White Chicken Chili Recipe - 6-Ingredients Means Dinner in a Hurry (2024)

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This easy white chicken chili recipe is a home cook’s answer to fast food. With canned beans, it can be on the table in no time. It will take a bit longer to cook using dry beans, but that’s my preference if time allows, as it’s so budget friendly. It’s the perfect recipe for busy days!

If you’re hankering for another budget-friendly fast meal, try my lentil sausage soup.

White Chicken Chili Recipe - 6-Ingredients Means Dinner in a Hurry (1)

It’s been one of those months. Lots to do, not enough hours in the day. Several weeks ago on my way home from a long day of errands and meetings and plate spinning, I ran through all of the options in my fridge for a fast dinner. Short of setting a plate full of random fruits and vegetables on the table, I was coming up with zero. I’d had it, I was spent, I gave up.

I stopped at the local grocery store intending to grab something – anything – that could hit the table in a hurry. A fast idea for dinner. I scanned the shelves and the frozen food section for something that would pass for real food, ready to go. If you’re a label reader or at all concerned about excessive packaging—as I am—you know the impossibility of this task.

Easy Chicken Chili Recipe

I came home with canned white beans, thinking I’d make up a white bean chicken chili recipe.

Using canned beans instead of dry beans was my foray into “fast food.” (If you use canned beans, look for the Eden Organic brand. Their cans are BPA free.)

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We had a good laugh about me and my fast dinner ideas. We also had an excellent dinner.

This chicken chili came together from nothing and while it hit the table a little bit later than I’d intended, it was worth the wait. The family, they raved and it’s become a go-to recipe here in my household. You know it’s a winner when your mom asks for the recipe!

While traditional chili recipes have a tomato base, this recipe results in a flavorful meal with a light, creamy base.

White Chicken Chili Recipe - 6-Ingredients Means Dinner in a Hurry (2)

Ingredients

White beans You can use navy beans, cannelloni beans, or great northern beans, canned or dry. Navy beans are smaller and tend to cook a tad bit faster. Use your Instant Pot to cook the dry beans in a hurry. If you use dry beans, measure the cooked beans and add chicken stock to the recipe.

Chicken Legs or thighs are the most budget-friendly choices, if you’re buying chicken parts. Skinless chicken breasts will work just fine, as will using a whole chicken (the least expensive option of all). If you’re in a hurry and succumb to ease, a rotisserie chicken is another option.

Peppers Any green chilis will work for this chili recipe, depending on how much heat you like. If you don’t like your meals spicy, go with mild peppers. If you like a little spice, by all means choose a hotter pepper. Jalapeno peppers are readily available. Shish*to peppers are a bit milder. No fresh peppers on hand? Add a can of mild green chiles.

Onion — You can use any kind of bulb onion you have on hand — white, yellow, or red.

Oil You’ll need just a little bit of oil for sautéing. I typically use olive oil or avocado oil, but use what you have on hand.

White Chicken Chili Recipe - 6-Ingredients Means Dinner in a Hurry (3)

Making this White Bean Chili

Start by sautéing the onions and green chile peppers until they’re soft.

Once the veggies are soft, add the chicken to the pot.Cook the chicken until it’s done, then remove the chicken from the pot and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the canned (or cooked) beans.

If you opt to use a whole chicken, cook it separately, then add the shredded meat along with the beans and simmer for half an hour or so.

Serving

This easy recipe is perfect served simply, but you can chop some fresh cilantro or green onion if you like, add a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve with tortilla chips and salsa verde. My son likes extra hot sauce on the side.

Storing Leftovers

This wholesome meal is one of those that’s even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

White Chicken Chili Recipe - 6-Ingredients Means Dinner in a Hurry (4)

★ Did you make this white bean chicken chili recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!★

White Chicken Chili Recipe - 6-Ingredients Means Dinner in a Hurry (5)

Easy White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

This easy white chicken chili recipe is a home cook's answer to fast food. With canned beans, it can be on the table in no time, but dry beans make it more budget friendly.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 mildly spicy peppers, sliced*
  • 6 chicken thighs or legs, (preferably organic)
  • 75 oz. great northern beans, (5 cans OR 8 cups cooked small white beans plus 2 cups chicken broth)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. In a stock pot, saute onions and peppers on medium heat for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add chicken parts and cover the pot. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, turning chicken occasionally. Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks.
  3. Return shredded chicken to pot along with canned beans (undrained), salt, and pepper. If you opt to use dry beans, cook them then add 8 cups of beans along with 2 cups of chicken stock.
  4. Continue to cook over low heat for another 10 to 30 minutes (or an hour, if you've got time or you're trying to squeeze in chores).

Notes

*My peppers were from the garden, a plant given to me by a friend; I don't know the variety. We call them Jeannie peppers. They're pretty mild; I put seeds and all in the pot. Hotter peppers? Remove the seeds and use fewer or go for broke. Your call.

You can use cannellini beans instead of the great Northern beans; they're a bit heartier.Navy beans would be fine, too!

