White Chicken Chili Recipe
Welcome back, food lovers! Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite hearty and comforting dishes—White Chicken Chili. This is a cozy bowl of warmth that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, white beans, and green chilies. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or something new for dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, make sure to prep your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, cook and shred your chicken, and drain and rinse the white beans.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Spices
- Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and coat the chicken.
Step 4: Add Beans, Green Chilies, and Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth, beans, and diced green chilies.
- Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add Corn and Cream (Optional)
- If you’re using corn, add it to the pot and stir.
- For a creamier texture, stir in the sour cream and half-and-half or heavy cream. This will give your chili a rich, silky texture.
- Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the chili and add salt and pepper as needed.
- If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Tips:
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and reheat.
- Thicker texture: For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Toppings: You can also top your chili with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Timing Table:
| Task | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| Sauté onion and garlic | 5 |
| Add chicken and spices | 3 |
| Simmer with broth & beans | 25 |
| Add cream and corn (opt.) | 10 |
| Total | 40-45 |
Enjoy your White Chicken Chili! It’s a great recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering. Let me know how yours turns out!
Happy cooking!
Chef Sara 🍲
