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White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili
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This White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that is simple to prepare, perfect for beginners, and packed with protein and fiber. Combining tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a harmonious blend of spices, it offers a creamy and light alternative to traditional chili. Ideal for any season, this versatile recipe can be customized to your taste and dietary preferences, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Base and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Beans and Vegetables

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or crema
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (additional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Using the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 4-6 minutes, releasing the base flavors for the chili.
  3. Add spices and liquids: Stir in ground cumin and oregano, allowing the spices to toast lightly for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits to deepen the flavor.
  4. Combine main ingredients: Add the white beans, diced green chiles, and browned chicken breasts back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.
  5. Shred the chicken and finish: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or crema to give the chili a creamy, velvety texture. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Warm through for an additional 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality chicken broth for the best depth of flavor; avoid low-sodium or watery broths.
  • Do not skip sautéing the onion and garlic, as this step unlocks the full aroma and taste of the chili.
  • Simmer gently over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling and to allow flavors to develop slowly.
  • Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your desired creaminess level.
  • Add fresh garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, or lime to enhance flavor and presentation before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, chicken chili recipe, creamy chili, easy chili recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy chili, gluten free chili

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/white-chicken-chili/