Zesty Pioneer Woman White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe Magic

Simmering with southwestern flair, white bean chicken chili delivers a culinary embrace that warms hearts and satisfies hunger.

Families gather around steaming bowls, anticipating each spoonful of this comfort-packed meal.

Tender chicken nestles among creamy white beans, creating a flavor landscape that whispers of home and adventure.

Spices weave their magic, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience.

A single bite unlocks layers of rich, harmonious taste that elevate weeknight cooking from routine to remarkable.

This chili isn’t just a recipe, it’s a celebration of bold, nourishing flavors that make everyone at the table smile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Pantry Picks for Pioneer Woman White Bean Chicken Chili

• Onion: Select firm, smooth bulbs with no soft spots for the best flavor foundation.
• Poblano Peppers: Choose deep green peppers without blemishes for robust, mild heat.
• Jalapeño: Pick bright green peppers that feel heavy, indicating freshness and spiciness.

• Cumin, Coriander, Chili Powder, Black Pepper, Oregano: Use freshly ground spices for maximum aromatic intensity and deeper flavor profiles.

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Cornmeal, Masa Harina: Select finely ground varieties for smooth texture.
• White Beans: Choose canned or pre-soaked beans for convenient preparation.

• Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for quick, tender meat.
• Frozen Corn, Green Chilis: Select high-quality frozen vegetables for consistent taste.

• Heavy Cream: Select full-fat cream for rich, luxurious texture.
• Lime: Pick firm, bright green citrus with smooth skin for zesty brightness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

• Tortilla Chips: Select crisp, restaurant-style chips.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Choose freshly shredded for best melting.
• Sour Cream: Pick full-fat version for creamy consistency.

Essentials to Cook Pioneer Woman White Bean Chicken Chili

• Dutch Oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for slow cooking and even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise and quick vegetable chopping.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately adding spices and seasonings.
• Whisk: Helps blend cornmeal or masa harina smoothly into chicken broth.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Ladle: Helps serve the chili neatly into individual bowls.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures precise liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Bowls: One for mixing thickening mixture, another for serving the final dish.

How to Make Pioneer Woman White Bean Chicken Chili Happen

• Fire Up the Base

Warm olive oil in a large pot and toss in onions, poblano peppers, and a sprinkle of salt. Let the vegetables dance and soften for a few minutes, creating a fragrant foundation for your chili.

• Wake Up the Flavors

Introduce minced garlic and chopped jalapeño to the party. Stir constantly to prevent burning and let the aromatics release their zesty essence for a couple of minutes.

• Spice Things Up

Dust the pot with a constellation of spices – cumin, coriander, chili powder, black pepper, and oregano. Toast them briefly to unlock their deep, complex personalities.

• Create the Magic Blend

Whisk chicken broth with cornmeal until silky smooth, eliminating any potential lumps that might crash your chili celebration.

• Build the Chili Symphony

Pour the blended mixture into the pot and welcome white beans, green chilis, and frozen corn. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

• Bring in the Protein

Fold shredded chicken into the mix, allowing it to soak up all the incredible flavors swirling in the pot.

• Final Flourish

Pull the pot off the heat and stir in heavy cream, a splash of lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings to make the chili sing.

• Serve with Flair

Ladle the chili into bowls and crown it with tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

Pro Tips & Smart Variations for White Bean Chicken Chili

Explore exciting twists and smart cooking strategies for this delicious white chicken chili recipe.

Adjust heat by reducing or increasing jalapeño and chili powder. Remove jalapeño seeds for milder version or add extra for fiery kick.

Replace chicken with turkey, shredded pork, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse protein options. Each substitution brings unique flavor profile.

Transform recipe for instant pot by sautéing base ingredients first, then adding remaining components. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with natural release for tender, flavorful result.

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for creamy texture without traditional dairy. These alternatives maintain rich consistency while offering dietary flexibility.

Ways to Serve Up White Bean Chicken Chili

• Pair with Fresh Sides: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the chili's rich and spicy flavors.
• Elevate with Bread: Complement the dish with warm, buttered cornbread or crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious broth.
• Create a Colorful Presentation: Arrange toppings in small bowls so guests can customize their chili with fresh cilantro, crunchy tortilla chips, tangy sour cream, and melty Monterey Jack cheese.
• Host a Chili Night: Transform this recipe into a fun gathering by setting up a toppings bar and inviting friends to build their perfect bowl of hearty white chicken chili.

Store It or Plan Ahead with White Bean Chicken Chili

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead for Quick Comfort: Chop vegetables and shred chicken in advance to reduce cooking time during busy weeknights. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Batch Cook and Freeze Brilliantly: This white chicken chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigerator Revival Techniques: Store leftover chili in airtight containers for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Warm gently on stovetop or in microwave, stirring occasionally.
• Smart Portion Control Strategy: Divide chili into individual meal-sized portions before storing. This approach allows quick single-serving meals and prevents repeated reheating, which can diminish flavor and texture quality.

Hearty Pioneer Woman White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

White bean chicken chili from the Pioneer Woman delivers hearty southwestern comfort in a single pot. Spices, tender chicken, and creamy beans create a satisfying meal you’ll return to again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups cooked chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 oz/425 g) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz/113 g) chopped green chilis
• 1 cup frozen corn
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps cornmeal or masa harina
• 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsps chopped cilantro leaves, plus more for serving
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 poblano peppers, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped (remove seeds for less spice)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt (divided, plus more to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Tortilla chips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, gently cooking onions and poblano peppers with salt until softened and translucent, releasing their delicate flavors.
2. Aromatic Layering: Introduce minced garlic and jalapeño to the vegetable mixture, stirring to prevent scorching while amplifying the dish’s sensory depth, then awaken the spices by toasting cumin, coriander, chili powder, black pepper, and oregano.
3. Liquid Integration: Whisk cornmeal or masa harina with chicken broth until smooth, then combine with remaining broth, white beans, green chilis, and frozen corn, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop a harmonious consistency.
4. Protein Incorporation: Fold shredded chicken into the simmering chili, permitting the ingredients to meld and create a rich, complex flavor profile that tantalizes the palate.
5. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and enhance the chili with heavy cream, lime juice, and cilantro, carefully calibrating the seasoning to achieve a perfectly balanced taste.
6. Serving Presentation: Ladle the chili into bowls, adorning with additional cilantro, crisp tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, and a luxurious dollop of sour cream to provide a delightful textural and flavor counterpoint.

Notes

• Spice Toasting Technique: Gently toast spices for 45-60 seconds to unlock deeper, more intense flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish’s complexity.
• Cornmeal Mixing Secret: Whisk cornmeal or masa harina with broth thoroughly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, silky thickening base for the chili.
• Temperature Control Tip: Maintain a gentle simmer during cooking to allow ingredients to meld together without breaking down or losing their distinct textures.
• Finishing Flourish: Add cream, lime juice, and cilantro off the heat to preserve their bright flavors and prevent curdling or wilting of fresh herbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg