If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and nourishing, this Dairy Free White Bean Chicken Chili is about to become your new go-to one pot dinner. It’s hearty enough to fill you up, mild enough for toddlers, and packed with protein and fiber to keep little bellies satisfied. You get all the creamy comfort of classic white chicken chili, without the heavy cream or cheese. Made with simple pantry staples and a dairy-free twist, it’s the kind of weeknight recipe that makes everyone at the table happy!
Why You and Your Toddler Will Love This White Bean Chicken Chili
- one pot - easy cleanup for the mom win!
- creamy without cream cheese or heavy dairy (especially for my dairy-free families)
- protein + fiber-rich (keeps those little bellies full)
- toddler and mom-approved flavors since the spices + garlic + chilies bring extra flavor
- freezer-friendly for future meals (makes so many leftovers which are perfect for freezing
This white bean chicken chili pair SO well with my cornbread chickpea muffins, because no chili is complete without something to dip or crumble in it right?!
Jump to:
- Why You and Your Toddler Will Love This White Bean Chicken Chili
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How To Make Your White Bean Chicken Chili
- Hint
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How To Serve White Bean Chicken Chili To Toddlers
- Equipment
- Storing Your White Bean Chicken Chili
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Dairy Free White Bean Chicken Chili (One Pot Dinner)
Ingredients You'll Need
- olive oil – for sautéing and building flavor at the base of the chili
- onion – adds natural sweetness and depth
- bell pepper – gives a boost of color, vitamin C, and mild sweetness toddlers love
- garlic, cumin, chili powder – adds flavor to the broth without the added salt
- bone broth or low-sodium chicken broth – flavorful base while keeping sodium in check
- white beans – creamy texture plus fiber and plant-based protein
- shredded chicken – hearty lean protein to make it filling
- diced green chiles – a subtle flavor boost without too much heat
- corn kernels – sweet bites of flavor and texture kids usually enjoy
- coconut milk – the dairy-free swap that makes it creamy and comforting
- optional toppings – avocado, lime juice, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for fun add-ons
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your White Bean Chicken Chili
- Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in cumin and chili powder, then cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
- Step 2: Pour in the broth, then add corn, shredded chicken, white beans, and green chiles. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, allowing the beans to break down slightly and the broth to thicken naturally.
- Step 4: Stir in coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy finish. Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, lime juice, shredded cheese, cilantro, or other toppings.
Hint
For the best flavor, let the chili simmer a little longer so the beans break down slightly and naturally thicken the broth. If you want it even creamier (without dairy), mash a few beans right into the pot before serving.
Substitutions
This chili is already gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free!
- coconut milk → use heavy cream or half and half (if you're not dairy-free)
- protein swap → shredded turkey (like after Thanksgiving), ground chicken, or even leaving meat free works
- beans → swap cannellini, navy, or pinto beans
Variations
Feel free to adjust the spice in this white bean chicken chili or change up the consistency in it!
- spicer - add jalapeños for adults, keep mild for toddlers
- lower the spice - omit the green chiles
- thicker chili - mash some beans into the broth or even stir in some quinoa
How To Serve White Bean Chicken Chili To Toddlers
- deconstructed style - serve the beans, shredded chicken, and a little broth separately in a divided plate or in silicone muffin cups, so selective eaters can explore each part on its own
- mash it up - lightly mash some beans into the broth to thicken the chili and make it easier for little ones to scoop with a spoon
- with dippers - offer mini cornbread muffins, toast strips, mini tortillas, or soft pita bread on the side for dipping
- let them choose their toppings - add diced avocado, finely shredded dairy-free cheese, or a "sprinkle" of hemp hearts for extra nutrition
- over grains - spoon the chili over rice, quinoa, or small pasta to create a heartier toddler-friendly meal
Equipment
You don’t need anything fancy to make this dairy free white bean chicken chili! Just a large pot or Dutch oven for simmering everything together, a cutting board and knife for chopping veggies, and a wooden spoon or ladle for stirring and serving. If you want to save time, a slow cooker or Instant Pot works great too (just toss everything in and let it do the work!).
Storing Your White Bean Chicken Chili
This dairy free white bean chicken chili is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth if it thickens. Or portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. I like freezing toddler-sized portioned containers so I can quickly thaw just what I need for an easy lunch or dinner!
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
White beans aren’t just a filler! They’re loaded with fiber, plant-based protein, and iron, which are key nutrients for toddlers. Pairing beans with chicken (a heme iron source) and vitamin C–rich toppings like tomatoes or peppers helps boost iron absorption. It’s a simple way to make every bowl of chili more nourishing for growing little ones!
FAQ
Yes! Just add everything and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours. I've even cooked the chicken in the crockpot with the broth + spices + onion + bell pepper + corn, then added the remaining ingredients in about 30-60 minutes prior to serving.
Yes! Rotisserie or canned chicken makes this chili even faster! Just stir it in near the end of cooking so it doesn’t overcook.
Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this white bean chicken chili:
Dairy Free White Bean Chicken Chili (One Pot Dinner)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth, add more depending your preferred consistency
- 2 15 oz cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken about 2 chicken breasts or rotisserie
- 1 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned & drained
- 1 cup canned coconut milk full fat for creamier texture
toppings
- diced avocado, lime wedges, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or dairy-free cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, then stir in cumin and chili powder.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in white beans, shredded chicken, corn, and diced green chiles.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for 20–25 minutes to allow flavors to blend and broth to thicken slightly.
- Stir in coconut milk. Serve warm with toppings like avocado, plain yogurt (dairy-free if needed), shredded cheese (dairy-free if needed), lime, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
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