Description
Mexican-inspired white chicken chili delivers a hearty blend of tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices. Rich flavors combine with comforting ingredients you’ll savor in this satisfying one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Beans and Vegetables:
- 2 (15-ounce / 425 grams) cans cannellini beans or Great Northern beans
- 1 (4-ounce / 113 grams) can green chilies
- 1 cup diced onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Poach chicken breasts in simmering water until fully cooked and tender, approximately 15-20 minutes, then remove and shred using two forks.
- In a large pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat until translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer shredded chicken into the pot with sautéed onions and garlic, then add white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly reduce.
- Lower heat and incorporate softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring continuously until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili, sprinkle chopped cilantro, and optionally add corn kernels, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes to integrate final flavors.
- Ladle hot chili into serving bowls, garnish with extra fresh cilantro, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap chicken for rotisserie or pre-cooked options to save time and simplify preparation.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the chili.
- Opt for canned or fresh green chilies based on heat preference and ingredient availability.
- Enhance protein content by adding extra beans or incorporating quinoa for a vegetarian twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg