14 Bean Chicken Chili Recipes Warming

As the chill of autumn settles in, nothing transports me back to my childhood quite like a steaming bowl of chili. I remember bundling up with my siblings on snowy evenings in our small Midwest town, gathered around the kitchen table while Grandma stirred her massive pot of bean chili on the stove. The aroma of spices and simmering beans filled the air, wrapping us in warmth long before we even took a bite. Those meals weren’t just food—they were hugs in a bowl, teaching me early on the power of hearty, soul-soothing dishes.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, swapping out the usual beef for tender chicken and playing with a rainbow of beans to create lighter yet deeply flavorful versions. With my busy schedule as a food blogger, these one-pot wonders have become my go-to for weeknight dinners that feel indulgent without the fuss. In a world racing toward winter, these bean chicken chilis are the perfect antidote—packed with protein, fiber, and that irresistible heat to chase away the cold.

Classic Pinto Bean Chicken Chili

This timeless recipe uses pinto beans and shredded chicken thighs for a hearty, comforting base. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 2 cans pinto beans (drained), 1 onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt/pepper.
Start by browning the chicken in a pot with onion and garlic, then add beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes until thickened. Shred chicken before serving.
Packed with fiber from pintos and lean protein, this chili boosts digestion and keeps you full for hours—ideal for chilly evenings.

Spicy Black Bean Chicken Chili

Amp up the heat with black beans and jalapeños for a bold twist. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast (cubed), 2 cans black beans, 1 bell pepper (chopped), 2 jalapeños (sliced), 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes, 2 cups broth, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cayenne.
Sauté chicken, peppers, and jalapeños; stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer 25-30 minutes.
The capsaicin from chiles revs metabolism while black beans provide antioxidants— a warming, energizing meal for cold days.

Smoky Chipotle Bean Chicken Chili

Infuse smokiness with chipotle peppers and kidney beans. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 2 cans kidney beans, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo (chopped), 1 onion, 1 can tomatoes, 2 cups broth, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, cumin.
Brown chicken and onion, add chipotles, beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices; simmer 35 minutes.
Rich in iron from kidney beans and anti-inflammatory chipotles, it supports immunity during flu season.

Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili

A milder, velvety version using white beans and green chiles. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, 2 cans white beans, 4 oz green chiles, 1 cup corn, 2 cups broth, 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1 tsp oregano.
Cook chicken with chiles and onion; mash half the beans, add all with broth and corn. Simmer 20 minutes, stir in cream cheese.
High in calcium from dairy and beans, this creamy chili aids bone health and offers gentle warmth.

Fire-Roasted Corn and Bean Chicken Chili

Sweet corn pairs with mixed beans for a roasted flavor punch. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken, 1 can mixed beans, 2 cups fire-roasted corn, 1 can tomatoes, 2 cups broth, 1 tbsp cumin, chili powder.
Sauté chicken, add corn, beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices; simmer 30 minutes.
Corn’s vitamins and beans’ fiber promote gut health, making this a vibrant, warming winter staple.

Verde-Style Tomatillo Bean Chicken Chili

Tangy tomatillos and great northern beans for a green chili vibe. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 2 cans great northern beans, 1 lb tomatillos (husked, chopped), 1 poblano pepper, 2 cups broth, cilantro, cumin.
Roast tomatillos and pepper; blend half, add to browned chicken with beans and broth. Simmer 25 minutes.
Tomatillos deliver vitamin C for immune support, paired with protein for sustained energy.

BBQ Pinto Bean Chicken Chili

Sweet-smoky BBQ sauce elevates pinto beans and chicken. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, 2 cans pinto beans, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 onion, 1 can tomatoes, 1 cup broth, garlic powder.
Brown chicken and onion; mix in beans, sauce, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer 30 minutes.
Balanced sweet-savory flavors with beans’ protein stabilize blood sugar for lasting warmth.

Pumpkin Spice Bean Chicken Chili

Seasonal pumpkin adds creaminess with navy beans. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken, 2 cans navy beans, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 can tomatoes, 2 cups broth, 1 tsp cinnamon, chili powder.
Sauté chicken; add puree, beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer 25 minutes.
Pumpkin’s beta-carotene boosts vision and skin health in this fall-inspired warmer.

Coconut Curry Bean Chicken Chili

Exotic coconut milk and chickpeas for a Thai-inspired fusion. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 2 cans chickpeas, 1 can coconut milk, 2 tbsp curry paste, 1 bell pepper, 1 cup broth.
Cook chicken and pepper with paste; add chickpeas, milk, and broth. Simmer 20 minutes.
Curry’s turmeric fights inflammation, with chickpeas’ fiber for heart-healthy heat.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chicken Chili

Hearty sweet potatoes and black beans for natural sweetness. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken, 2 cans black beans, 2 sweet potatoes (cubed), 1 can tomatoes, 2 cups broth, cumin, smoked paprika.
Roast sweet potatoes; add to browned chicken with beans, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer 30 minutes.
Sweet potatoes’ vitamins A and C enhance immunity in this nutrient-dense bowl.

Quinoa Kidney Bean Chicken Chili

Quinoa bulks up kidney beans for extra protein. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, 2 cans kidney beans, 1/2 cup quinoa, 1 can tomatoes, 2 cups broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, oregano.
Brown chicken; add quinoa, beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer 25 minutes until quinoa is tender.
Complete protein from quinoa and beans supports muscle repair post-workout.

Buffalo Wing Bean Chicken Chili

Spicy buffalo sauce and cannellini beans mimic wing flavors. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 2 cans cannellini beans, 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, 1 onion, 1 can tomatoes, 1 cup broth, blue cheese crumbles.
Sauté chicken and onion; stir in beans, sauce, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer 25 minutes; top with cheese.
Capsaicin and protein provide a metabolism-boosting, game-day warmer.

Mediterranean Chickpea Chicken Chili

Olives, feta, and chickpeas for a Greek twist. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken, 2 cans chickpeas, 1/2 cup olives (chopped), 1 can tomatoes, 2 cups broth, oregano, lemon zest.
Brown chicken; add chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer 20 minutes; finish with lemon.
Heart-healthy olives and chickpeas lower cholesterol in this sunny, warming dish.

Slow-Cooker Mixed Bean Chicken Chili

Effortless mixed beans in a crockpot for all-day flavor. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, 1 bag mixed dried beans (soaked), 1 can tomatoes, 2 cups broth, 1 onion, chili powder, garlic.
Layer all in slow cooker; cook on low 6-8 hours. Shred chicken.
Convenient prep with diverse beans’ nutrients for busy, bone-warming meals.

These 14 bean chicken chili recipes are your ticket to cozy, flavorful nights—no matter the weather outside. Grab your favorite beans, fire up the stove or slow cooker, and let the warmth begin. Which one will you try first? Share your tweaks in the comments!