White Chicken Chili

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy and hearty meal, White Chicken Chili is a fantastic choice. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. With tender chicken, tasty beans, and a mix of spices, this chili brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. Not only does it satisfy your hunger, but it’s also a healthier option than traditional beef chili. You can enjoy a big bowl without the guilt!

White Chicken Chili is also simple to prepare, especially if you use a slow cooker. You can throw all the ingredients in, set the timer, and let it do the work for you. Plus, it’s versatile and can be modified to suit your taste. If you enjoy a little heat, you can add more chiles; if you prefer mild, dial back the spices. What’s not to love?

The recipe brings together flavorful ingredients, making it not just a meal, but a delightful experience. Whether it’s your first time making chili or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe will not disappoint. Plus, you can make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for days!

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Making White Chicken Chili is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

To make White Chicken Chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chiles (one hot, one mild)
• 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 3/4 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup half and half

Toppings:

• Sliced jalapeños
• Avocado
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Tortilla strips
• Shredded cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.

3. Add Vegetables and Beans: Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, corn, drained beans, and green chiles to the slow cooker.

4. Pour in Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture.

5. Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in the chopped cilantro. Fresh herbs brighten up the flavor.

6. Mix Gently: Gently mix all the ingredients to combine everything.

7. Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low helps to deepen the flavors.

8. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. This makes it easier to mix through the chili.

9. Add Creaminess: Stir in the softened cream cheese and half and half, then cook for another 15 minutes to let it melt and create a creamy texture.

10. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and add any toppings you desire.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili is just as simple as making it. Here are a few ideas on how to present and enjoy this dish:

• Basic Serving: Simply ladle the chili into bowls. This is great if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal.

• Top it Up: Add your favorite toppings such as sliced jalapeños for a kick, creamy avocado for richness, a dollop of sour cream for tang, and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips also make wonderful additions.

• Accompanying Sides: You can serve the chili with warm cornbread or crusty bread on the side. This gives an excellent contrast in texture and adds to the heartiness of the meal.

• Make it a Meal: For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh salad. The freshness of the greens balances the richness of the chili.

How to Store White Chicken Chili

Leftovers are one of the best parts of making White Chicken Chili! Proper storage can help you enjoy this dish for days. Here’s how to store it correctly:

• Refrigeration: Let the chili cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. This helps retain the flavors. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze White Chicken Chili. Pour the cool chili into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

• Reheating: To reheat, stir the chili in a pot on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Heat it until it’s warmed through. If microwaving, heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.

Tips to Make White Chicken Chili

Here are some handy tips to enhance your White Chicken Chili experience:

• Chicken Choices: While the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can also use thighs for a richer flavor. Thighs won’t dry out as easily and will add a different depth to your chili.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible—fresh garlic and onion can significantly elevate the dish’s flavor.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste the chili before serving and adjust the spices to your liking. If you enjoy a lot of heat, add more cayenne pepper or use a spicier variety of chiles.

• Creaminess Adjustments: If you want an even creamier chili, consider adding an extra splash of half and half or more cream cheese.

• Canned Goods: Opt for low-sodium ingredients when possible. This helps you control the saltiness of your dish more effectively.

• Customization: Don’t hesitate to customize! Swap out great Northern beans for other varieties like kidney beans or black beans, or add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Variation

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, here are some variations on the classic White Chicken Chili:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version. This makes a filling dish without meat.

• Different Meats: Besides chicken, you can also use turkey for a leaner option or even shredded pork for a different flavor profile.

• Mexican Twist: Add corn tortillas instead of using tortilla strips as a topping. Chop them and fry them for a crunchy texture.

• Creamy Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking time for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make White Chicken Chili on the stove instead of in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely make this chili on the stove! Simply follow the same steps in a pot. Cook on medium heat for about 30-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can shred it and add cream cheese just like in the slow cooker version.

Can I add other beans to the chili?

Absolutely! While great Northern beans are traditional, you can mix and match with black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans based on your preference. Just keep the total amount about the same.

How can I make this gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t use any flour-based ingredients. Just ensure all packaged ingredients (like the canned goods) are labeled gluten-free.

Can I keep it dairy-free?

Yes, to make this dairy-free, simply substitute the cream cheese and half and half with non-dairy substitutes, such as coconut cream or cashew cream.

What toppings are best for White Chicken Chili?

Toppings can greatly enhance the flavor! Some popular choices include sliced jalapeños, avocado, crumbled tortilla strips, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!

With this guide, you’re equipped to create a delicious pot of White Chicken Chili. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the cooking begin. Enjoy the warmth and comfort that this hearty meal brings to your table!

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