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White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili
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This easy White Chicken Chili recipe is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for chilly evenings, it features tender chicken, white beans, and a blend of spices for a comforting and satisfying meal. Healthy and customizable, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners and offers a lighter twist on traditional chili.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Beans

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), rinsed and drained

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup sour cream

Fresh Ingredients & Garnishes

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional garnishes: shredded cheese, sliced avocado, extra sour cream, additional cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic to create the aromatic base. Rinse and drain the white beans thoroughly. Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step unlocks rich flavors for the chili.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the prepared chicken pieces to the pot. Brown them slightly, cooking until they are no longer pink on the outside but still tender inside, about 5-7 minutes. This seals in the juices, ensuring moist chicken in every bite.
  4. Add Spices and Chilies: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, and diced green chilies. Stir well to coat the chicken and aromatics, allowing the spices to toast lightly and deepen the overall flavor, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in Broth and Beans: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, then add the drained white beans. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to let the chili thicken slightly and the flavors meld.
  6. Stir in Creamy Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese or sour cream, stirring carefully until fully melted and combined. This creates a smooth, luscious texture that balances the spices.
  7. Finish with Freshness: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze the juice of one lime to add brightness and a fresh contrast to the creamy base.

Notes

  • Use fresh ground spices for more intense flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to avoid dryness; add it last or remove early if reheating.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to meld flavors without curdling the cream.
  • Adjust green chilies and chili powder to your preferred spice level for balance.
  • For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the beans before adding to the pot.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, quick chicken chili, healthy chili, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner

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