White Bean Chicken Chilli

White Bean Chicken Chilli

This chicken chilli is a good and hearty dish with a kick of spice to warm you up during the cold weather. When you want to change up your weeknight dinner, this chicken dish is especially good and comforting. Made with green chiles, chicken, and cream.

This is such an easy meal that comes together quite quickly. Make sure to add your favourite toppings! Enjoy!

For this recipe, you can use a Dutch oven or a medium pot. I used the Delight round Dutch oven by Emile Henry. This recipe makes enough to serve a family of four, especially when you add the toppings.


Key ingredients:

  • Flavourful chicken to change up your traditional chilli/chili. Use 2 pounds of chicken breast and shred it beforehand. FAQs for tips and alternatives.
  • Spices: Warm and delicious spice blends of cumin chilli powder, oregano, garlic, and smoked paprika.
  • Chicken broth helps build flavour for the base of this chilli.
  • Cream to add richness and depths of flavour paired with the spice elements. See FAQs below recipe for alternatives.
  • Green chiles add a spiciness that helps with the pepper flavour and cuisine in this dish. Chilli should have some form of heat. If you aren’t keen on adding green chiles to this recipe, then you can cut it in half.
  • Toppings galore: Enjoy this with all of the toppings to make it a complete family-friendly feast. We love to have all of our toppings on a lazy Susan or divided between two trays in the middle of the table; this way, everyone can add whatever they like at any time.
  • Lime: A wedge of lime cuts the richness just enough by adding a drizzle of acid needed to bring it together.

Bowls of white bean chicken chilli with avocado on the side

Equipment

Nothing says, “Let’s cook for many” than a one-pot meal in a big Dutch Oven, but usually it’s difficult to find a lightweight and smaller version. The Delight round Dutch oven is a great vessel to cook or bake in, you can bake bread, stews, and more! This new style comes in a 2 Qt. size (featured), in black.

Chilli in a bowl

Bowl Options

White Bean Chicken Chili in brown bowls and white and navy checkered napikins
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins
Servings: 4

Description

Make this white bean chicken chilli (or chili) tonight for family dinner with a slight spicy kick!

Ingredients

Toppings:

Prep:

    1. Make ahead: Make sure your chicken is shredded beforehand. If you are starting with raw chicken, cook or boil the chicken, then shred it. Transfer the shredded chicken to a plate. Set aside. *See FAQs for notes.
    2. Make the Slurry: In a small mug, add the 2 tablespoons of cornflour and 4 tablespoons of water. Use a spoon or whisk to mix until there are no clumps. Set aside. 
  1. Method:
    1. In a 2Qt./2L-capacity Dutch oven, over medium heat, add the olive oil, and onions. Cook the onions for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they become translucent, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.  
    2. Now, add the minced garlic, and salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant, stirring occasionally.
    3. Add the cannellini beans, bay leaf, and green chiles. Stir in the cumin, oregano, chilli powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Turn up the heat to medium-high, bringing the Dutch oven to a low boil.
    4. Add the chicken broth, and the slurry (cornflour mixture). Give it a quick stir with a spoon and lower the heat to a simmer.
    5. Now, stir in the heavy cream, and add the shredded chicken, then cover the Dutch oven with a lid. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened. Take the lid off, and give the soup a good stir. Remove the bay leaf. Then, ladle the soup in bowls to serve.  
    6. Right before serving, squeeze the juice of one lime wedge over each bowl of chilli. To each bowl, divide the toppings evenly and add each of the following: avocado pieces, red onions, shredded cheese, a dollop of plain yoghurt, and tortilla chips. Garnish with fresh coriander/cilantro leaves. Enjoy! 

FAQs

Expand All:
What if I start with uncooked chicken?

Not a problem! If you have not cooked the chicken ahead of time and are using uncooked chicken, just bring a pot of water to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Place the chicken in the pot and cook the chicken until there is no pink in the centre. Remove from the pot, and place on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Set aside and go to Step 1. Depending on the thickness of your chicken it will take 8 to 15 minutes or so.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

I have made this recipe for lactose-sensitive people and use a plant-based heavy cream. It is not hard to find, but it’s also not available at every grocer. Try to go with a brand that says heavy coconut cream, otherwise, you can use coconut cream or double cream. If you use double cream (which is richer and thicker in the UK), then you will not need the slurry (cornflour) in this recipe. 

Can I use low-sodium broth?

Yes, however, if you are using low-sodium chicken broth, then you may need 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, instead of 1/2 teaspoon in the recipe. 

What other beans will work?

Feel free to use 2 cans (tins) of Great Northern beans, if you do not have cannellini beans. A quality white bean is what works best. 

Did you make this recipe?

Madison B. Siobhan

of FASHION TALES

Madison is an avid cook. She is a recipe developer, commercial photographer, and food writer. She has worked as a food stylist and as a wellness writer. Find food and entertaining inspiration throughout the pages of this blog and in her newsletters.

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1 comment

  • Chosn4one says:

    My family loves chili, so this was a no-brainer addition to the weekly dinner lineup. We loved it! Honestly, so far, we have enjoyed every recipe we’ve tried from the newsletter. So many great meal prep options. Thanks for another amazing weekday meal!






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