Name: 30-Minute White Chickpea Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil (15 mL); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ⅓ cup flour; 2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 4 cups vegetable broth (1 L); 2 15-oz cans navy beans (or any white bean), drained (425 g cans); 2 15-oz cans chickpeas, drained (425 g cans); 1 15-oz can corn, drained (425 g can); 2 4-oz cans diced green chiles (1 hot, 1 mild), not drained (113 g cans); 2 cups whole milk (475 mL); Tortilla chips, crushed; Shredded Monterrey jack cheese; Diced avocado; Fresh cilantro

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that comes together in no time and is packed with flavor, you are going to adore this 30-Minute White Chickpea Chili Recipe. This delightful twist on classic chili swaps out red beans for creamy white chickpeas and navy beans, enriched with smoky spices and a gentle creaminess from whole milk. It delivers a beautiful balance of textures—from tender beans to the slight crunch of corn and the subtle heat from diced green chiles. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight winner or a crowd-pleasing potluck addition, this chili proves that comfort food can be fast, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot holds diced onions sautéed in oil, slightly browned at the edges. On top of the onions, there is a small heap of white flour and a mix of red, black, and brown spices. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot, touching the ingredients. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this vibrant chili, you’ll use a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These pantry staples come together to make a dish that’s both nourishing and exciting.

Olive oil: The perfect base to sauté your aromatic onion and garlic, unlocking their sweet, savory notes.
Yellow onion: Adds mild sharpness and a touch of sweetness once softened.
Garlic cloves: Infuse the chili with a warm, pungent aroma that lingers beautifully.
Flour: Helps thicken the chili lightly, creating a lovely velvety texture.
Cumin: The star spice for that earthy, smoky warmth essential in any chili.
Smoked paprika: Adds depth and a subtle smoky complexity.
Oregano: Brings a herbaceous note that complements the beans perfectly.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate all the flavors.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid that unites all ingredients while adding a savory backbone.
Navy beans: Creamy, soft white beans that add protein and body.
Chickpeas: Tender and nutty, giving the chili its hearty character.
Corn: Adds a juicy pop of sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Diced green chiles: Provide the perfect amount of mild heat and color.
Whole milk: Smooths out the spice and adds a comforting creaminess.
Toppings like tortilla chips, shredded Monterrey jack cheese, diced avocado, and cilantro: Finish the chili with fresh textures and flavors for an irresistible bowl.

How to Make 30-Minute White Chickpea Chili Recipe

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced yellow onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. This step is where the foundation of the chili’s flavor develops, turning those simple aromatics into a mouthwatering base.

Step 2: Season and Thicken

To the softened onions and garlic, sprinkle in the flour, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the flour and spices to toast lightly for a minute. This process intensifies the spices’ aroma and thickens the chili slightly as it simmers.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth followed by the navy beans, chickpeas, corn, and diced green chiles including their juices. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 5 minutes, but you can even let it go up to 30 minutes if you have the time. This simmer melds all the flavors and softens the beans just right.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess and Serve

Once the chili has simmered, remove it from the heat. For a thicker, heartier texture, blend a portion of the chili using an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer about 2 cups to a blender. Return the blended mix to the pot and stir in the whole milk. This final touch makes the chili luxuriously creamy without overpowering the other flavors. It’s now ready to be ladled into bowls and garnished as you like.

How to Serve 30-Minute White Chickpea Chili Recipe

A large brown bowl filled with thick creamy white soup containing white beans and yellow corn, with a spoon scooping some of the soup near the center. On top of the soup, on one side, there are small green chunks of avocado, yellow crispy tortilla strips, and shredded white cheese, with small green herb pieces scattered around. The bowl sits on a yellow cloth on a white marbled surface, and a wooden spoon with a silver handle is held by a woman's hand. In the background, there is a white bowl with white shredded cheese on a wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this chili is how effortlessly it transforms with simple toppings. Crushed tortilla chips add a delightful crunch, shredded Monterrey jack cheese melts into pockets of gooey goodness, diced avocado Iends a creamy coolness, and fresh cilantro brightens every bite. Feel free to get creative with garnishes that make each bowl uniquely yours!

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with warm, fluffy cornbread or a crisp green salad to keep things fresh and balanced. You might also enjoy it alongside a wedge of crusty bread to sop up every last bit of that silky sauce. It’s versatile enough to suit your mood and occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this chili in edible bread bowls or stuff it into baked potatoes for a hearty meal-in-one. Turning it into a chili bar with various toppings allows everyone to customize their bowl and makes the meal feel special and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your chili, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to deepen and mingle. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This 30-Minute White Chickpea Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need a quick, wholesome meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the chili over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. The creaminess from the milk stays intact, making every spoonful as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the whole milk for a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy vegan version without sacrificing flavor.

What can I substitute if I don’t have navy beans?

Great question! Cannellini beans or great northern beans work wonderfully as substitutes since they have a similar texture and mild flavor.

Is it possible to make this chili spicier?

Definitely. Try adding an extra can of hot diced green chiles or toss in some finely chopped jalapeños when sautéing the onions for a bit more heat.

Can I prepare this chili in advance?

Yes! This chili actually tastes better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just follow the storing or freezing instructions and warm it up when you’re ready to eat.

What makes this chili different from traditional red chili?

This 30-Minute White Chickpea Chili Recipe uses white beans and chickpeas instead of red kidney beans, and it’s flavored with mild green chiles and smoky spices rather than tomato-based chili powders. The addition of whole milk also gives it a uniquely creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a chili that you can whip up in just half an hour, and this 30-Minute White Chickpea Chili Recipe hits all the marks for flavor, comfort, and ease. It’s a wonderful way to nourish yourself and those you love without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own staple for many cozy dinners ahead!

30-Minute White Chickpea Chili Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need