White Bean Chicken Chili

Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s quick to make and sure to satisfy? Look no further than this delicious Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili recipe. Packed with tender chicken, creamy white kidney beans, sweet corn, and just the right amount of spice, this chili is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 540 ml canned white kidney beans (19oz), drained and rinsed
• 341 ml canned corn (12oz), drained
• 127 ml canned green chiles (4.3oz)
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco Green Sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (125 grams)
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions:

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Drain and rinse the white kidney beans and corn. Set aside.
2. In a 3-4 quart Dutch oven or soup pot, combine the chicken breasts and low sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks on a large cutting board.
4. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the chicken broth.
5. Stir in the drained white kidney beans, corn, canned green chiles, Tabasco sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt.
6. Cube the cream cheese and add it to the pot. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. After 10 minutes, stir well to melt the cream cheese into the chili. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the corn starch and water together in a small bowl, then stir into the chili to thicken.
8. Serve the creamy white bean chicken chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as additional Tabasco sauce, chips, avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapeños.

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Garnish Creatively: When serving your creamy white bean chicken chili, get creative with toppings. Consider offering a variety of options such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. These toppings not only add flavor and texture but also enhance the visual appeal of your dish.
2. Accompaniments: Serve your chili alongside warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal. The contrast in textures and flavors will elevate your dining experience and provide a delightful combination of tastes.
3. Make-Ahead Option: This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve. The flavors will meld together even more, making it even more delicious with each passing day.
4. Freezing Instructions: If you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare a batch for future meals, this chili freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through.
5. Portion Control: If you’re cooking for a smaller household, consider portioning the chili into individual servings before freezing. This way, you can easily thaw and reheat just the amount you need, reducing waste and ensuring you always have a comforting meal on hand.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of creamy white bean chicken chili whenever the craving strikes, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Experiment with different toppings and accompaniments to customize the dish to your taste preferences and make it truly your own.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version of this chili, simply omit the chicken and replace it with extra white kidney beans or another plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
2. Spice it Up: Adjust the level of heat to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of Tabasco sauce, green chiles, or chili powder. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spice or omit it altogether.
3. Creamy Coconut Variation: Give your chili a tropical twist by substituting coconut milk for the cream cheese. The creamy coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the chicken and white beans, adding a hint of sweetness to balance the spices. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a vibrant finish.
4. Tex-Mex Style: Add Tex-Mex flair to your chili by incorporating ingredients like diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, and ground cumin. Top with sliced jalapeños, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and a dollop of guacamole or sour cream for an authentic Southwestern taste.
5. Slow Cooker Method: To make this chili even more convenient, try preparing it in a slow cooker. Simply place all the ingredients (except the cream cheese and cornstarch mixture) into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese and cornstarch mixture, cover, and continue cooking until the chili is creamy and heated through.
6. Grilled Chicken: For added flavor, grill the chicken breasts before shredding them and adding them to the chili. The smoky char from the grill will infuse the chicken with a delicious depth of flavor that complements the creamy beans and spices perfectly.
7. Bean Variety: Experiment with different types of beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans to create your own unique variation of this chili. Mix and match your favorite beans for a diverse and satisfying dish that’s packed with protein and fiber.

By exploring these variations, you can customize this creamy white bean chicken chili recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a spicier version, or a convenient slow cooker option, there are endless possibilities to make this dish your own and enjoy it time and time again.

Enjoy this comforting and creamy White Bean Chicken Chili, perfect for any day of the week. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and sweet corn with a hint of heat for a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends on a chilly evening, this chili is sure to be a hit. So grab a bowl, dig in, and savor the goodness of homemade comfort food at its finest.