Description
This Thick White Chicken Chili With Black Beans is a rich, creamy, and satisfying one-pot wonder that combines hearty shredded chicken, sweet corn, earthy black beans, and bold spices in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or a big-batch meal prep option, this recipe delivers. It’s an easy dinner that brings warmth to the table with minimal effort. Perfect for cold nights, quick meals, or when you’re craving healthy comfort food—this is one of those dinner ideas you’ll keep coming back to!
Ingredients
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) great northern or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup sweet corn (frozen or canned)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add diced red bell pepper and green chilies. Sauté for another 3–4 minutes. Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, and white beans. Let them heat through, stirring to combine.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes so the flavors develop.
5. Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese. Once melted, add the heavy cream and corn. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thick and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add chopped jalapeño or hot sauce if more heat is desired.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cilantro, cheese, avocado, or lime juice.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent clumping and help it melt faster into the chili.
Mash some of the beans before adding to the pot for a naturally thicker consistency.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of smoked paprika just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg