This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot) is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort to any meal. Perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep, this dish offers a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on taste. With tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty spices, it’s ready in under 40 minutes—making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This chili can be made in just 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and fiber-rich beans, it’s a nutritious choice.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the stovetop or crockpot, this recipe suits both methods.
- Flavorful Spices: The combination of cumin, oregano, and chiles elevates the taste to a whole new level.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like cheese or jalapenos to make it your own.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience. These essentials will help you prepare your ingredients and cook efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the chili evenly and allowing all flavors to meld together.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
- Potato masher: Perfect for mashing beans to thicken the chili without needing extra flour or cornstarch.
Ingredients
For this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot), you’ll need the following ingredients:
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 3 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2lbs chicken breasts, raw (~3 large breasts)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Additional Ingredients
- 2 4oz cans green chiles
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 lime, juiced
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I used 2%)
- Cilantro
- Cheddar cheese
- Jalapeno slices
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips
How to Make Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat:
1. Heat the olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic for one minute before adding in all spices.
Step 2: Prepare the Beans
In a separate bowl:
1. Mash 1 cup of white beans using a potato masher until soft. This will help thicken your chili.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return to the pot:
1. Add chicken broth, mashed beans, regular beans, green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, and corn.
2. Place raw chicken breasts into the mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Chili
Bring everything to a boil:
1. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer.
2. Cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (check size as cooking time may vary).
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
After cooking:
1. Remove chicken from pot and let cool slightly.
2. Shred with two forks once cool enough to handle.
Step 6: Finish the Chili
Return shredded chicken back into the pot:
1. Stir in juice from one lime and Greek yogurt.
2. Mix well until combined.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon into bowls:
1. Serve with optional toppings like cilantro, additional Greek yogurt, cheese, tortilla strips, and jalapenos for added flavor.
Enjoy this warm bowl of Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe that brings comfort to your table!
How to Serve Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot)
Serving your Easy White Chicken Chili is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various toppings and sides. This dish is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences.
Toppings
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful garnish.
- Greek Yogurt: Use it instead of sour cream for a healthier twist.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese melts perfectly on top, adding richness.
- Jalapenos: For those who enjoy some heat, sliced jalapenos add a spicy kick.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide a perfect contrast in texture.
Accompaniments
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili for added zest.
- Cornbread: A slice of cornbread pairs well with the chili’s creamy texture.
- Rice: Serve the chili over rice for a filling meal.
How to Perfect Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot)
Perfecting your Easy White Chicken Chili requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Control spice levels: Adjust the cayenne and chili powder based on your heat preference.
- Let it simmer longer: A longer simmer time allows flavors to meld beautifully; just make sure chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred chicken while warm: Shredding the chicken soon after cooking ensures it stays moist and flavorful.
Best Side Dishes for Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot)
Pairing side dishes with your Easy White Chicken Chili can create an even more satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread is an ideal pairing with chili, balancing its savory flavor.
- Avocado Salad: A light salad with avocado, tomatoes, and lime dressing adds freshness.
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the chili’s flavors wonderfully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Tortilla Wraps: Warm tortilla wraps are great for dipping into the chili or for making bites.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas stuffed with peppers make a tasty side that complements the chili’s warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing the Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- spices: Using too little spice can make your chili bland. Don’t skimp on the cumin, oregano, and chili powder for robust flavor.
- chicken prep: Skipping the shredding step after cooking can lead to large chunks of chicken. Shredding ensures even distribution of flavors in each bowl.
- ingredient quality: Using low-quality canned ingredients can affect taste. Opt for high-quality beans and tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- simmer time: Not allowing enough simmer time might result in undercooked chicken. Make sure to cook until the chicken is fully done for safety and taste.
- toppings: Forgetting toppings can make your chili less appealing. Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and cheese for an elevated experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot)
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe, here are some answers to common questions.
Can I make this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot) ahead of time?
Yes! This dish actually tastes better when made ahead of time as the flavors meld together.
What type of beans are best for white chicken chili?
Cannellini or great northern beans work best due to their creamy texture and mild flavor.
How can I customize this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot)?
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is not only cozy and delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or ingredients based on your preferences. Give it a try for a healthy meal that’s perfect any day of the week!
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crockpot)
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe, perfect for both stovetop and crockpot cooking. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, hearty white beans, and a blend of zesty spices, creating a nutritious meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop/Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, raw (~3 large breasts)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 4oz cans green chiles
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I used 2%)
- Cilantro
- Cheddar cheese
- Jalapeno slices
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft; add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Mash one cup of white beans in a separate bowl to thicken the chili.
- Combine chicken broth, mashed beans, remaining beans, green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and raw chicken breasts in the pot.
- Bring to boil; then reduce heat to simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken once cooled; return it to the pot along with lime juice and Greek yogurt.
- Stir well and serve hot with desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
