Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe for a Cozy Dinner Option

White Chicken Chili is an exceptional dish that brings a warm, cozy blanket of flavors to your dinner table. Imagine tender shredded chicken immersed in a creamy white broth, enriched by the aromatic notes of cumin and the gentle kick of green chilies. This chili is lighter than its red counterpart, but trust me when I say it packs a unique punch that’ll have your taste buds dancing!

Whether you’re gathering with family for game night or simply craving a comforting bowl during chilly evenings, nothing says “home” quite like a steaming pot of White Chicken Chili. I still remember the first time I tasted this delightful dish—it was smothered in toppings that added extra layers of flavor, and I knew instantly that I had found my new go-to recipe.

Ingredients for White Chicken Chili

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious White Chicken Chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil – This adds richness and depth to the chili. Feel free to substitute with another oil if desired.
1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup) – Sweet and mildly pungent, it serves as the foundation for flavor.
2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder) – A must-have to infuse your chili with aromatic goodness.
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth – A healthier choice to ensure rich flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies – These provide a delightful tang and subtle heat to the dish.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor that makes this chili sing.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Use this for just the right amount of kick. Adjust to your spice preference!
½ teaspoon dried oregano – A pinch of this herb gives it depth and vibrancy.
½ teaspoon paprika – This offers a hint of sweetness and beautiful color.
½ small lime, juice from – Brightens up the flavors and balances richness beautifully.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Season to elevate the dish to perfection.
2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans – Creamy and hearty, they work wonders in giving this chili its texture.
1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt – Adds a luscious creaminess that tantalizes the palate.
1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) – Sweetness in the bowl that partners perfectly with all other flavors.
2 heaping cups cooked chicken, shredded – The star of the show; use any cooked chicken you have on hand!

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious White Chicken Chili:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large (5-6 quart) pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, ensuring your kitchen is filled with heavenly aromas.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Add the chicken broth, canned green chilies, cumin, cayenne, paprika, oregano, and lime juice. Make sure to season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this beautiful mixture to a gentle simmer—it’s like a warm hug waiting to happen!

Step 3: Prepare the Beans
Drain and rinse the great northern beans in a strainer. Now, take a big ladleful and add them to a food processor with a splash of the broth from the soup. Puree until smooth—this step is optional but adds an incredible creamy texture.

Step 4: Mix All Ingredients Together
Return the pureed beans to the soup pot, along with the whole beans and corn. Allow the mixture to simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 30 minutes. Just imagine that delightful concoction bubbling away!

Step 5: Stir in the Chicken and Creaminess
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt, along with the shredded chicken. This is where the magic happens—your chili transforms into a creamy masterpiece that’s ready to impress.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the White Chicken Chili into bowls, garnishing with your choice toppings such as fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or an extra dollop of sour cream for that perfect finishing touch. Get ready for your friends and family to rave about how delicious it is!

With these straightforward steps, you are well on your way to creating a show-stopping bowl of homemade White Chicken Chili. It’s like a warm, delicious embrace in a bowl—perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a fabulous meal prep option. Just a few easy ingredients and steps will lead to something truly exceptional, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting White Chicken Chili Cooking Process

Sauté the onions first to build flavor, then cook the garlic until fragrant. Next, add the chicken broth and spices, followed by the beans and corn. Finally, stir in the chicken and sour cream for a creamy finish.

Add Your Touch to White Chicken Chili

Feel free to swap great northern beans for black beans or cannellini beans. Add a splash of hot sauce to elevate the heat or toss in some fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Storing & Reheating White Chicken Chili

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.

Sometimes, when I whip up this White Chicken Chili, my friends swear I must have magic powers in the kitchen! Their delighted faces when they take a bite make all the stirring and simmering totally worth it.

FAQs About White Chicken Chili

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a flavorful twist on traditional chili, featuring tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a creamy broth that boasts lots of zesty spices. This cozy dish is perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something warm and satisfying. Unlike the usual red chili, this version highlights the delightful balance of ingredients like green chilies and sour cream, delivering a delicious and comforting experience with every spoonful.

How can I customize my White Chicken Chili?

Customization is key when making White Chicken Chili! Feel free to swap the great northern beans for black beans or cannellini beans for a different flavor profile. You can also add a splash of hot sauce if you like your chili spicy or toss in some chopped fresh cilantro to brighten up the flavors. Incorporating corn throughout the dish adds a sweet crunch that complements the creaminess beautifully.

Can White Chicken Chili be made in advance?

Yes, you can absolutely make White Chicken Chili in advance! This recipe not only stores well but often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for longer shelf life. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a convenient and delicious meal later.

What are some toppings for White Chicken Chili?

Toppings can really elevate your White Chicken Chili experience! Consider garnishing with shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar for extra creaminess. Chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips add great texture. For a burst of flavor, a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices works wonderfully. You can even add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten everything up!

Conclusion for White Chicken Chili

In summary, White Chicken Chili is an incredibly versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any cozy dinner. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and customizable options, it’s sure to be a hit on your dining table. Whether enjoyed with toppings or simply as is, this recipe is easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser. Embrace the deliciousness of White Chicken Chili, and you’ll find it becoming a staple in your kitchen!

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe for a Cozy Dinner Option

Discover the warmth of this White Chicken Chili, perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 299

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Base Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 cups small yellow onion, chopped about 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cans (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 small lime, juice from
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cans (15 oz) great northern beans
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup corn frozen or fresh
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded heaping

Equipment

• large pot
• food processor

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, cayenne, paprika, oregano, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Drain and rinse beans. Measure out a ladleful of beans and add to a food processor with a splash of broth. Puree until smooth (optional).
4. Add pureed beans, whole beans, and corn to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and cooked chicken.
6. Serve garnished with desired toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 20gFat: 5gSodium: 126mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4g

Notes

Feel free to customize with different beans or toppings such as cheese, cilantro, or avocado.

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