Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Quick & Healthy One-Pot Meal
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Quick & Healthy One-Pot Meal
White chicken chili is the ultimate comfort food that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. This healthy, creamy version skips the heavy cream and uses simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or meal prep. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder will become your new go-to chili recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the chicken to the pot. Add white beans, corn, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips
- For extra creamy texture, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot
- Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop
- Freeze individual portions for quick meals throughout the week
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for complete meal
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and richness to the chili. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra beans or diced potatoes for heartiness.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except chicken broth in slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add broth during last hour of cooking.
How long does white chicken chili last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Quick & Healthy One-Pot Meal
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Add white beans, corn, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
