White Chicken Chili Recipe

White Chicken Chili is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. This creamy, slightly spicy chili is packed with tender chicken, white beans, and green chilies, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Unlike traditional chili, which often uses red beans and tomatoes, white chicken chili offers a unique twist that is both delicious and nourishing.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, ensure you have all your ingredients on hand. This will streamline the cooking process and help you stay organized.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Poach the Chicken:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a gentle simmer.
   • Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Olive Oil:
   • In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
   • Stir in the shredded chicken, rinsed and drained white beans, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour in the remaining chicken broth (2 cups) and bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Incorporate Cream Cheese:
   • Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy texture.

Step 5: Simmer and Adjust Seasoning

1. Simmer the Chili:
   • Allow the chili to simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
2. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.

Step 6: Add Lime Juice

1. Finish with Lime Juice:
   • Just before serving, stir in the juice of one lime. This adds a refreshing brightness to the dish that balances the creamy and savory elements.

Tips for Success

1. Cook the Chicken in Advance: For a quicker meal, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal. Just shred and add it to the pot when combining ingredients.
2. Use Low-Sodium Ingredients: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth and canned beans to control the saltiness of the chili.
3. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference. Adding a diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper can increase the spiciness.
4. Make it a Slow Cooker Recipe: For a slow cooker version, sauté the onion and garlic in a pan, then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. For a Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with additional beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Cream cheese can be replaced with a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.

Variations

1. Creamy Green Chile Version: Incorporate a can of diced green chiles and a bit of heavy cream for an even creamier chili.
2. Add Vegetables: Stir in diced zucchini, corn, or spinach for added nutrients and color.
3. Different Proteins: Swap out chicken for turkey or pork to mix things up.
4. Spicy Variant: For an extra spicy kick, include chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or use spicy pepper jack cheese as a topping.

Conclusion

White Chicken Chili is a deliciously creamy and satisfying dish that combines the comforting flavors of chili with the heartiness of chicken and beans. It’s perfect for cold nights, family gatherings, or meal prepping for busy weekdays. With its easy preparation and versatility, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your household.

Yield: 6

White Chicken Chili Recipe

Print

White Chicken Chili is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. This creamy, slightly spicy chili is packed with tender chicken, white beans, and green chilies, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Unlike traditional chili, which often uses red beans and tomatoes, white chicken chili offers a unique twist that is both delicious and nourishing.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)
• Shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar, for serving)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
   
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, diced green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
3. Add Corn and Cream:
   If using, add the corn and heavy cream (or half-and-half) to the pot. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through.
   
4. Taste and Adjust:
   Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
   
5. Serve:
   Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and shredded cheese, if desired.

Notes

Make Ahead: This chili can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Variations: You can add other ingredients like diced bell peppers or zucchini for more vegetables. For a spicier version, add extra jalapeños or cayenne pepper.