Are you on the hunt for that one special dish that offers a comforting embrace on a cool evening? A meal that is both deeply satisfying and wonderfully wholesome? We certainly understand that desire. When the call for pure comfort food is undeniable, we find that nothing quite compares to a warm bowl of homemade chilli. That’s why we are so excited to present our definitive Chicken Chili Recipe. This is no ordinary beef chilli; it’s a lighter, creamier, and exceptionally flavourful take that we’re sure will become a cherished staple in your home.

You can put aside any thoughts of spending hours tending to a simmering pot. This recipe is crafted for the pace of modern life—it’s fast, simple, and relies on ingredients you probably already have on hand. We’ve meticulously balanced the spices, perfected the creamy texture of the base, and ensured the chicken and beans provide a hearty foundation for a truly unforgettable meal. Let’s head to the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly Simple and Speedy: We have developed this recipe as a one-pot marvel that can be ready to serve in less than an hour. It provides the ideal answer for a hectic weeknight when you crave something special without any stress. It’s a genuinely easy chili recipe.
• Wholesome and Filling: Brimming with lean protein from the chicken and fibre from the beans, this dish is as nourishing as it is delightful. It stands as a complete meal that will leave you feeling content and satisfied, making it a superb healthy soup choice.
• Wonderfully Adaptable: We actively encourage you to personalise this recipe! You can effortlessly tweak the level of spice, substitute the beans, or incorporate your favourite vegetables. Furthermore, the possibilities for toppings are limitless.
• A Guaranteed Family Favourite: This chilli boasts a rich, creamy taste that appeals to all palates, even those who might find a classic beef chilli a little overpowering. It’s perfect for family suppers, get-togethers with friends, or simply a cosy evening at home.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp chilli powder
• 1 litre chicken stock
• 2 x 400g tins cannellini beans
• 1 x 300g tin sweetcorn
• 100g full-fat cream cheese
• Juice of 1 lime
• A large handful of fresh coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Chicken Chili

Preparing this fantastic chicken chilli is an entirely uncomplicated affair. We have organised the process into simple, manageable steps to guarantee a flawless outcome every single time. Find your go-to large pot or Dutch oven, and let us start.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-based pot, warm the olive oil over a medium heat. Tip in the chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then, until they have become tender. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for one more minute until it becomes aromatic. Take care to ensure the garlic doesn’t catch and burn!
2. Brown the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the pot. Season them well with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes, turning the pieces over, until they are nicely seared on all surfaces. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this point.
3. Bloom the Spices: Dust the ground cumin, ground coriander, oregano, smoked paprika, and chilli powder over the chicken and vegetables. Mix everything well and cook for a minute. This “blooming” stage is vital, as it gently toasts the spices and awakens their essential oils, which in turn deepens the flavour profile of the entire chilli.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Pour the chicken stock into the pot, using your spoon to scrape up any flavourful browned bits stuck to the base. Next, add the rinsed cannellini beans and the drained sweetcorn. Bring the chilli to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to low, pop the lid on, and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes. This gives the flavours time to marry and makes the chicken wonderfully tender.
5. Get Creamy: After the 20-minute simmer, remove the lid. Add the cream cheese and stir until it has fully melted into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. This is the simple secret behind our delicious white chicken chili.
6. The Finishing Touches: Switch off the heat. Squeeze in the juice from the fresh lime and fold through the chopped coriander. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or chilli powder if you think it’s needed.

Tips for the Best Chicken Chili Recipe

We have prepared this recipe on countless occasions and have discovered a few helpful hints in the process. Here is our best advice for elevating your chicken chilli from merely good to truly exceptional.

Choosing Your Chicken

Although we opt for chicken breasts to keep the dish lean, you could certainly substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have a slightly higher fat content, which translates to more flavour and keeps the meat exceptionally moist. Another brilliant time-saving tip is to make use of leftover roast chicken. Just shred the cooked meat and stir it into the chilli for the final 5 minutes of simmering, giving it just enough time to heat through.

Adjusting the Spice and Flavour

This recipe is balanced with a mild, family-friendly warmth. If you are someone who enjoys a bit more heat, here are some simple ways to intensify it:

• Add a finely diced fresh jalapeño or serrano chilli at the same time as the onion.
• Increase the quantity of chilli powder, or switch to a hotter variety like cayenne pepper.
• Serve with a splash of your preferred hot sauce at the table.

For a deeper, smokier taste, consider adding a teaspoon of chipotle paste or a dash of smoked chilli flakes. This introduces a wonderful complexity that beautifully complements the creamy base.

Topping and Serving Suggestions

Arguably the most enjoyable aspect of any chilli is the selection of toppings! Creating a small “toppings bar” is a fun and interactive way to let everyone customise their bowl. Here are a few of our favourites:

• Diced avocado or a generous dollop of guacamole
• A spoonful of soured cream or thick Greek yoghurt
• Grated mature cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips to add a satisfying crunch
• Extra fresh coriander and a fresh wedge of lime

We adore serving this chilli alongside a chunk of crusty bread for mopping or with some fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of the flavourful sauce.

Storing and Reheating Your Chili

This chicken chili recipe is perfect for meal preparation, as the flavours continue to develop and become even better overnight. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a saucepan over a medium-low heat, and add a splash of chicken stock or water if it has become too thick.

This chilli also freezes wonderfully. Let it cool down completely before you transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before you reheat it.

The health benefits of incorporating beans into your diet are well-documented. According to the British Heart Foundation, beans and pulses are a fantastic, low-fat source of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

FAQ

A Comforting Meal You’ll Make Again and Again

And there you have it—our straightforward, delicious, and profoundly comforting chicken chili recipe. It is a meal that beautifully illustrates how wholesome ingredients can create the ultimate comfort food. We hope you enjoy this versatile and forgiving recipe, and have fun making it your own and adding it to your regular meal rotation.

We are certain that after one taste of this creamy, flavour-rich chilli, you will be wondering how you ever managed without it. So, why not give it a try this week? We would be delighted to hear how you get on. Please do leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any inventive variations you discovered!

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp chilli powder
• 1 litre chicken stock
• 2 x 400g tins cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 x 300g tin sweetcorn, drained
• 100g full-fat cream cheese
• Juice of 1 lime
• A large handful of fresh coriander, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and pepper for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all surfaces.
3. Stir in the cumin, coriander, oregano, paprika, and chilli powder. Cook for one minute to bloom the spices.
4. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add the cannellini beans and sweetcorn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in the cream cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Turn off the heat. Stir in the lime juice and fresh coriander. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Nutrition (per serving):
550 calories,
44g carbs,
53g protein,
12g fat