White Bean Chicken Chili

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Cook: 3 hours

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-1/4-inch pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, divided
  • 2-1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, quartered cherry tomatoes and chopped cilantro

Directions

  1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat; saute chicken until browned. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker.
  2. In same skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat; saute onion until tender. Add jalapeno, garlic, oregano and cumin; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add to slow cooker.
  3. In a bowl, mash 1 cup beans; stir in 1/2 cup broth. Stir bean mixture and the remaining whole beans and broth into chicken mixture.
  4. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 3-3-1/2 hours. Stir before serving. Sprinkle with cheese; add toppings if desired.

Can you freeze White Bean Chicken Chili?

Freeze cooled chili in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary.

White Bean Chicken Chili Tips

How else can you cook white bean chicken chili?

This white bean chicken chili is made in the slow cooker, which is a common preparation method for chili because of its convenience. However, making chili on the stovetop is just as easy. This white chicken chili recipe would be a good example of how to cook chili on the stove if you want an example, but you can always look through more our white chicken chili recipes for more guidance.

How can you make white bean chicken chili your own?

For a shortcut version of this white bean chicken chili recipe, try using rotisserie chicken instead of sauteing the chicken yourself. Some additional mix-in ideas include corn, or roasted jalapenos and a can of green chiles for some spice. The toppings you pick are a great way to make your chili your own, too—think corn chips, lime wedges or shredded cheese.

How should you store white bean chicken chili?

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. White bean chicken chili also freezes well for up to 6 months.

—Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor
Peppers (Hot)
Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 344 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 894mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.