White Bean Chicken Chili

Indulge in the comforting embrace of a hearty bowl of White Bean Chicken Chili, where simplicity meets flavor and every spoonful tells a story of home. This beloved recipe boasts an array of reasons why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

With its enticing aroma, wholesome ingredients, and heartwarming flavors, this White Bean Chicken Chili is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary journey that brings people together, one bowl at a time.

How to make White Bean Chicken Chili

Ingredients

1.5 pounds chicken cut into bite-sized pieces (breast or thighs or a mix)

3 jalapeno peppers diced

1 1/2 small onion diced

3 tbsp minced garlic

2 poblano peppers (roasted, or fresh)

2 cans white beans (drained – 16 ounce cans)

2 cups chicken stock (or use a good flavored amber colored beer)

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 1/2 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp ancho powder

1 tsp cayenne

1 tsp oregano

salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp cornmeal

Hot Sauce to taste

For Serving: Crumbly white cheese, spicy chili flakes, fresh chopped parsley

Instructions:

Step 1:

To a large pot, add the oil with the chicken, onion and peppers.

Saute until they become tender and the chicken is mostly cooked through. (about 5 minutes)

Step 2:

Add the garlic and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, aobut another minute,

Add in the beans, chicken stock (or beer), and seasonings.

Bring to a boil.

Step 3:

Reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes.

You can easily let it simmer for an hour to let the flavors develop even further.

Step 4:

Stir the cornmeal into the chili and simmer about 10 minutes to thicken.

Serve!

Notes:

Versatile Protein: Chicken breast, thighs, or a combination of both can be used for this recipe. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken for easier preparation.

Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers and cayenne to control the spiciness of the chili according to personal preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before dicing.

Roasted Poblano Flavor: Roasting the poblano peppers adds depth and smokiness to the chili. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use fresh poblano peppers instead.

Bean Choice: White beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern beans, work well in this recipe. Make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the chili.

Flavorful Liquid: Chicken stock adds richness to the chili, but for an extra depth of flavor, consider using a good-quality amber-colored beer. The beer will add a subtle malty sweetness to the dish.

Spice Blend: A combination of ground cumin, chili powder, ancho powder, cayenne, and oregano creates a robust and flavorful seasoning base for the chili.

Thickening Agent: Cornmeal is added towards the end of cooking to thicken the chili. This helps to achieve a hearty and slightly creamy texture.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste the chili before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and hot sauce according to your taste preferences. Hot sauce can be added gradually to achieve the desired level of heat.

Garnish Options: Serve the chili with crumbly white cheese, such as queso fresco or feta, for a creamy contrast. Sprinkle with spicy chili flakes and fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

Flavor Development: Allowing the chili to simmer for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together. For even more depth of flavor, simmer for up to an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Make-Ahead Option: This chili can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting for a day or two in the refrigerator. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe instead of boneless?

Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through.

Remove the bones before serving if desired.

What can I use as a substitute for poblano peppers if I can’t find them?

You can substitute poblano peppers with Anaheim peppers or green bell peppers for a milder flavor.

Alternatively, you can use canned green chilis for added convenience.

Is it necessary to roast the poblano peppers, or can I use them fresh?

Roasting the poblano peppers adds a smoky flavor to the chili, but you can use them fresh if you prefer.

Simply dice them and add them to the pot along with the other vegetables.

Can I make this chili vegetarian by omitting the chicken?

Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and increase the amount of beans or add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for a vegetarian version of the chili.

How can I adjust the thickness of the chili to my preference?

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can increase the amount of cornmeal or simmer the chili uncovered for a longer period to allow more liquid to evaporate.

Conversely, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more chicken stock or water.

What type of white beans should I use for this recipe?

Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans are commonly used for white bean chicken chili.

Make sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the chili.

Can I freeze leftovers of this chili?

Yes, this chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is it necessary to use beer in this recipe, or can I stick to chicken stock?

The beer adds depth of flavor to the chili, but if you prefer not to use it, you can stick to chicken stock or even water.

Choose a good-quality chicken stock for the best flavor.

What are some serving suggestions for this chili?

Serve the chili with toppings such as crumbled white cheese (such as queso fresco or feta), spicy chili flakes, fresh chopped parsley, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

It pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips on the side.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this chili?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of jalapeno peppers and cayenne pepper used.

Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos can also reduce the heat.

Adjust the amount of hot sauce added at the end according to your preference.