My kitchen feels cozy when I make White Chicken Chili with Black Beans. On a cold day, I made this chili. It became a hit with my family.
The smell of the chili drew everyone into the kitchen. They loved it even more when I added Philadelphia cream cheese. It made the dish creamy and special.
This chili is tasty and easy to make. You can adjust the spices and add black beans to please everyone. It’s great in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Making extra is always a good idea, as the flavors get better overnight. Let’s make the best white chicken chili with black beans together.
What is White Chicken Chili?
White chicken chili is a fun twist on regular chili. It uses chicken instead of beef, making it lighter but just as tasty. It has a creamy broth, not a thick tomato base, for a special taste.
This recipe mixes shredded chicken, beans, spices, and chiles. It makes a warm and filling meal.
This chili is not only cozy but also easy to change up. It’s a mix of chili’s warmth and soup’s comfort. The flavors come from spices like cumin and smoked paprika.
White chicken chili is packed with good stuff and tastes great. It’s becoming a go-to for healthy, tasty meals.
Why Choose White Chicken Chili with Black Beans?
White chicken chili with black beans adds a rich flavor to any meal. Black beans make the dish even better by adding protein and fiber. It’s a hearty, comforting dish for anyone.
This chili is great because it fits many diets and tastes. It’s perfect for those who are gluten-free or just want something tasty. It’s easy to make, ready in about 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.
This dish is not only tasty but also good for you. It has lean protein and fiber from the chicken and beans. With about 484 calories per serving, it’s a filling choice that’s also healthy. Each ingredient works well together, making a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients for the Best White Chicken Chili
Making the best chicken chili starts with picking the right ingredients. The right mix creates rich flavors and a great texture. I can make my white bean chicken chili just right for my family.
Essential Ingredients
- 3 cups of shredded or diced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (8 oz) blocks of cream cheese
- 1 (14 oz) can of black beans
- 1 (14 oz) can of Mexican or Sante Fe corn
- ½ medium diced onion
- 1 (10 oz) can of diced green chilies
- 1 cup of fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 diced fresh jalapeño (with seeds)
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 bunch of fresh diced cilantro
Optional Add-Ins
For extra flavor, I add these:
- Diced celery
- Bell peppers
- Light beer (1 cup)
- Two (15 oz) cans of cannellini beans for added texture
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup) for creaminess
Garnishes like cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro make it even better. Each bite is full of comfort and warm flavors. Everyone in my home loves it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy White Chicken Chili
Making easy white chicken chili is easy. You can use a slow cooker or the stovetop. Both ways make a tasty chili perfect for any time.
Using the Slow Cooker
To make this yummy chicken chili in a slow cooker, just follow these steps:
- Cut 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thirds. Put them in the slow cooker.
- Pour in 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Add 2 cans of diced green chiles, 2 cans of white beans, and 1.5 cups of frozen corn.
- In a skillet, sauté 1 chopped medium yellow onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 seeded, finely chopped jalapeño in 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Once fragrant, transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add seasoning including 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon each of black pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder. Finish it off with 0.5 teaspoons of cayenne pepper and onion powder.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Before serving, stir in 0.5 cups of sour cream and 0.5 cups of heavy whipping cream.
Stovetop Method
For a quick version, try the stovetop method:
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, adding 1 tablespoon of neutral oil.
- Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant.
- Next, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Afterward, stir in 5 cups of chicken broth, 2 cans of green chiles, 2 cans of white beans, and 1.5 cups of frozen corn.
- Season with the same spices mentioned previously, adjusting the heat to medium-low.
- Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and the beans to thicken. Incorporate the cream before serving.
Healthy Benefits of White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili is great for your health. It has chicken and black beans. These give you important amino acids for muscles.
Beans in the chili are full of fiber. This helps your digestion and keeps your gut healthy. You get about 10 grams of fiber in each serving.
Vegetables and spices add flavor and vitamins. Corn and spices like cumin and oregano are good for you. They help keep you healthy.
This chili has about 345 calories per serving. It also has healthy fats from Greek yogurt or olive oil. It’s creamy and low in calories, making it a tasty, healthy choice.
It’s easy to make on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. This chili is a healthy meal that tastes great. It’s perfect for the whole family!
Customizing Your White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe
Cooking white bean chicken chili is fun. It lets me make it just how I like it. I can surprise my friends with new tastes.
Trying new things keeps it exciting. Changing spices and ingredients makes it special. This way, it’s more than just a recipe.
Spice Level Adjustments
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This makes the chili hot. For a milder taste, cut down on spices or add sweet corn.
This way, everyone can enjoy it just right. It’s perfect for their taste.
Substituting Ingredients
Trying different proteins and beans changes the dish. Using turkey instead of chicken makes it leaner. Different beans add texture and taste.
This makes the classic chili unique. It’s a new experience every time.
Tasty Toppings to Enhance Your Chili
Toppings make creamy chicken chili even better. They add rich flavors and fun textures. Here’s how I make my chili special with different toppings.
Creamy and Crunchy Options
I like to add sour cream or guacamole for creaminess. Tortilla chips add a nice crunch. Crushed chips make the chili feel like a work of art.
Fresh Herbs and Seasonal Additions
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten up the chili. They make it look and taste great. Adding diced tomatoes or jalapeños brings new flavors and freshness.
Serving Suggestions for Hearty Chicken Chili
There are many ways to serve hearty chicken chili. I like to serve it with cornbread. This makes a meal that everyone loves. You can make cornbread from scratch or use a box mix.
Rice is also a great choice. It’s cheap and feeds a lot of people. Adding tortilla strips gives a nice crunch.
Try baked or roasted potatoes for a fun twist. Guests can add toppings like sour cream or avocado. A fresh Mexican coleslaw or salad adds a nice touch.
These ideas make the chili even better. They let everyone make their own special dish. It’s a great way to make any meal special!
Freezing and Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made a delicious batch of homemade chicken chili but can’t finish it all, you can easily store the leftovers for a later meal. Leftover chicken chili will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy it.
For longer storage, consider freezing chili. Cool it completely before putting it in airtight containers. This keeps the flavor and texture good when reheating.
When reheating, adding fresh cream or milk helps. It makes the chili creamy again. Make sure all ingredients are mixed well before heating. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
This is great for busy nights or when you have unexpected guests. It’s always ready to go.
Best Occasions for White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili is a favorite for many occasions. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. It’s comforting and easy to make.
It’s great for casual get-togethers and festive celebrations. It’s a hit at game day parties and potlucks. It’s easy to make and feeds many.
On chilly evenings, I love this meal. It’s like a warm blanket. You can make it with what you have or what your guests like.
| Occasion | Why It’s Perfect |
|---|---|
| Weeknight Family Dinners | Quick preparation and everyone loves it. |
| Potlucks | Feeds a crowd with minimal effort. |
| Game Day | Hearty and filling, perfect for a gathering. |
| Cool Weather Nights | Comforting and warm for chilly evenings. |
White Chicken Chili makes any occasion special. It’s a dish I always come back to. It makes everyone feel welcome.
Final Thoughts on Cooking White Chicken Chili
Making the best white chicken chili with black beans is fun. You can cook it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Using fresh ingredients makes it taste even better.
Cooking chili is fun and easy. It takes a few hours or just minutes. The chicken, beans, and creamy texture are perfect for comfort.
White chicken chili with black beans is both healthy and tasty. It’s full of protein and fiber. Try it for a meal that’s good for you and delicious.
