Easy 7 Can White Chicken Chili: The Ultimate Quick & Creamy Weeknight Meal
Craving a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this incredibly easy and flavorful 7 Can White Chicken Chili! This recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a cozy, creamy, and deeply satisfying chili that’s packed with savory goodness. The magic lies in its simplicity: every ingredient is shelf-stable and pantry-friendly, making it the perfect solution for those last-minute meal dilemmas or when you simply don’t have time for a grocery run.
Imagine a hearty pot of chili simmering on your stove in just minutes, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. With minimal prep—truly, the hardest part is just opening the cans!—you’ll have a delicious, homemade dinner ready to enjoy. This 7 Can White Chicken Chili isn’t just easy; it’s a reliable, flavorful staple that your whole family will love, especially when the temperatures drop and you need a meal that truly hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This 7 Can White Chicken Chili
As the crisp air of fall and winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili to warm you from the inside out. This particular recipe stands out for several reasons, making it an essential addition to your recipe rotation:
- Unbeatable Convenience: True to its name, this recipe relies on just seven common canned ingredients, meaning you likely already have everything you need in your pantry. No last-minute dashes to the grocery store required, which is a lifesaver on busy days or when you’re unexpectedly snowed in!
- Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, this chili can be on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still want a wholesome, home-cooked meal.
- Rich, Comforting Flavor: Despite its simplicity, this chili doesn’t compromise on taste. The combination of white beans, chicken, green chiles, and enchilada sauce creates a creamy, savory, and subtly spiced profile that’s incredibly comforting.
- Pantry-Friendly Staples: Using shelf-stable ingredients means this recipe is perfect for emergency preparedness or simply for stocking up on essentials. You’ll always be ready for a hearty meal.
- Versatile and Customizable: While fantastic as is, this chili also serves as an excellent base for various toppings and additions, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences.
This 7 Can White Chicken Chili will quickly become your go-to weeknight dinner, celebrated for its robust flavor and effortless preparation. It’s a low-prep meal that delivers maximum satisfaction. We love serving it with our Mexican Spoon Bread, alongside a simple spread of tortilla chips, fresh jalapeños, and vibrant cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
A Note on Low Sodium Ingredients
One crucial aspect to keep in mind for this 7 Can White Chicken Chili recipe is the importance of sticking to the specified ingredients, especially those with “low sodium” labels! Canned foods are often notorious for their high sodium content, which can quickly make your dish overly salty and less enjoyable. To ensure your chili has the perfect balance of flavors and isn’t overwhelmed by salt, it is highly recommended to use low-sodium or no-salt-added versions for the chicken broth and any other applicable canned goods.
If you opt for regular canned ingredients without checking the sodium levels, you might end up with a chicken chili that is simply too salty to properly savor. Prioritizing low-sodium options gives you more control over the seasoning, allowing the true flavors of the green chiles, enchilada sauce, and chili seasoning to shine through. You can always add salt to taste at the end, but you can’t take it away!
Looking for More Quick & Easy Soup & Chili Recipes?
If you’re a fan of simple, comforting, and quick-to-prepare meals, you’re in the right place! We have a fantastic collection of other soup and chili recipes that are just as easy and delicious. Perfect for busy evenings or meal prepping, these recipes are sure to become new family favorites:
- Cajun Sausage Spaghetti
- 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
- Wendy’s Copycat Chili
- Hamburger Macaroni Soup
What Do I Need to Make 7 Can White Chicken Chili?
Gathering your ingredients for this chili is straightforward, thanks to its reliance on readily available pantry staples. Here’s a quick look at the seven key cans (plus seasoning) that make this recipe a breeze:
- 1 (12.5 ounce) can chunk chicken, drained
- 3 (15.5 ounce) cans white beans (northern, navy, or cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 ounce) can green enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (1.25 ounce) packet white chili seasoning OR a homemade blend of 1 ½ tsp cumin, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Chili Perfection
Making this 7 Can White Chicken Chili couldn’t be simpler! Just follow these easy steps for a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Beans. Open your cans of white beans. Drain them thoroughly and rinse them under cold water. This helps remove excess sodium and any canning liquid, ensuring a cleaner flavor for your chili.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken. Open the can of chunk chicken breast, drain any excess water or broth, and then use a fork to break up the chicken into desirable shreds. This makes it easier to mix into the chili and ensures a pleasant texture.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer. Add all the prepared ingredients—the drained beans, shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, chopped green chiles, low sodium chicken broth, and white chili seasoning—to a large stock pot. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. For an even richer flavor with minimal effort, you can optionally add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve. Once the chili has simmered and is heated through, it’s ready to be served! Ladle generous portions into bowls and invite everyone to customize their chili with their favorite toppings. Classic garnishes include shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar work beautifully), crispy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, zesty lime wedges, or thinly sliced jalapeños for a kick. Enjoy your comforting, homemade chili!
