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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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 you keep white chicken chili in the refrigerator? ›

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.

What is the meaning of white chili? ›

White chili is a delicious variation of classic chili, featuring chicken or turkey and white beans in a savory broth base instead of the typical kidney beans and tomato base.

How long can you freeze chicken chili? ›

Place the meal in the back of the freezer where it's coldest. It's best to use this freezer meal within 3 months. To prepare the chili from frozen, either thaw it in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on the microwave. Then, warm in the microwave, in a pot on the stove, or in the slow cooker.

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.

Can I eat leftover chicken after 5 days? ›

USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.

What is the benefit of white chilli? ›

White pepper contains a chemical called piperine. This chemical seems to have many effects in the body. It seems to reduce pain, improve breathing, and reduce inflammation. Piperine also seems to improve brain function, but it is not clear how.

Why do you put white vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

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.

Why is my white chicken chili watery? ›

This can be the result of: Adding too much stock, broth, or water. A base of beef broth, chicken broth, or stock (and occasionally water, milk, or cream), sets the tone for most chili recipes. If your chili looks watery, you may have poured in more than required.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Chili should be thick and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sometimes there's just a bit more liquid than you want in the pot. While you can simply keep simmering the chili, that method risks overcooking softer ingredients like the beans, losing all your nice texture to mushy monotony.

Does tomato paste thicken chili? ›

Not only will tomato paste add a tangy flavor to the dish, but it will also act as a thickening agent. For this purpose, you can use homemade or store-bought tomato paste. Add 1 can of the paste to your pot of chili, stir the mixture, and let it cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes.

Is chicken chili healthy? ›

You can chilly chicken at home in a simple, tasty and healthy manner, says Dr Tejender Kaur Sarna, Nutritionist and Lifestyle Coach, Mumbai. Chicken is rich in proteins and adding capsicum and onions to it only adds up the nutritional value, making it a healthy lunch option.

What type of wine goes with white chicken chili? ›

White Bean Chili and Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

This combination lends itself well to the minerality of many Sauvignon Blancs. Additionally, white bean chilis with white meat poultry tend to have a creamier texture that matches well with a buttery Chardonnay.

How long is white chicken chili good for in the fridge? ›

Store white chicken chili in the refrigerator for 3-4 days after making. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can you eat chili after 5 days in the fridge? ›

Can You Eat Chili After 5 Days? Meatless chili and opened canned chili stay safe to eat for up to 7 days in the fridge. Meat-based homemade chilis kept in the fridge only last for 3-4 days. If your chili contains meat and it's been in the fridge for 5 days, you should discard it, even if it looks good.

How long does white chicken last in the fridge? ›

According to the USDA, you should use raw chicken within 1 to 2 days of purchase. Otherwise, freeze the chicken and if whole, use within a year, or if chicken parts, within nine months. You can also refer to grocery store "best-by" dates for quality.

How long does chicken in white sauce last in the fridge? ›

In terms of food safety guidelines, your fridge can be a cozy three-to-four-day vacation spot for your cooked chicken regardless of sauce or not. Some sauces will actually keep the chicken fresher for longer (curried chicken with large amounts of ginger/black pepper/cayenne for example).

How long can white meat stay in the fridge? ›

For raw ground meats, poultry, seafood and variety meats (liver, tongue, chitterlings, etc.), refrigerate them only 1 to 2 days before either cooking or freezing. Beef, veal, lamb and pork roasts, steaks and chops may be kept 3 to 5 days.

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