This White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it warms you up in just 25 minutes. This dish combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty green chiles, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or a comforting meal on chilly days. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it solo, this recipe will satisfy your cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of sour cream and spices creates a rich flavor profile that elevates this chili beyond the ordinary.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course, over rice, or with tortilla chips for dipping; it fits any occasion perfectly.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the mild flavors and creamy texture, making it a hit for the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
To make this White Chicken Chili successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to gather before diving into cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A must-have for cooking all the ingredients together while allowing enough room for stirring without spills.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and dicing chicken quick and safe.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your chili.
Ingredients
This White Chicken Chili is a healthier version of classic chili. Made with chicken breasts, canned beans, and chilies, it’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly quick to make. Only 25 minutes from start to finish!
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
For the Chili
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14-ounce cans) great Northern beans (drained)
- 2 (4-ounce cans) mild green chiles (with juices)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 cup corn kernels
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Creaminess Factor
- ⅔ cup sour cream
How to Make White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
– Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
– Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add all remaining ingredients into the pot:
– Pour in the chicken broth.
– Stir in the great Northern beans, green chiles with their juices, diced chicken breasts, corn kernels, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
– Bring everything to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling:
– Reduce heat to low.
– Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Add Sour Cream
In a small bowl:
– Add the sour cream.
– Pour about 1/2 cup of hot chili into the sour cream and mix until well combined.
– Then pour this mixture back into the pot of chili.
– Stir until everything is mixed together smoothly.
Enjoy your flavorful White Chicken Chili!
How to Serve White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili is a delightful and creamy dish that can be enjoyed in several ways. Whether you prefer it simple or adorned with toppings, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
With Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar on top for extra richness.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color to each bowl.
In a Bread Bowl
- Bread Bowl: Hollow out a crusty bread roll to serve the chili in for a fun and edible presentation.
With Tortilla Chips
- Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch that complements the soft chili.
Over Rice
- Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of white or brown rice to create a heartier meal.
As a Dip
- Chili Dip: Use the White Chicken Chili as a warm dip for chips and veggies during gatherings.
In Wraps
- Wraps: Fill a tortilla with White Chicken Chili, cheese, and fresh veggies for a delicious wrap.
How to Perfect White Chicken Chili
Perfecting White Chicken Chili is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance the overall taste and texture of your chili.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or cumin based on your preference.
- Mix Sour Cream Carefully: To avoid curdling, mix sour cream with hot broth before adding it to the chili.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen the flavors; just be cautious not to overcook the chicken.
- Include Variety in Beans: Try mixing different types of beans for added texture and flavor complexity.
- Top with Fresh Ingredients: Adding fresh herbs or toppings just before serving brightens up the dish.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the spicy flavors of chili perfectly.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens adds freshness and balances the richness of the chili.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored rice brings an extra layer of taste that pairs well with the chili’s creaminess.
- Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip provides a rich contrast that enhances every bite.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add smokiness, making them an excellent counterpart to your dish.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: The buttery, cheesy goodness is perfect for dipping into your bowl of chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your White Chicken Chili even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong beans: Different beans can alter the texture and flavor. Stick to great Northern beans for best results.
- Skipping the sour cream step: Adding sour cream directly can lead to curdling. Mix it with a bit of hot chili first for a creamy finish.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can leave your chili bland. Taste as you go and adjust spices to your liking.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can make it dry and tough. Cook just until it’s no longer pink for tender pieces.
- Ignoring simmer time: Rushing through cooking may not develop flavors fully. Allow at least 10 minutes of simmering for a rich taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing White Chicken Chili
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating White Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chili in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely. Stir halfway through heating for even warmth.
- Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding White Chicken Chili:
What is White Chicken Chili?
White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful dish made with chicken, beans, and green chiles, offering a lighter alternative to traditional chili.
Can I customize my White Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables, swap beans, or experiment with spices to suit your taste preferences.
How do I make White Chicken Chili spicier?
To add heat, include jalapeños or use spicy green chiles in place of mild ones during cooking.
Is White Chicken Chili healthy?
Yes! This recipe is lower in calories and fat compared to regular chili while still being hearty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can modify ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Give this delicious recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors!
White Chicken Chili
This White Chicken Chili is a comforting and creamy delight that takes just 25 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Packed with tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty green chiles, this dish offers a flavorful twist on traditional chili. With its rich texture and mild spices, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you serve it in a bread bowl, over rice, or with crispy tortilla chips, this versatile recipe will warm your heart and home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14-ounce cans) great Northern beans (drained)
- 2 (4-ounce cans) mild green chiles (with juices)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion for 4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth, drained beans, green chiles (with juices), diced chicken, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream with 1/2 cup of hot chili until well combined. Stir this mixture back into the pot and mix until smooth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
