Description
Comfort meets convenience in this white chicken chili recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Rich Mexican-inspired flavors blend seamlessly with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2.5 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
- 2 (15 ounces) cans cannellini beans
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 (7 ounces) can diced green chilies
- 1.25 cups frozen or fresh corn
Spices, Liquids, and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 (14.5 ounces) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (8 ounces) package Neufchatel cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons ground coriander
- 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Serving Ingredients:
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and allow it to become fragrant for 30-45 seconds, stirring continuously.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, then incorporate green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a robust flavor profile.
- Increase heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Integrate Neufchatel cheese, whisking thoroughly until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Fold in shredded chicken, cannellini beans, and corn, allowing the ingredients to meld together during a 12-minute gentle simmer.
- Remove from heat and brighten the chili with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like crisp tortilla chips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and creamy avocado slices.
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap Neufchatel cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Enhance protein by adding quinoa or extra beans for vegetarian or gluten-free dietary needs.
- Balance spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and using mild green chilies for sensitive palates.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this a quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg