This EASY White Bean Chicken Chili Is Ridiculously Creamy!!

Recipe: Easy White Bean Chicken Chili

Presenter: Rick from Backyard Chef

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Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken)
• White beans (cannellini beans used here, canned)
• Garlic (a small amount, mashed)
• Onion (diced)
• Fresh chilies (substitution for canned chopped green chilies; mild heat)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Ground cumin (a little)
• Ground coriander (a little)
• Smoked paprika (a small amount for smokiness)
• Dried oregano (a little)
• Chicken stock (enough to cover and cook beans)
• Sour cream (for creaminess)
• Cream cheese (for creaminess)
• Lime (juice, for finishing)
• Cheese of choice (cheddar or Mexican cheese for optional topping)
• Optional: tortilla chips or nachos for serving

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Equipment

• Pan for sautéing
• Masher or blender (optional)
• Oven (preheated to 200°C / 400°F for optional baking)
• Oven-safe dish (for baking with cheese topping)

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Method

1. Prep

   • Mash garlic to release flavor.
   • Dice onion to preferred size.
   • Prepare fresh chilies by chopping (can substitute with canned green chilies or jalapeños).

2. Sauté aromatics

   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (steady flame, not too high).
   • Add diced onion and cook to soften and remove rawness.
   • Add mashed garlic, season with salt and pepper.
   • Stir and cook until fragrant.

3. Add spices

   • Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and oregano.
   • Stir and let spices bloom with onions and garlic, infusing the oil.

4. Add chilies

   • Stir in chopped fresh chilies to infuse flavor and mild heat.

5. Add beans and stock

   • Add white beans (canned, drained) to the pan.
   • Pour in chicken stock to cover ingredients.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

6. Simmer

   • Simmer gently for about 10 minutes to soften beans and meld flavors.

7. Add chicken

   • Stir in shredded cooked chicken.

8. Mash beans

   • Use a masher to partially mash some beans in the pot to thicken the chili.
   • Do not fully blend; leave some beans whole for texture. (Blender optional if preferred.)

9. Add creaminess

   • Stir in sour cream and cream cheese.
   • Cook for another 10 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to fully incorporate the creaminess.

10. Finish - Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili for brightness and tang.

11. Optional baking step - Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). - Transfer chili to an oven-safe dish. - Top with shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend). - Bake until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly (watch closely).

12. Serving - Let the baked chili cool for about 5 minutes before serving. - Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, and serve with tortilla chips or nachos.

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Chef Tips & Notes

• Use rotisserie or leftover shredded chicken for convenience.
• Fresh chilies can replace canned green chilies; jalapeños are a good alternative if preferred.
• Partial mashing of beans thickens the chili without losing the texture of whole beans.
• Stir frequently during the cream cheese and sour cream cooking stage to avoid sticking and ensure smooth creaminess.
• The chili is creamy and slightly tangy; adjust spice level by adding more chilies or a squeeze of lime.
• Optional baking with cheese on top adds a delicious melty, golden crust, enhancing the dish.
• This chili works well served on baked potatoes as an alternative.
• Sweet corn or other beans can be added but are omitted here to keep it a classic white bean chili.

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Variations

• Substitute fresh chilies with canned chopped green chilies or jalapeños for different heat levels.
• Add sweet corn or other beans for variation.
• Use cream instead of sour cream for a different creamy texture.
• Serve chili over baked potatoes instead of with tortilla chips.

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Summary

Rick’s easy white bean chicken chili is a creamy, flavorful American-inspired dish made with shredded chicken, white beans, fresh chilies, and a blend of warming spices. The recipe emphasizes partial mashing of beans for thickness, finishing with sour cream and cream cheese for richness, and optionally baking with cheese for a melty topping. It’s a simple, comforting meal that can be customized with spice level and toppings.

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Source: Backyard Chef, Rick – This EASY White Bean Chicken Chili Is Ridiculously Creamy!!