The Hearty & Filling Method

I was meal prepping for the week and wanted something that would keep me full through long work days. I loaded my pot with extra white beans, chicken, and vegetables, creating a chili so hearty it felt like an entire meal in a bowl. My coworker took one spoonful and asked why I wasn’t selling this. This White Bean Chicken Chili became my go-to power lunch that keeps me satisfied for hours.

This bean-packed, protein-rich chili is the ultimate lazy dinners that actually fuels your body. For the quickest version, my easy white chicken chili is ready in 30 minutes on the stovetop. When you want hands-off cooking, my crockpot white chicken chili simmers all day. And for lightning-fast pressure cooking, my instant pot white chicken chili is done in 15 minutes.

Why This White Bean Chili Wins

I have made this countless times for meal prep, and here is why it is unstoppable.

Incredibly Filling: Triple the white beans for maximum satiety. One bowl keeps you full for hours.
Packed with Protein: Between the chicken and beans, this chili delivers serious protein for muscle recovery.
Nutrient Dense: White beans add fiber, complex carbs, and essential minerals for sustained energy.
Meal Prep Gold: Make a huge batch on Sunday. Eat throughout the week without getting tired of it.
Budget-Friendly: White beans are cheap, making this one of the most affordable hearty meals.

The Bean-Heavy Ingredients

This recipe is built on abundance and nutrition.

The Chicken Base
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this chili. They stay tender during cooking and shred beautifully. Use at least 2 pounds for protein density.

The White Beans Lots of Them
This is where the hearty nature comes in. Use 3-4 cans of white beans (Great Northern or cannellini). Do not hold back. The beans create a naturally thick, filling chili.

The Green Chiles
Canned diced green chiles bring mild heat and that signature white chili flavor. They complement the beans perfectly.

The Aromatics and Spices
Onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and a touch of sage create depth. These spices work with the beans, not against them.

The Creamy Element
Cream cheese adds richness, but this chili is hearty enough to work without it if you prefer a lighter version.

The Fresh Finish
Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and avocado brighten all those hearty, filling beans.

How to Make It: Bean-Packed Timeline

This chili comes together simply and becomes more delicious as it sits.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and sage, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add chicken thighs to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink on the outside.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Chiles
Add 3-4 cans of drained white beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Step 4: Simmer
Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from the pot and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 6: Mash Some Beans
Using a potato masher, mash about 1/3 of the beans against the pot side. This thickens the chili naturally and creates a creamier texture.

Step 7: Add Optional Creaminess
If desired, stir in cream cheese until completely melted. If skipping, proceed to finish.

Step 8: Finish and Serve
Stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla strips, and a dollop of sour cream.

Easy Ways to Customize Your White Bean Chili

This hearty base is flexible for personalization.

Make It Spicier
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Make It Milder
Use mild green chiles and reduce the spices. Add extra cream cheese for richness.

Add More Vegetables
Mix in diced bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or celery for extra nutrition and texture.

Make It Extra Creamy
Use heavy cream instead of cream cheese, or add both for ultimate richness and body.

Add Bacon
Cook bacon in the pot first, then use the bacon grease to sauté the aromatics. Crumble bacon on top when serving.

Go Mediterranean
Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs for a completely different flavor profile.

Party Planning with This White Bean Chili

This hearty chili is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. For extra creaminess, try my cream cheese chicken chili that doubles down on the silky texture with even more cheese.

For a complete Mexican-inspired spread, serve this chili alongside my white chicken enchiladas for contrast. For an Italian twist on white chicken comfort food, pair it with my white chicken lasagna soup. And for classic tomato-based chili lovers, my chicken chili crockpot offers traditional flavors with similar heartiness.

If you need even more cooking method options, my simple white chicken chili uses fewer ingredients for ultra-simple prep.

Pro Tips for White Bean Chili Perfection

Do Not Drain the Beans Too Much: Save some of the liquid from the canned beans. This adds creaminess and thickness naturally.
Mash Strategically: Mashing only 1/3 of the beans keeps texture while thickening the broth. Do not over-mash.
Fresh Beans Optional: Cooked dried beans work beautifully too. Cook them ahead and freeze in portions.
Shred Chicken While Hot: Hot chicken shreds more easily than cold. Use two forks for best results.
Layer Flavors: Do not skip the aromatics and spices. They make the beans taste incredible.
Slow Simmer: The longer it simmers, the better it tastes. Minimum 20 minutes, but 30+ is ideal.
Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after a day.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze for up to 3 months in individual portions. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Double the Batch: This recipe doubles easily. Use a larger pot and freeze half for future lunches.
Toppings Matter: Fresh toppings brighten heavy, filling chili. Never skip cilantro, lime, and avocado.

The White Bean Chili That Changed Everything

This White Bean Chicken Chili is proof that filling, satisfying meals do not need to be complicated. Packed with beans, protein, and nutrition, it tastes incredible and keeps you full for hours. Make it once for meal prep, and you will make it every Sunday.

Whether you are fueling yourself through a busy work week or feeding a family on a budget, this chili delivers serious satisfaction in every spoonful.

White Bean Chicken Chili (Hearty & Filling)

Author: danyrecipes
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 8-10 Servings

Print Recipe

Description

Extra hearty white bean chicken chili loaded with beans for filling meals! Packed with protein and fiber. Perfect for meal prep and satisfying lunches.

Ingredients

2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried sage
3–4 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained but reserve 1/4 cup liquid
2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
4 cups chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla strips, sour cream for topping

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and sage, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
Add Beans and Chiles: Add 3-4 cans of drained white beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Simmer: Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Mash Beans: Using a potato masher, mash about 1/3 of the beans against the pot side. This thickens chili naturally.
Add Optional Creaminess: If desired, stir in softened cream cheese until completely melted.
Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla strips, and sour cream.