This cozy White Chicken Chili is a perfect dish for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. Imagine settling down with a warm bowl of creamy chili, filled with tender chicken, beans, and just the right amount of spice. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! The wonderful thing about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare; it comes together in just 40 minutes. You’ll love how the chicken simmers in a delicious broth, soaking up all those savory flavors. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it not only comforting but also fun to eat. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a solo night in, this White Chicken Chili is sure to bring a smile to your face!
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This White Chicken Chili recipe combines the savory taste of chicken with the creaminess of beans, all enhanced by the zest of lime and a medley of spices. The harmonious blend of ingredients results in a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Cooking the chicken directly in the broth infuses the meat with flavor while adding sour cream gives it that richness that balances the heat from the spices.
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili
You’ll adore this White Chicken Chili for its perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s a cozy, filling dish that comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick weekend meal. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to customize toppings according to your taste, ensuring that every bowl is uniquely your own. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (4-ounce) cans green chiles
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups frozen corn
- ¾ cup sour cream
- Juice of ½ lime
- Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos, for serving
- Additional sour cream for serving
- Lime wedges for serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro for serving
Preparing the Base for Chili
Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, toss in the diced onions. Sauté them until softened, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook everything together for an additional minute until it’s all fragrant.
Simmer Chicken and Broth
Now it’s time to add the boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, and green chiles to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. After that, reduce the heat and let it gently simmer. The chicken will cook through in approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on how thick the chicken pieces are.
Shred Chicken and Incorporate Beans
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Shred it using two forks and set it aside. Stir in the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans, and let them cook for about 8 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Corn
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the frozen corn. Stir everything together until heated through, which should take around 2 minutes.
Finish with Sour Cream and Lime
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the sour cream and lime juice until it’s fully blended, creating that creamy consistency you want.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the White Chicken Chili hot in bowls. Top it generously with crushed tortilla chips or Fritos, extra sour cream, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro to elevate the flavor.
Tips for Success
- For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in spices prior to cooking.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
- A good quality chicken broth will enhance the overall taste of the chili.
Variations
- You can substitute turkey for chicken or use a mix of beans, like adding black beans for a different flavor profile.
- If you’re looking for a spicier kick, add diced bell peppers or jalapeños.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the sour cream and use coconut cream instead.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover White Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portion-sized containers. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this White Chicken Chili with warm cornbread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. A light, crisp white wine or a cold beer complements the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken works, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time to ensure it cooks completely.
2. Is this White Chicken Chili spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted. Feel free to add or reduce chili powder based on your preferences.
3. Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or additional beans and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
4. How can I thicken my chili?
For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans before adding them back into the chili.
5. What are the best toppings for White Chicken Chili?
Great toppings include crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, avocado, cheese, and fresh herbs like cilantro.
The White Chicken Chili awaits you, promising warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed solo, it’s sure to be a beloved dish in your kitchen. Its versatility allows you to adapt it to your liking, making it a favorite time and time again. So grab those ingredients and savor the deliciousness of this delightful chili!
PrintWhite Chicken Chili
This cozy White Chicken Chili is a quick and comforting dish filled with tender chicken, creamy beans, and just the right amount of spice, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (4-ounce) cans green chiles
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups frozen corn
- ¾ cup sour cream
- Juice of ½ lime
- Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos, for serving
- Additional sour cream for serving
- Lime wedges for serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add olive oil and butter. Sauté onions until softened (6-8 mins).
- Add garlic, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken, broth, and green chiles. Bring to boil, then simmer for 10-15 mins.
- Remove chicken, shred, and set aside.
- Stir in beans and cook for 8 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and corn, heat through for 2 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream and lime juice off heat until blended.
Notes
Consider marinating chicken in spices for added flavor.
Adjust spice level by varying the amount of chili powder used.
Use a quality chicken broth for improved taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg