White Bean & Ground Chicken Chili
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Lately, I’ve been on a soup kick because there’s something so satisfying about making a meal all in one pot. It’s the perfect solution for easy cleanup and hearty, comforting dishes. So, get ready, because I have some delightful soups coming your way next week. Today, though, I’m excited to share a healthy White Bean and Ground Chicken Chili recipe.
Ground chicken is an excellent choice for this chili, as it has 55% less fat than ground beef and only 150 calories per 4-ounce serving. I originally created this recipe back in 2011 after seeing Angel Shannon feature a similar White Bean and Ground Chicken Chili on the local TV show called Good Things Utah.
A secret ingredient in this recipe makes it especially delicious—a teaspoon of cinnamon. This subtle addition enhances the flavor profile, bringing a unique, slightly sweet spice that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
If you prefer a thicker consistency for your white chicken chili, simply puree a can of beans and stir it into the chili. This will add a lovely creaminess and help thicken the soup to your liking. Enjoy this comforting and healthy dish as part of your soup collection!
Ingredients To Make White Bean & Ground Chicken Chili
- ONION
- GARLIC
- GROUND CHICKEN
- GREEN CHILES
- CUMIN
- OREGANO
- CINNAMON
- GROUND CAYENNE PEPPER
- GROUND WHITE PEPPER
- CANNED WHITE BEANS (CANnELLINI BEANS OR GREAT NORTHERN BEANS)
- LOW-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH
- LIGHT SOUR CREAM
- SALT AND PEPPER
How to make the chicken chili
To make soup, you cook some onion, garlic, and chicken in a pot for 10 minutes until you fully cook the chicken.
Then, add green chilies, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and white pepper to the chicken mixture. Saute for 1 minute until spices become fragrant.
Now, mix in two cans of the beans along with the chicken broth. Take the third can of beans and puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. Stir in the pureed beans and simmer the soup for 10 minutes.
Take it off the heat and combine it with sour cream until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground chicken in this recipe. Both meats work well and provide a lean protein option.
How do I make this easy white chicken chili recipe spicier?
You can adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper. Another option would be to use a can of dice jalapenos in instead of the canned green chiles. Taste as you go and adjust according to your preference.
How do I thicken the chili if it’s too thin?
If the chili is too thin, add in a can of pureed white kidney beans. Or you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the chili and simmer until thickened.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the ground chicken and onions with garlic, then add them to the slow cooker with the rest. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What toppings go well with this chili?
Top with shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, or fresh lime juice to the chili for more taste and freshness.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chili in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
For More Chili Recipes, Try:
- Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Quick White Bean Turkey Chili
- Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
White Bean and Ground Chicken Chili
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb. ground chicken I used Gold n’ Plump 90/10
- 1 4 oz can diced green chilies
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ground cayenne pepper to taste
- ground white pepper to taste
- 3 (15 oz) can white beans, undrained (I used great northern but cannellini will also work)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups or 1 (16 oz) container of reduced fat sour cream
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the onion, garlic, and ground chicken in a large pot for 10 minutes or until you fully cook the chicken.
- Add the green chilies, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and white pepper in the chicken mixture. Saute for 1 minutes until spices become fragrant.
- Mix in two cans of the beans along with the chicken broth. Take the third can of beans and puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. Stir in the pureed beans and simmer the soup for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in sour cream until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 6-8.
