White Bean Chili

This white bean chili is just perfect! It’s absolutely loaded with flavor, easy to make, and super filling. It’s healthy and the best white bean chili out there! A must for your fall and tailgating recipes rotation!

Why This White Bean Chili Is So Good

• This truly is the best white bean chili I’ve ever had! I cannot get over how delicious, filling, and creamy (without the cream!) this recipe is.
• It’s so simple to make but the result is a crazy flavorful and hearty meal.
• You can make it ahead of time and it’s great for meal prep and freezes well.
• It’s low in fat and high in protein for a deliciously well balanced meal.

What You’ll Need to Make This White Bean Chili Recipe

The ingredients to make this white bean chili are pantry staples or ingredients easily sourced:

• Chicken breast
• Canned white beans
• Chicken broth
• Spices and herbs (cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, salt and fresh cilantro)
• Green chilis
• Veggies (frozen corn, onion, garlic, jalapeno)

How to Make This White Bean Chili Recipe

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat in a pan. Add the chicken and saute for about 3-5 minutes then remove and set aside.
• In the pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and jalapeno. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Rough chop 1/2 cup of cilantro and add to onion, garlic and jalapeno mixture. Saute for a few seconds then add all to a large pot.
• Add all seasonings (cumin, cayenne, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt). Reduce heat to medium and let simmer.
• Add the beans and chicken stock.
• Let the chili simmer at least another 30 minutes, but the longer, the better. Use a potato masher to mash the beans- a few mashes should do the trick. You should do this before adding the chicken if the beans are nice and soft.
• Add in the chicken, corn and chiles.
• Before serving, add the rest of cilantro.

Recipe Variations

This white bean chili recipe is so delicious as it is, but you can easily adapt it to your specific tastes or dietary needs:

• To make it vegetarian or vegan omit the chicken breast and use vegetable stock.
• To make it spicier add in an extra jalapeno
• To make it milder add in less green chilis
• Feel free to add in whatever veggies you have in your fridge!

What do you serve with white bean and chicken chili?

A good chili deserves to have a plethora of good toppings! Use all of your favorites for a flavorful finished dish! I serve my chili with:

• shredded cheese
• avocado slices
• jalapeno (fresh or pickled)
• fresh cilantro
• sour cream
• cornbread

Is chili a healthy meal?

Chili is a great well balanced meal, and my white bean version is no exception. The beans are a great source of protein and fiber and you get a good amount of vitamins and minerals from the veggies. It’s low in saturated fat and sugar and will help to keep you feeling full.

White bean chili is perfect for meal prep.

Chili is always on my meal rotation because it’s so easy to make, but it’s also perfect for make ahead meals. Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, so it’s great to use later in the week for another meal. It also freezes really well, so I often make a double batch.

Top Tips to Make This White Bean Chili Recipe

• Use organic chicken breast that hasn’t been raised on antibiotics.
• Check that your spices aren’t stale for maximum flavor.
• You can use frozen, canned or fresh corn in this recipe.
• Let the chili simmer for as long as you can for a richer flavor.

Be sure to check out my other easy and delicious chili recipes!

• Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
• Vegan Chili
• Instant Pot Whole Chili with Butternut Squash
• Whole30 Chili with Chocolate
• Chicken Tikka Masala Chili

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