If you'd prefer, substitute one pound of ground chicken or ground turkey for the chicken parts.

Hot tip: Double the amount of chicken, holding the extra out once it's shredded. Voila! Chicken for lunches.

*If you use canned beans, look for the Eden Organic brand. Their cans are BPA free.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8Serving Size: 1. cup
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 586Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 177mgCarbohydrates: 64gFiber: 20gSugar: 3gProtein: 46g

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Originally published in August 2013; this post has been updated.

White Chicken Chili Recipe - 6-Ingredients Means Dinner in a Hurry (2024)

FAQs

How long can white chicken chili last in the fridge? ›

Storing & freezing tips

To store: this white chicken chili will stay good in your fridge for about 5 days. Once your chili is completely cooled, just place it in an airtight container (or multiple, if you'd like to meal prep it) without the additional toppings and place it in the fridge.

How to thicken up white chicken chili? ›

From the Editor
  1. Use a cornstarch slurry: Mix together equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the chili.
  2. Simmer the chili longer: The longer you simmer the chili, the thicker it will be. ...
  3. Add more beans: Mash another can of cannellini beans with a potato masher, then stir it into the chili.
Oct 19, 2023

What is the difference between chili and white chili? ›

There's your red. On the other hand, white versions are made with chicken instead of beef, and without tomatoes but with beans (usually white beans) and tons of flavor from green chilies.

What is white chili made of? ›

Here are the Ingredients for the White Chicken Chili:

Cans - Cannellini Beans, Northern White Beans, Pinto Beans, Sweet Yellow Corn, White Corn, Green Chiles. Olive Oil. Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt. Chicken Broth.

Can you eat chicken chili left out overnight? ›

If you reheat food that was forgotten on the counter overnight or was left out all day, will it be safe to eat? TWO HOURS is the MAXIMUM time perishable foods should be at room temperature (ONE HOUR at temperatures 90 degrees F and higher). This INCLUDES the time they're on the table during your meal.

Can I eat 8 day old chili? ›

According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Traditionally, we expect a robust, spicy base, meat and/or beans, perhaps some bonus veggies, and a thick, rich consistency. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy yet thinner, chili is meant to be more stew-like; it's a definite stick-to-your-ribs creation.

What liquid to add to chili? ›

In addition, broth, beer, and/ or water is usually added to produce the desired consistency in the pot of chili. I usually add one or two cups of beef broth. If you put tomatoes in the stew, this will also provide plenty of liquid.

How to make chili more flavorful? ›

How to Give Chili a Flavor Boost
  1. Add something acidic. ...
  2. Try to identify what about your chili is boring. ...
  3. Add tomato paste. ...
  4. Drop in some chocolate. ...
  5. Embrace pickling liquid. ...
  6. Stir in some molasses.

Why do you put white vinegar in chili? ›

Stirred into the pot right before serving, a spoonful of vinegar brightens up the finished product, and gives it that full, rounded taste that was missing. Even if the chili recipe you're using doesn't call for vinegar, go ahead and add it anyway. You won't actually taste the tang or sharp flavor of the vinegar.

Are cannellini beans the same as navy beans? ›

If your recipe calls for white beans, you can often use Cannellini Bean as an excellent substitute for Navy or Great beans. They are slightly larger, have a meaty texture, and have thicker skin. With nutty and early flavor work well in soups and cold salads.

Why is white chicken chili considered chili? ›

White chili is a chili insofar as it contains meat and has a chili pepper base, but it is the one chili that typically includes shredded poultry, either chicken or turkey.

Why put sour cream on chili? ›

The slightly tart flavor will add brightness and complexity to your tried-and-true chili recipe, while the thick texture creates heartiness and a creamy mouthfeel. As for the garnish, rest assured, a handful of shredded cheese and diced scallions can more than get the job done on their own.

How long is chicken chili good for? ›

Generally, leftover chili, whether it's a spicy stew of chili con carne, a simple white bean chicken chili, or even a meatless chili with kidney beans, will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Are cannellini beans the same as northern beans? ›

"The difference between the two rests primarily with the heartiness of the cannellini over the northern," explains Vince Hayward, the president of Camellia Brand beans. "Because of the thicker skin, and slightly bolder bean taste, the cannellini lends itself better towards soups and stews," Hayward adds.

How long are white chicken chili leftovers good for? ›

Generally, leftover chili, whether it's a spicy stew of chili con carne, a simple white bean chicken chili, or even a meatless chili with kidney beans, will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I eat chili after 7 days in the fridge? ›

Generally, homemade chili (chili con carne) will stay good in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container. However, it's important to remember that the length does chili last in the fridge, the higher the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.

Is chili good after 5 days in fridge? ›

Commercially packaged or store-bought chili is good in the refrigerator for about 5–7 days, as they add preservatives and additives to increase the shelf life. Before storing, it is better to read the storage guidelines present on the labels to avoid spoilage.

Can I eat leftover chili after 5 days? ›

Understanding Food Safety and Chili

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), leftovers, including chili, can be safely stored in the refrigerator for three to four days if properly handled.

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