Easy Chili Recipe with Chicken

This black and white bean chili recipe is a unique take on the classic dish. Made with contrasting beans, it’s a great alternative to the traditional chili recipe. It’s sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or neighborhood potluck!

You can make it as spicy or mild as you want. We like our chili pretty spicy, so I get a bit heavy-handed with some of the seasonings.

Fortunately, both my husband and I have the same tolerance for heat. But I always make sure to have something wonderful to drink when we have chili, like this refreshing pineapple smoothie.

Delicious Game Day Chili

There are so many chili recipes out there that it can be hard to choose just one. But if you’re looking for something different for game day, black and white chili is a great option. 

This recipe features both black beans and great northern beans, as well as chicken. It’s got a bit of everything you like about chili, making it perfect for those times when you need to feed a group.

Black and White Chili Ingredients

Some of the ingredients for this particular chili recipe are a little different from the ones I use in my other versions. 

If you’d like to substitute anything listed below, go right ahead. After all, this is your recipe. However, I always recommend making the recipe as stated the first time so you know whether or not you like it this way.

Here are the ingredients I used to make this black and white chili:

• Chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• Chopped large onion
• Can of great northern beans, drained
• Can of black beans, drained
• Diced tomatoes in a can, undrained
• Chicken broth (or chicken stock)
• Chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

I went really light on the salt since some of the other ingredients have sodium. Please keep that in mind as you add everything.

If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs. I’m a big believer in using what you have on hand.

How to Make Black and White Chili

Spray the bottom of a large skillet with cooking spray or coat with olive oil. Turn the burner on medium-high heat to heat the oil.

After the chicken is cut into bite-size pieces, put it in the hot skillet. Brown it on all sides.

If you want to add salt and black pepper, do it now.

Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it is translucent.

Now put chicken, onions, beans, diced tomatoes, broth, and chili powder in your slow cooker. Stir until all of the ingredients are well mixed.

Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours.

I tasted the chili after it cooked for a couple of hours. Since my husband and I enjoy very spicy food, I added a bit more chili powder. 

However, if you have small children, you might want to cut back on the spiciness. Make it the way you know your family will enjoy it.

Alternative and Additional Options for Black and White Chili

You don’t have to use cut-up chicken. If you prefer, you can make this with ground turkey, which is just as good.

I’ve also used shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s a great way to stretch the value of a chicken that you get from the grocery store deli.

You can use cannellini beans or pinto beans instead of great northern beans. Actually, any kind of white beans will work.

Other ingredients you may want to add are onion powder or garlic powder. 

For a thicker broth, you can use tomato paste. For a stronger tomato flavor, pour in a can of tomato sauce.

Delicious Add-Ons for Black and White Chili

You might love the chili as-is, but it’s also delicious with a few add-ons.

Some add a little flavor, while others give you an added kick of heat.

Here are some we enjoy:

• Shredded cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese
• Dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt
• Cream cheese
• Chives
• Green onions
• Canned or fresh corn
• Fresh cilantro
• Red pepper flakes
• Lime wedges
• Garlic cloves
• Jalapeños
• Green chilis

Other Ways to Cook Black and White Chili

I’ve made chili in a variety of ways. The slow cooker is one of the easiest because you assemble everything, turn it on, walk away, and come home to a delicious meal.

This chili is also good when cooked in an Instant Pot. When I do this, I add a little bit more chicken broth to make sure it comes to full pressure.

The stovetop is good too. However, it needs to be tended to, so I only do this when I’ll be home for a while. If you cook this chili on the stovetop, you’ll need a large saucepan, soup pot, or large Dutch oven.

Regardless of how you choose to cook this delicious chili, it’s a great recipe that will please even the pickiest crowd.

More Chili Recipes

I make several different types of chili, and they’re all good. Here are some I’ve shared in the past:

3-Ingredient Ro-Tel Chili – This version is perfect for those nights when you crave a bunch of flavor, but you don’t have much time. 

Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili – Don’t let the light color of this fool you. It’s packed with flavor and will quickly become a favorite meal.

Chili Con Carne – Meat lovers will enjoy a bowl or two of this yummy chili. 

What is Chili?

Chili is a dish made with a variety of ingredients that may include ground meat, shredded meat, or cut meat. It also may contain tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and other interesting ingredients. It can be served with rice, tortillas, chips, or bread.

What are the Different Types of Chili?

There are many different types of chili, but some of the most popular ones include beef chili, chicken chili, black bean chili, and white chili. Black and white chili combines a couple of favorite versions.

How Long Does Chili Keep?

If you put a sealed container of leftover chili in the refrigerator, it should be good for 4 or 5 days. Some people think that chili is better the next day, after the flavors have had time to come together.

Can You Freeze Chili?

Yes, simply put the leftover chili in an airtight container, label it, add the date, and put it in the freezer. Frozen chili should be good for at least 3 or 4 months. 

Looking for a delicious and easy chili recipe to add to your repertoire? This black and white chili is perfect!

It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, and can be cooked in the Crock Pot or on the stovetop. Give it a try tonight!

While you’re at it, make a double batch so you can freeze some for a later date. It will save time in the future and give you something to look forward to.

Delicious Dinner Option

The black and white chili recipe is a tasty, wholesome dish that can be eaten as an appetizer or main course.

It’s hearty enough for chilly winter days but light enough to enjoy on warmer evenings. Give it a try!

See this recipe shared at Full Plate Thursday and Weekend Potluck.

What to Serve with Chili

I like to have some sort of bread option when I cook any type of soup or chili. I also enjoy refreshing salads for balance.

Check out some of these recipes to complete your chili dinner:

Cloud Bread – Lightweight and gluten-free, cloud bread is easy to make and so delicious!

Fine-Ground Cornmeal Cornbread – When you like a moist and delicious cornbread, this is the one to try.

Homemade Dinner Rolls – You’ll find this wonderful bread recipe at Back to My Southern Roots.

Broccoli Slaw – This nutritious salad is packed with all kinds of tasty ingredients that are good for you.

Creamy Coleslaw – Cold, creamy, and so delicious, this is the perfect side dish to serve with any kind of chili.

Please feel free to share!