White Chicken Chili: Creamy Comfort in 6 Steps
Introduction
As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of white chicken chili to warm your soul. This beloved dish combines the heartiness of traditional chili with a lighter, creamier twist that’s perfect for those chilly evenings. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why is it Perfect for You?
This White Chicken Chili is the epitome of comfort food with a healthy twist. It’s gluten-free, packed with protein, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this recipe has got you covered.
Ingredients List
◾ 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
◾ 1 large onion, chopped
◾ 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
◾ 1 can corn, drained
◾ 2 cups chicken broth
◾ 1 cup heavy cream
◾ 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
◾ 2 tsp ground cumin
◾ 1 tsp dried oregano
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
◾ 2 tbsp olive oil
◾ Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced jalapeños, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes, releasing those wonderful aromas that will form the base of our chili.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside. This step usually takes around 7-8 minutes. Remember, we’re not fully cooking the chicken yet, just giving it a head start.
Step 3: Add Spices and Beans
Sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the spices. Then, add the drained and rinsed white beans. The beans will absorb all those beautiful flavors as they cook.
Step 4: Simmer the Chili
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.
Step 5: Add Cream and Corn
Stir in the heavy cream and drained corn. Let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The cream will give the chili its signature velvety texture, while the corn adds a delightful sweetness and crunch.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the White Chicken Chili into bowls. Top with your choice of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. These garnishes not only add flavor but also create a visually appealing dish.
Nutritional Information
This White Chicken Chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for your dinner table.
Calories per Person
Approximately 450 calories per serving (without toppings).
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe even healthier, consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, or opt for low-fat cheese as a topping. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a side of warm cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. A crisp green salad also pairs wonderfully, balancing out the richness of the chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become tough. Also, be careful not to add too much salt, as the chicken broth and beans already contain sodium. Taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This white chicken chili stores beautifully. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply add all ingredients except the cream and corn to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the cream and corn during the last 30 minutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is moderate. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or omit them entirely. For extra heat, add a diced poblano pepper or a dash of cayenne.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and add it when you would normally add the diced raw chicken.
Conclusion
This White Chicken Chili is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Give it a try on your next chilly evening – your taste buds will thank you!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
