Name: Ground Chicken & White Bean Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Hey y'all! Looking for a cozy meal that’s both hearty and healthy? This Ground Chicken & White Bean Chili is the weeknight wonder you didn’t know you were missing. Packed with lean ground Chicken, creamy white beans, sweet corn, and warming spices, this chili comes together fast and satisfies every craving. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a cozy crowd, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This

Quick & Easy: Simple prep and done in under an hour.
Nutritious: Lower in fat yet packed with satisfying protein and fiber.
One-Pot Wonder: All ingredients simmer together for minimal cleanup.
Family Friendly: Mild enough for kids but customizable with extra spice.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground chicken
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for topping)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add ground chicken to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes).

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to fully bloom the spices.

Step 4: Add Beans and Veggies

Stir in the beans, corn, green chilies, and diced tomatoes (with their juice).
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Notes

If you like extra-thick chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.
Letting the chili rest for 10-15 minutes off heat will make it even creamier and more flavorful.
You can prep the veggies and beans ahead to save even more time.

Variations

Spicy Southwest: Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
Vegetarian Version: Swap ground chicken for an extra can of white beans or crumbled tofu.
Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped zucchini or spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering.

Required Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon or spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Let chili cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion chili into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot throughout.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Top with sliced avocado, shredded cheddar, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
Serve alongside warm cornbread, crusty bread, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Great with a squeeze of fresh lime and extra cilantro for a zesty finish!

Pro Tips

For deeper flavor, prepare the chili a day ahead—the flavors really develop overnight.
Don’t skip blooming the spices (cooking them briefly in oil); it makes a huge difference!
Adjust the thickness by simmering uncovered to reduce, or adding extra broth for a soupier consistency.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and yields similar texture and flavor.
How can I make it dairy-free?
This chili is naturally dairy-free; just skip any cheese or sour cream toppings or use dairy-free versions.
Will kids like this chili?
Yes! It’s mild, filling, and customizable—just skip the cayenne or spicy toppings for little ones.