili.

Final Thoughts

This White Bean Chili is truly special not just for its comforting flavors but also for how easily it fits into a busy lifestyle. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! It’s perfect for cozy dinners, game day gatherings, or simply enjoying a warm bowl after a long day. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!