White Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul. It combines tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and zesty spices to create a comfort food favorite. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also packed with nutrition. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting friends, White Chicken Chili is sure to impress.
Ingredients for White Chicken Chili
Here’s what you need to create your own comforting bowl of White Chicken Chili:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (4-ounce) cans mild green chilies, undrained
- 1 1/2 lbs bone-in skinless chicken breast
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Diced avocado, for garnish
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Tortilla strips, for garnish
- Fritos, for garnish
- Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Base
- Combine spices: In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, mustard powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Melt the butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook onions and jalapeno: Add the diced onion and jalapeno pepper. Cook for about five minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for one additional minute.
Create the Base for Chili
- Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, tossing to coat. Cook for another two minutes.
- Incorporate the broth: Gradually add the chicken broth and half and half, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Add the Main Ingredients
- Blend beans (optional): If you’d like a creamier texture, reserve one cup of drained beans, blend it with half a cup of broth, and add it back to the pot with the remaining beans.
- Spice it up: Add in your prepared spices, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilis. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken: While the chili simmers, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken and corn: After the chili has simmered, add the chicken and sweet corn. Let it simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes, cooking until the chicken is tender.
Final Touches
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot. Let it cool for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks.
- Return chicken: Place the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Add cream cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it completely melts and blends into the chili. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Serve with Style
- Garnish: Ladle your White Chicken Chili into bowls and garnish with lime wedges, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crisp tortilla strips, Fritos, or a sprinkle of cheese.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh jalapeno.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with cooked chickpeas or tofu for a delicious vegetarian white chili.
- Slow Cooker Option: You can also prepare this dish in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Just add the cream cheese at the end.
Serving Suggestions
White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish. Pair it with:
- Cornbread: Soft, warm cornbread perfectly complements the dish.
- Salad: A light salad with fresh greens can balance the meal.
- Rice: Serve over rice for a heartier option.
Conclusion
White Chicken Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings with friends. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, everyone will be asking for seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover White Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely! Freeze the chili in portions. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Enjoy making your delicious White Chicken Chili and share it with those you love!
White Chicken Chili
A hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and zesty spices, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Method
Season the Base
- In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, mustard powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and jalapeno pepper. Cook for about five minutes until onions are translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for one additional minute.
Create the Base for Chili
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, tossing to coat. Cook for another two minutes.
- Gradually add the chicken broth and half and half, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Add the Main Ingredients
- If you’d like a creamier texture, reserve one cup of drained beans, blend it with half a cup of broth, and add it back to the pot with the remaining beans.
- Add in your prepared spices, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilis. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
- While the chili simmers, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- After the chili has simmered, add the chicken and sweet corn. Let it simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes, cooking until the chicken is tender.
Final Touches
- Remove the chicken from the pot. Let it cool for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks.
- Place the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese until it completely melts and blends into the chili. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Serve with Style
- Ladle your White Chicken Chili into bowls and garnish with lime wedges, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crisp tortilla strips, Fritos, or a sprinkle of cheese.
Notes
For variations, make it spicy by adding more cayenne or fresh jalapenos, create a vegetarian version with chickpeas or tofu, or cook it in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours, adding cream cheese at the end.
