Description
Comforting classic white chicken chili brings southwestern warmth to dinner tables with creamy beans and tender chicken. Hearty spices and smooth textures invite you to savor each spoonful of this delicious southwestern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Beans and Vegetables:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chilies
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if using canned)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium heat and gently transform diced onions into a translucent, tender state.
- Introduce minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate the kitchen for approximately 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper into the pot, stirring to awaken their robust flavors for about 60 seconds.
- Add chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, carefully fold in white beans and vibrant green chilies, then elevate the temperature until the mixture reaches a gentle bubbling point.
- Incorporate cream cheese, stirring consistently until it dissolves completely, creating a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Reduce heat and let the chili simmer for 12-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Calibrate seasoning with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and a splash of zesty lime juice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve piping hot in deep bowls.
Notes
- Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps the creamy texture without extra calories.
- Dial down the cayenne pepper for mild heat or boost it with jalapeños for adventurous spice lovers who crave more kick.
- Prep chicken ahead by poaching or using rotisserie meat to cut down cooking time and simplify the recipe for busy weeknights.
- Transform this into a vegetarian delight by replacing chicken with hearty white beans or diced tofu, maintaining the rich, comforting essence of the chili.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg