Go Back
bowl of white bean chicken chili

White Bean Chicken Chili

An easy alternative to regular chili
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Food Processor
  • Colander or Mesh Strainer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small yellow onion - chopped small
  • 2 cloves chopped garlic (or garlic powder)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 14.5 oz cans chicken broth or stock
  • 1 7 oz can green chilies (I use the mild)
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 8 oz package Neufchatel cheese (or light cream cheese)
  • 1 1/2-2 cup corn - frozen or fresh (NOT canned)
  • 2 15 oz cans cannellini beans
  • 3 cups chicken - chopped or shredded
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (garnish)

Optional

  • 3 tbsp corn starch, arrow root, or flour

Optional Toppings

  • tortilla chips
  • avocado slices
  • monterrey jack cheese (shredded)

Instructions
 

If not using pre-cooked chicken -

  • Preheat oven to 350ยบ
  • Trim fat off chicken and place in baking dish. Add water or chicken broth
    Bake for 30-45 minutes - until no longer pink in the middle
    Let cool

Next up -

  • Heat olive oil over low heat - add chopped onions and saute until clear (about 5 minutes)
  • Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer - if using garlic powder don't add it yet
  • Add chicken broth, chiles, all spices -
    Bring to a boil and reduce to medium and cook for 15 minutes
  • Drain and rinse beans
  • Measure out 1 cup beans and 1/4 cup broth - puree in a food processor
  • Add cheese, whole beans, pureed beans, corn to pot
    Let cook for 15 minutes
  • Add chicken and lime juice
  • If the chili seems too thin - shake water and corn starch/arrowroot powder/flour until smooth. Add to chili. Cook and add more until you have your desired consistency

Garnish with -

  • Garnish with shredded cheese and/or avocado slices
  • Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread