Delicious bowl of White Bean Chicken Chili with fresh herbs and toppings

White Bean Chicken Chili

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

White Bean Chicken Chili is a warm and hearty dish that everyone in the family can enjoy. It’s easy to make, and the flavors blend together beautifully. This chili provides a tasty alternative to traditional chili, offering a lighter option with the creamy cannellini beans and tender chicken. Plus, it can be made in one pot for effortless cleanup! Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.

How to Make White Bean Chicken Chili

Making White Bean Chicken Chili is simple and fun! Here’s how you do it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3.5 cups water
  • 1 (15.5 ounce) can no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (4 ounce) can mild chopped green chilies, undrained
  • 1 (5.4 ounce) package Knorr® Rice Sides™ – Herb & Butter
  • 1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced

Directions:

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper if desired. Heat the oil in a large deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken and onion, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned, about 4 minutes.

  2. Stir in the ground cumin and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the water, beans, and chilies with their liquid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  3. Stir in Knorr® Rice Sides™ – Herb & Butter; reduce the heat and simmer covered for 4 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook until the rice is tender, about 3 minutes. Serve with lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro, and fried tortilla strips or tortilla chips if desired.

How to Serve White Bean Chicken Chili

White Bean Chicken Chili is best served hot. You can garnish it with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or as a warming dinner option after a long day.

How to Store White Bean Chicken Chili

Store any leftover White Bean Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Tips to Make White Bean Chicken Chili

  • Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preference. For extra heat, add some crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
  • You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for more flavor and nutrition.
  • If you like a creamier chili, stir in a bit of sour cream or crema before serving.

Variation

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the chicken with more beans or vegetables like mushrooms and peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can use any type of white beans or even kidney beans if you prefer.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just follow the same steps for cooking the chicken and onions, then add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What can I serve with White Bean Chicken Chili?
This chili is great on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal.