Chickpea White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Picture this: a chilly evening when all you need is a big, cozy bowl of comfort—let’s turn that craving into reality with my go-to recipe for a soul-warming chicken and bean chili that’ll hug your taste buds just right. 🌶️🍲

This Chickpea White Bean Chicken Chili is a meal I love to make because it’s so hearty and nourishing. It’s packed with protein from the shredded chicken and fiber from the chickpeas and white beans—definitely a satisfying base.

For spices, I use cumin and chili powder, which give it a nice warmth, and finish with fresh lime juice and cilantro, which brighten it up in a way that’s so good, you’ll want to make it again (and I definitely do!).

Chickpea White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe Ingredients

• Chickpeas: High in protein and fiber, chickpeas enhance heart health and offer a mild, nutty flavor.
• White Beans: Rich in fiber and protein, these beans help regulate digestion and add creaminess.
• Chicken Breast: Lean protein powerhouse, boosts muscle repair and adds hearty, savory flavor.
• Garlic: Offers immune-boosting properties and infuses the dish with a pungent, aromatic flavor.
• Cumin: Adds warm, earthy depth and is known for its antioxidant properties.
• Lime Juice: Provides a zesty, refreshing tang and enhances vitamin C content.

Chickpea White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)
• Shredded cheese (optional, for serving)

How to Make this Chickpea White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

1. In a large saucepan, warm the olive oil over a medium flame. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. You can stir it occasionally if you feel the need.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook it for another minute, allowing its appetizing aroma to fill the kitchen.

3. Place the chicken breast that has been cooked and shredded into the pot and stir so that it combines with the garlic and onion.

4. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a slow simmer.

5. Combine in the pot the drained and rinsed chickpeas and white beans with the diced green chiles.

6. Add ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste to the mixture as seasoning.

7. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and allow chili to cook for 20-25 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

8. Add the juice of one lime to the mixture, adjusting to taste.

9. Chili should be served hot. Garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro.

10. You might also like to serve this with a dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheese on top.

Chickpea White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Stove
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Can opener
8. Juicer (for lime)
9. Ladle (for serving)
10. Serving bowls

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of bean in this recipe?A: Yes, you can use different kinds of beans if you prefer. Cannellini and navy beans, for example, would work well.
• Q: Can I make this chili in advance?A: Indeed, you can prepare this chili ahead of time, and it will keep quite well in the refrigerator for 3 days. I also think it freezes really well.
• Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• Q: How can I make this chili spicier?A: More chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce can be added to the dish to boost the heat.
• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?Certainly, chicken thighs can be employed and will impart a more robust flavor. Just be sure they are cooked and shredded prior to incorporation.
• Q: What toppings go well with this chili?A: Fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, and tortilla strips are beloved toppings.

Chickpea White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute for Olive Oil: Use Avocado Oil, or Vegetable Oil.
Substitute chicken breast with turkey breast or rotisserie chicken.
Chickpeas: Replace with black beans or kidney beans.
Diced green chiles: Substitute with diced jalapeños or poblano peppers.
Broth for chicken: Replace with vegetable broth or beef broth.

Pro Tips

1. Roast the Chicken for Extra Flavor Instead of just cooking the chicken breast, consider roasting it with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and olive oil. This will add a deeper flavor to your chili when you shred and add the roasted chicken.

2. Enhance Aromatics with Spices Early When sautéing the onion and garlic, consider adding the cumin, chili powder, and paprika early on, alongside the onions. This will help bloom the spices in the oil, enhancing their flavors and aroma.

3. Mash Some Beans for Thickness For a thicker chili, take a portion of the white beans and mash them before adding to the pot. This will naturally thicken the broth and add a creamier texture.

4. Simmer the Broth with Lime Peels After squeezing the lime for juice, add the lime peels to the chili as it simmers. They can be removed before serving, but this trick will infuse a more intense lime flavor.

5. Customize Garnishes for Freshness Besides cilantro, consider freshly chopped green onions and avocado slices as additional garnish options. These fresh elements add brightness and contrast to the rich flavors of the chili.