Best White Chili

A Cozy Comfort Food: White Chili

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of chili, especially when it’s a warm, creamy white chili. This recipe combines tender chicken or turkey with fluffy white beans and the sweetness of corn, bringing together a unique flavor profile that stands apart from traditional chili. What makes this dish even more special is its creamy texture, which is made rich with sour cream, offering a delightful warmth on chilly evenings or during family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it may just become your new go-to for a comforting meal!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why choose this white chili over the classic version? For starters, it’s a delightful twist on the traditional dark chili, boasting a creamy texture that’s perfect when you’re craving something cozy yet different. It’s packed with protein from the chicken or turkey, combined with hearty white beans that keep you full without feeling heavy.

This dish is quick to whip up and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or refrigerator. It’s budget-friendly too, making it an excellent choice for families or those looking to cook quickly without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a great weeknight dinner option.

"I made this white chili for my family last week, and they raved about it! It’s now officially on our weekly meal plan!" – A delighted home cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing this white chili is a breeze! Start by sautéing your vegetables in a pot, then add in the chicken or turkey until browned. After that, the spices come into play, followed by easy additions like beans, corn, and chicken broth. With just a little simmering time, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go. Here’s a quick overview of the steps you’ll take:

1. Sauté onions and garlic.
2. Brown the diced chicken or turkey.
3. Add spices, beans, corn, and broth, then simmer.
4. Finish with sour cream (and cheese, if desired).

Let’s dive into what ingredients you’ll need!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create the best white chili:

• 1 pound chicken breast or turkey, diced
• 1 can white beans (great northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

This list gives you the essentials, but feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients—like using black beans instead of white beans for a twist!

Cooking Steps

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until they’re fragrant and softened.
2. Toss in the diced chicken or turkey, cooking until the meat is browned on the outside.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, allowing those flavors to meld for about a minute.
4. Add the drained white beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 25 minutes.
5. Once the chili has simmered, stir in the sour cream. If you’re feeling indulgent, add shredded cheese at this point. Heat through before serving.
6. Ladle the white chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Best Way to Serve

Serve your white chili hot, ideally with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. You can also pair it with fresh avocado slices, tortilla chips, or a light salad for a complete meal. Consider making a toppings bar with shredded cheese, diced onions, and jalapeños to allow your guests (or family) to customize their bowls!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! To keep your white chili fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Always remember to let it cool before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove. Make sure it’s heated all the way through to maintain food safety.

Pro Chef Tips

To elevate your white chili even further, consider these helpful hints:

• Seasoning: Don’t be shy about adjusting spices. Taste and tweak as you go to fit your preferences.
• Protein Options: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for more beans and add diced bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Sour Cream Substitute: If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for creaminess.

Creative Twists

Looking to give your white chili a personal touch? Here are some variations you can try:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy thrill.
• Sweet Corn: Mix in a handful of sweet corn for an extra burst of flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for a different taste profile.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast as a creamy, dairy-free alternative.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare?

This dish comes together relatively quickly! You can prep and cook it in about 45 minutes total.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! White chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance as the flavors deepen over time.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this chili freezes well! Just be sure to cool completely before transferring it to the freezer. It’s best to consume it within 3 months for peak freshness.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Yes, feel free to use turkey, or you can even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether and increasing the amount of beans.

By following this recipe, you’ll create a white chili that’s balanced, hearty, and irresistibly creamy, making it a standout dish on any table. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Cozy Comfort Food: White Chili

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

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Description

A warm and creamy white chili that combines tender chicken or turkey with fluffy white beans and corn, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound chicken breast or turkey, diced
• 1 can white beans (great northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until they’re fragrant and softened.
2. Toss in the diced chicken or turkey, cooking until the meat is browned on the outside.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, allowing those flavors to meld for about a minute.
4. Add the drained white beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 25 minutes.
5. Once the chili has simmered, stir in the sour cream. If you’re feeling indulgent, add shredded cheese at this point. Heat through before serving.
6. Ladle the white chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread, avocado slices, or tortilla chips. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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

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: comfort food, white chili, easy recipe, chicken, weeknight dinner