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7 Can White Chicken Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 12.5 ounce can chunk chicken, drained
- 3 15.5 ounce cans white beans, northern, navy or cannellini
- 1 10 ounce can green enchilada sauce
- 1 4 ounce can chopped green chiles
- 1 14.5 ounce can low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1.25 ounce packet white chili seasoning or 1 ½ tsp cumin, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Drain and rinse the canned beans.
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Drain the excess water from the chicken and break up the chicken chunks into shreds with a fork.
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Add all the ingredients to a stock pot and simmer for 20 minutes. Or, optionally, add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on low for 4-6 hours.
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Serve your white chicken chili with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, or jalapenos to garnish!
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Tips for the Best 7 Can White Chicken Chili
- Bean Choice Matters: While the recipe suggests northern, navy, or cannellini beans, feel free to use your favorite white bean variety. Great Northern beans tend to be slightly firmer, while cannellini (white kidney beans) are creamier. Rinsing them well is key to reduce starch and sodium.
- Enhance the Chicken Flavor: Even though we’re using canned chicken for convenience, you can boost its flavor. Before adding to the pot, briefly sauté the drained chicken in a little olive oil with a pinch of garlic powder and a dash of dried oregano. This extra step takes just a minute but adds depth.
- Spice Level Adjustment: The recipe uses a packet of white chili seasoning, which typically provides a mild to medium spice level. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering process. For a milder version, reduce the seasoning slightly or opt for a mild green chili variety.
- Thickening the Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash about half a cup of the cooked white beans against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving. This naturally thickens the chili without needing flour or cornstarch.
- Slow Cooker Option: Don’t forget the slow cooker option! It’s fantastic for hands-off cooking and allows the flavors to deepen even further. Just combine all ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Creative Topping & Serving Ideas
While this 7 Can White Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, a generous array of toppings can elevate it to a gourmet experience. Consider setting up a “chili bar” for your family or guests to let everyone customize their bowl!
- Classic & Creamy: Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, and fresh chopped cilantro.
- Fresh & Zesty: Sliced avocado or a scoop of guacamole, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and diced red onion.
- Crunchy & Hearty: Crushed tortilla chips, Fritos, or corn chips. For an extra treat, try a side of warm Mexican Spoon Bread or cornbread.
- Spicy Kick: Thinly sliced fresh jalapeños, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Veggies & More: Canned corn (drained), diced bell peppers, or black olives can add extra texture and flavor.
Beyond being a stand-alone meal, this white chicken chili pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, fluffy white rice, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This 7 Can White Chicken Chili is not only easy to make but also fantastic for meal prepping and storing leftovers. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened too much.
- Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully! Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is an excellent make-ahead option. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and portion it out for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors will only improve with time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh chicken, you’ll need about 1.5-2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken. Simply cook chicken breasts or thighs (poach, boil, or bake) until tender, then shred them before adding to the pot with the other ingredients. This will add a few extra minutes to your prep time but offers a fresh flavor. You can even use rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative!
Q: What if I don’t have a white chili seasoning packet?
A: No problem! You can easily make your own seasoning blend. For this recipe, combine 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. You can also add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Q: Can I make this chili spicier or milder?
A: Yes, you can easily adjust the heat. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, an extra can of diced green chiles (or a spicier variety like jalapeños or serranos), or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. For a milder version, ensure you use mild green chiles and omit any additional spicy ingredients.
Q: What are the best types of white beans to use?
A: Great Northern, navy, and cannellini (white kidney beans) are all excellent choices for white chili. Great Northern beans are firm and hold their shape well, while cannellini beans are creamier. Navy beans are smaller and break down easily, contributing to a thicker chili. Feel free to use a single type or a combination of them for varied texture.
Q: How can I thicken the chili if it’s too thin?
A: If your chili is thinner than you’d like, you have a few options:
- Mash some beans: Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to lightly mash about ½ to 1 cup of the white beans against the side of the pot. This releases their starches and naturally thickens the chili.
- Cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering chili and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Simmer longer: Continue to simmer the chili uncovered for a bit longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate.
Final Thoughts on This Pantry Powerhouse
This 7 Can White Chicken Chili is truly a testament to how incredibly simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and satisfying. It’s the perfect recipe for those times when you need a comforting meal in a hurry, or when you want to impress with minimal effort. Its pantry-friendly nature makes it a reliable staple, and its customizable toppings ensure everyone at the table finds something to love. So, stock your pantry, get ready to open those cans, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
