White Chicken Chili

To elevate your culinary repertoire, White Chicken Chili is a fantastic dish that blends hearty flavors with comforting textures. I vividly remember the first time I enjoyed a steaming bowl of this chili on a chilly evening, its creamy richness perfectly balanced with a zesty kick that made every spoonful a delight. The best part? It’s a go-to recipe that’s not just for game day or chilly nights but also perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering with friends. It’s quick, satisfying, and has become a staple in many households—mine included!

What Makes This Recipe Special

White Chicken Chili stands out for its blend of rich, hearty flavors and a light, zesty finish. You’ll love how it comes together faster than you’d believe, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly and can be easily modified to suit various dietary preferences—whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option or a vegan twist, the adaptability of this dish shines through.

"This chili is a game-changer! It’s comforting yet refreshing, and my kids can’t get enough of it. It’s definitely going to be a regular in our meal rotation!" – Emily R.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Creating White Chicken Chili is a simple and straightforward process that packs a lot of flavor into a short cooking time. You’ll start by sautéing your aromatics, then gradually building a rich base with all the flavorful ingredients. Finally, you’ll stir in the creamy goodness that makes this dish an instant classic. Here’s a quick overview of how it all comes together:

1. Sauté onion and garlic.
2. Combine broth and spices.
3. Blend some beans for a creamy texture.
4. Mix in all ingredients and simmer.
5. Add chicken and sour cream before serving!

Gather Your Ingredients

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To make your very own White Chicken Chili, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Juice from ½ small lime
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
• 2 heaping cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftovers)
• Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, green onions, avocado

Feel free to substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if you desire a tangy twist or lower fat content.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cooking Steps

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Mix in Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced green chilies, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the great northern beans. For a creamier texture, puree a big ladleful of beans with a splash of broth in a processor until smooth.
6. Combine and Simmer: Add the pureed beans, the rest of the whole beans, and corn to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, then stir in the sour cream and shredded cooked chicken.
8. Garnish: Serve your chili hot, garnished with cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla chips if desired.

What to Serve It With

Serving Ideas

White Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but it can also be complemented beautifully with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up the chili, adding a delightful contrast.
• Cornbread: A side of warm cornbread brings a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with chili.
• Salad: A light mixed green salad with lime vinaigrette can enhance your meal with freshness.
• Sliced Avocado: Fresh avocado slices add creaminess and a bit of richness.

Best Way to Store White Chicken Chili

Storage Tips

To ensure your White Chicken Chili stays fresh and delicious, here are some quick storage tips:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This chili freezes well! Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. It should stay good for about 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to reheat. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary for consistency.

Pro Chef Tips

Expert Advice

• For Extra Creaminess: Blend a portion of the beans; it helps give the chili a smooth texture that feels hearty without being too heavy.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the cayenne and cumin to suit your spice tolerance. Start with less if you’re unsure—it’s easy to add more!
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: This is a great shortcut for busy weeknights; rotisserie chicken saves prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Creative Twists

Flavor Variations

You can easily customize your White Chicken Chili. Here are a few ideas for exciting variations:

• Add Different Beans: Swap great northern beans for black beans or pinto beans for a different texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate jalapeños or serrano peppers for an additional heat kick.
• Herbaceous Notes: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten the dish.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth, skip the chicken, and load up on extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a delicious plant-based meal.

Your Questions Answered

FAQ

1. How long does it take to make White Chicken Chili?
Typically, it takes about 30-45 minutes from start to finish, making it a great quick meal option.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! If you’re using uncooked frozen chicken, you can add it straight to the pot with the broth. Just ensure it cooks thoroughly before serving.

3. Is it possible to make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it a day in advance can enhance the flavors. Just store it properly and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

4. Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute, providing a similar creamy texture with added health benefits.

5. How do I know when the chili is done?
Make sure the chili is hot throughout, and the corn is tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.

This White Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also offers a wealth of flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal plan. Happy cooking!

White Chicken Chili

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A comforting and creamy chili with a zesty kick, perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Juice from ½ small lime
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
• 2 heaping cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftovers)
• Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, green onions, avocado

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced green chilies, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Drain and rinse the great northern beans. For a creamier texture, puree a big ladleful of beans with a splash of broth in a processor until smooth.
6. Add the pureed beans, the rest of the whole beans, and corn to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat, then stir in the sour cream and shredded cooked chicken.
8. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla chips if desired.

Notes

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy twist or lower fat content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: chili, white chicken chili, comfort food, quick meals, weeknight dinners