Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort food that combines the heartiness of chili with the smoothness of white beans and tender chicken. This one-pot meal is not only delicious but also packed with flavor and nutrition. With its creamy texture and a hint of spice, it’s an ideal dish for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. The Instant Pot makes cooking this dish a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal in no time without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili for several reasons. First, the flavor is outstanding; the combination of spices, tender chicken, and creamy white beans creates a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. Second, the ease of cooking in an Instant Pot means you can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup. This recipe is perfect for busy lifestyles, and it also aligns well with healthier eating habits, as it’s low in fat and high in protein, making it a great option for those on a lean diet.
Tips and Tricks
To make your Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili even better, consider these tips:
- Sauté First: Start by sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices in the Instant Pot before adding the chicken and beans. This enhances the flavors.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves hours of cooking time.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier chili, add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Creaminess Factor: For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot or stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Make Ahead Tips
This chili is ideal for meal prepping! You can chop the vegetables and seasonings a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The beans can also be rinsed and soaked ahead of time. Cooked chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic option for future meals.
Recipe Variations
There are countless ways to customize this recipe. You could swap the chicken for turkey or use a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. For a different flavor profile, try adding corn or swapping the white beans for black beans. You can also adjust the spices to include smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or add some fresh cilantro or lime juice for a zesty twist.
How to Serve
Serve your Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocados, and a squeeze of lime. For added texture, consider topping with tortilla strips or shredded cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the chili beautifully. If you prefer cocktails, a classic margarita would add a fun twist. On the side, cornbread or a light coleslaw would make excellent accompaniments, while a slice of key lime pie could serve as a refreshing dessert.
How to Store
To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove until heated through or microwave in individual portions.
Equipment Needed
You will need an Instant Pot for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can use a traditional pot on the stove but adjust the cooking time accordingly. A good chef’s knife and cutting board will also make prepping your ingredients easier.
Dietary Adaptations
For a vegan version, replace the chicken with jackfruit or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it dairy-free, omit any cheese or creamy toppings and use coconut milk for added richness. For nut-free options, simply ensure that any garnishes or sides do not contain nuts.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider adding fresh corn or bell peppers for a burst of color and flavor. In the fall or winter, use seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy twist. Fresh herbs are always a great addition, so feel free to use whatever is in season.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried? Yes, canned beans work perfectly! Just reduce the cooking time since they are already cooked.
How long does it take to cook in the Instant Pot? The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, including time to build pressure.
Can I substitute chicken breast for thighs? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more flavorful, but breasts will work just fine if that’s what you have.
Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili
Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort food that combines the heartiness of chili with the smoothness of white beans and tender chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional garnishes: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once hot, add olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add Chicken and Spices: Add chicken to the pot and sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken in the spices.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, add the white beans, and diced green chilies. Stir well to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 15 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then switch the valve to quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Shred Chicken: Open the lid, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 415Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 796mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 7gSugar: 8gProtein: 35g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili is a delightful recipe that brings comfort and warmth to any table. It’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous variations to suit your personal taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this chili is sure to become a favorite. Try it out, and you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
