Easy Chicken Black Bean Chili

This Chicken Black Bean Chili is a simple recipe for home or camping trips. You can make it in a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or pot on the camp stove.

close up of Dutch Oven Chicken Chili

Canned chicken makes this recipe go together quickly, although you can make it with rotisserie chicken.

You can make it at home ahead of time, put it in an airtight container, and heat it in a large pot at the campground. We like to make it in a cast iron Dutch oven over the campfire.

Chicken Black Bean Chili Recipe

This chicken chili recipe is hearty and has a deep flavor, even though it is mainly made with canned ingredients. It is perfect for cooking on busy weeknights in an Instant Pot or with homemade bread.

Chili Camping Recipe Ingredients

This recipe is customizable and includes various types of beans and salsa. Get the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • canned chunk chicken
  • canned black beans
  • canned white beans (such as cannellini or northern)
  • canned corn
  • salsa
  • celery
  • ranch dressing mix
  • taco seasoning mix
  • cream cheese

This camping chili tastes great with corn chips.

Chicken Black Bean Chili Ingredients

Create a double batch by doubling the amount of each ingredient.

How to Make Black Bean Chicken Chili

Outside of chopping a few ingredients, this is an open-and-dump recipe.

  1. Rinse and chop the celery.
  2. Open and drain the black beans and chicken*, then put them into the pot.
  3. Open and dump the entire can of extra beans and corn into the pot.
  4. Add the salsa.
  5. Stir in the contents of the packets.
  6. Add in chunks of cream cheese.
  7. Cook

*A crock pot is recommended if you prefer to use fresh chicken. Cook it for 6-8 hours on low.

person holding a Bowl of Chicken Black Bean Chili

Easy Chicken Chili Tips

Do I have to use canned chicken in this recipe?

No. We used canned skinless chicken breasts for ease, but you can substitute leftover chicken. Fresh chicken breasts, thighs, or ground chicken cooked with olive oil before adding it to the pot are also fine.

Can I change the beans?

Sure! You can use any combination of two canned beans, such as red kidney beans or pinto beans. They do not have to be drained and rinsed like a can of black beans.

How do I make this chili recipe spicier?

To make a spicy chili, use a hot salsa, Rotel tomatoes with green chilis, or add a tablespoon of chili powder or peppers.

Can I substitute or omit the cream cheese?

The cream cheese gives the chili a creamy texture. Heavy cream will provide the same results.

What are the best toppings for chili?

Optional toppings for individual servings include cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, green onion, lime wedges, tortilla chips, or black pepper.

This new camp recipe will become a favorite adaptation to traditional chili.

More Camping Chicken Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Bowl of Chicken Black Bean Chili with a Dutch Oven pot of chili behind it
Black Bean Chicken Chili in a pot

Chicken Black Bean Chili

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This Chicken Black Bean Chili is easy to make with canned ingredients in a Dutch oven, crock pot, or stovetop. Use canned, rotisserie, or leftover chicken.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans of chunk chicken (~25 oz total)
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can white beans (cannellini or northern)
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 package ranch dressing mix
  • 1 package taco seasoning mix
  • 1 block cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Rinse and chop the celery.
  2. Open and drain the black beans and chicken*, then put them into the pot.
  3. Open and dump the entire can of extra beans and corn into the pot.
  4. Add the salsa.
  5. Stir in the contents of the packets.
  6. Add in chunks of cream cheese.
  7. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the cream cheese is no longer solid. We cooked over the campfire.

Notes

Slow Cooker Directions heat on low for 3-4 hours. Double if using fresh uncooked chicken.
Pressure Cooker Directions cook in manual high for 5 minutes. 15-20 minutes if using raw chicken.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 1040mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 8gSugar: 4gProtein: 12g

The nutrition data provided is only an estimate.

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