Description
Rich and comforting white chicken chili brings Mexican-inspired warmth to weeknight dinners, blending tender chicken, hearty beans, and a silky cream-based broth that will satisfy comfort food cravings with incredible depth of flavor. Spicy green chiles and aromatic spices elevate you to a culinary journey of pure deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
Beans and Vegetables:
- 2 cans great Northern beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans (4 ounces/113 grams each) diced green chiles
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Dairy:
- 4 cups (0.95 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- Juice from 1 lime
Spices and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and let it release its aromatic essence for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, toasting the spices for about 60 seconds to enhance their robust flavors.
- Carefully place whole chicken breasts into the pot, then pour in chicken broth, white beans, corn, and green chiles, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly for 20 minutes.
- Extract chicken breasts from the liquid and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into tender pieces, then return them to the simmering pot.
- Incorporate sour cream and cream cheese, stirring until they completely dissolve and create a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors harmonize and intensify.
- Ladle the chili into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and zesty lime wedges for an extra burst of brightness.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra heat.
- Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time and add more flavor.
- Make this recipe dairy-free by using coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
- Boost protein content by adding quinoa or extra beans during the simmering process.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg