Thick White Chicken with Black Beans (Printable)

A hearty bowl featuring tender chicken, three varieties of beans, and sweet corn simmered in a spiced creamy broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup frozen corn kernels

→ Beans & Legumes

07 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

10 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

→ Spices & Seasonings

12 - 2 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1 tsp chili powder
15 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
17 - 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
18 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, jalapeño, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast spices and release flavors.
04 - Add chicken and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
05 - Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
06 - Stir in black beans, cannellini beans, great northern beans, and corn. Simmer for 10 minutes to combine flavors.
07 - Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until chili thickens and becomes creamy.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot garnished with cilantro, green onions, cheese, lime wedges, and sour cream if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The heavy cream creates this velvety richness that makes red chili feel almost thin by comparison
  • Three different beans mean every spoonful has a slightly different texture and creaminess
02 -
  • Mash about a cup of the beans against the side of the pot before adding cream for naturally thick results
  • The chili continues thickening as it sits, so dont panic if it looks thinner than restaurant versions
03 -
  • For extra heat leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne with the spices
  • A splash of lime juice right before serving brightens all the heavy cream

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