Description
Hearty Southwest White Chicken Chili delivers a robust blend of tender chicken, creamy white beans, and zesty spices that dance across your palate. Comfort meets excitement in this one-pot wonder you’ll crave on chilly evenings and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, fresh, canned (drained), or frozen
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Base:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth, low-sodium
- 2 cans (4 ounces / 113 grams) green chilies, diced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Creamy Components:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Garnish and Optional Toppings:
- 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
- Avocado, sliced
- Tortilla strips, crispy
- Jalapeños, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat and thoroughly cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then use two forks to shred into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer shredded chicken back into the skillet and combine with white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder.
- Reduce heat to low and allow mixture to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Incorporate cream cheese into the chili, stirring continuously until completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to enhance the bright, zesty flavors.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth.
- Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without compromising the creamy texture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting green chili amounts or adding jalapeños for spice lovers.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick future meals, keeping the chili fresh up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 324 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg