Perfect Chicken and White Bean Chili Recipe in 45 Minutes

Looking for a delicious chicken and white bean chili recipe? This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken breast, creamy cannellini beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and aromatic spices for a hearty, healthy meal ready in under 45 minutes. Packed with protein and fiber while being naturally gluten-free, this white bean chicken chili makes 6 generous servings with just 320 calories per portion.

If you're searching for a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili, this chicken and white bean chili recipe delivers exceptional flavor without compromising on nutrition. Unlike many canned or restaurant versions, our from-scratch preparation lets you control ingredients and spice levels while creating a dish that's both comforting and wholesome.

Why This White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe Works

Traditional chili often relies on ground beef and kidney beans, but this innovative version uses lean chicken breast and creamy white beans for a protein-rich meal that's lower in saturated fat. The magic happens through three key elements:

• Layered spice technique - Toasting spices before adding liquids maximizes flavor extraction
• Quality bean selection - Cannellini beans maintain their shape while adding creaminess
• Balanced acidity - Fire-roasted tomatoes with a splash of lime juice create perfect flavor harmony

Complete Ingredient List

For best results, use fresh ingredients and measure precisely. This easy chicken white bean chili recipe serves 6 with preparation time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 30 minutes.

Category	Ingredients	Quantity	Preparation Notes
Protein	Chicken breast	1.5 lbs	Cut into ½-inch cubes
Beans	Cannellini beans	2 cans (15 oz each)	Rinsed and drained
Liquid Base	Fire-roasted tomatoes	1 can (28 oz)	Undrained
Aromatics	Yellow onion	1 large	Diced
Aromatics	Garlic	4 cloves	Minced
Spices	Chili powder	3 tbsp	Plus 1 tsp for finishing
Spices	Cumin	2 tsp	Ground
Liquid	Chicken broth	2 cups	Low sodium

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients - Dice onion, mince garlic, cube chicken breast, rinse beans
2. Sear chicken - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden (5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics - In same pot, add onion and cook until translucent (4-5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Bloom spices - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook 1 minute to release essential oils.
5. Build chili base - Add fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and cooked chicken. Bring to gentle simmer.
6. Add beans - Stir in rinsed cannellini beans. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Final seasoning - Remove from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice and additional chili powder to taste.

Professional Tips for Perfect Chicken White Bean Chili

As someone who's perfected this recipe through dozens of test batches, these insider techniques will elevate your results:

• Don't skip the spice blooming - Cooking spices in oil for 60 seconds before adding liquids dramatically increases flavor intensity
• Control thickness - For thicker chili, simmer uncovered longer. For thinner consistency, add ¼ cup broth at a time
• Acidity balance - The lime juice at the end isn't optional - it brightens flavors and makes other ingredients pop
• Resting time - Let chili sit 10 minutes after cooking for flavors to fully meld before serving

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

This versatile healthy white bean chicken chili adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs:

• Slow cooker method - After searing chicken and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything to slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours
• Spicier version - Add 1 diced jalapeño with the onions or ½ tsp cayenne with the spices
• Creamy option - Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for richer texture
• Vegan adaptation - Substitute chicken with extra beans and use vegetable broth
• Instant Pot - Use sauté function for steps 2-4, then pressure cook for 10 minutes with natural release

Serving Suggestions and Storage

White bean chicken chili shines when served with complementary toppings that add contrasting textures:

• Classic toppings - Diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheese
• Crunchy elements - Tortilla strips, crushed corn chips, or toasted pepitas
• Creamy additions - Sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or avocado crema

Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore ideal consistency. The flavors actually improve overnight as spices continue to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chicken in this white bean chicken chili recipe?

Yes, you can substitute 3 cups of drained canned chicken for fresh chicken breast to save time. However, for best flavor, we recommend searing fresh chicken as the browning process creates complex flavor compounds that canned chicken lacks. If using canned chicken, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming tough.

How can I make this chicken white bean chili thicker without adding flour?

For a naturally thicker chili without flour or cornstarch, try these methods: 1) Mash about ½ cup of the beans before adding them to release their starches, 2) Simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce liquid, or 3) Remove 1 cup of chili, blend until smooth, then return to the pot. All these techniques maintain the gluten-free integrity of this healthy white bean chicken chili recipe.

What's the best way to freeze chicken and white bean chili?

Cool the chili completely before freezing in airtight containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. For convenient single servings, freeze portions in silicone muffin cups, then transfer the frozen portions to a freezer bag. Properly stored, this chicken white bean chili recipe maintains quality for 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to sear the chicken and cook the aromatics as directed. Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth, then add remaining ingredients except lime juice. Seal and cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. Stir in lime juice after opening. This quick chicken white bean chili method reduces total cooking time to just 35 minutes while delivering excellent results.

What makes white bean chicken chili healthier than traditional chili?

This healthy white bean chicken chili recipe offers several nutritional advantages: lean chicken breast contains less saturated fat than ground beef, white beans provide more fiber and create a creamier texture with fewer calories, and the absence of tomato paste reduces sugar content. Each serving delivers 32 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber while being naturally gluten-free, making it a balanced meal that satisfies without heaviness.