There are some nights when you just need a bowl of something warm and comforting. You know the feeling, right? When the day has been long and you want a meal that feels like a big, warm hug. That’s exactly what this White Chicken Chili recipe is all about.
It’s a wonderful change of pace from the classic red chili. This version is lighter yet so rich and flavorful. It has creamy beans, tender chicken, and a gentle warmth from green chiles. This is one of those Chicken Dinner Recipes your family will ask for again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So what makes this White Chicken Chili so special? Honestly, it’s the simplicity. You get so much amazing flavor from just a few straightforward ingredients. Everything comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup for you. Who doesn’t love that?
It’s also incredibly satisfying without feeling heavy. The cannellini beans give it a lovely creamy texture, while the chicken makes it hearty and filling. The blend of cumin and oregano provides a classic chili flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting.
This is a fantastic meal for any occasion. It is great for a quiet weeknight dinner or for serving a crowd on game day. Plus, the toppings are where you can really have fun. Everyone can customize their own bowl. It’s a truly versatile Chili Chicken Recipe.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to create this amazing White Chicken Chilli. The list is simple, and you might already have most of these items in your pantry and refrigerator.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 3 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chiles
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper, or to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or to taste
- salt to taste
Step By Step Instructions
Making this dish is so easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious bowl of White Chicken Chili ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Sauté The Aromatics And Chicken
First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
You will want to cook everything for about five minutes. The goal is to get the chicken nicely browned on both sides and for the onions to become soft and fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 2: Chop The Chicken
Next, carefully remove the browned chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool just enough so you can handle it safely. Then, cut the chicken into bite sized pieces, about one inch each.
Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked all the way through at this point. It will finish cooking when it simmers in the broth, making it super tender.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
Return the chopped chicken pieces to the pot. Now it’s time to add the rest of the main ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth, the rinsed cannellini beans, and the chopped green chiles.
Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano, ground cumin, and a pinch or two of cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors. This part builds the foundation of our Chili Chicken Recipe.
Bring the whole mixture to a lively simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, reduce the heat a bit and let it cook for 30 to 40 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together and ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender.
Step 4: Serve And Garnish
The final step is the best one! Your White Chicken Chili is ready to serve. Start by dividing the fresh cilantro among your serving bowls. Then, ladle the hot chili right over the cilantro.
Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. The cheese will get all melty and delicious. Add a little salt to taste, and you are ready to eat. Enjoy every spoonful!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, let the chili cool down to room temperature. It’s important not to put a hot pot directly into the fridge.
Once cooled, transfer the White Chicken Chili into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheating is easy on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can also freeze this chili for later. Place it in a freezer safe container or bag, and it will last for about three months. It’s a great meal to have on hand for busy days.
Tips
Want to make this White Chicken Chilli even better? Here are a few simple ideas. For a quicker version, use a rotisserie chicken. Just shred the meat and add it during the simmering step.
Don’t be shy with the toppings. Sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime juice can add fantastic texture and flavor. Toppings make all Chicken Dinner Recipes more fun.
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the cannellini beans with a fork before adding them back to the pot. Or, you could blend a cup of the chili and stir it back in. This will create a creamier consistency without adding any dairy.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A straightforward and incredibly tasty White Chicken Chili recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your home. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but also special enough for guests.
This dish truly proves that simple ingredients can create something wonderful. So next time you’re looking for a satisfying dinner, give this recipe a try. You will be so glad you did. It’s one of those meals that just makes you feel good.
FAQ
Can I Use Different Beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans are classic for a White Chicken Chilli because of their creamy texture, you can definitely substitute them. Great Northern beans or navy beans are excellent alternatives that work very well in this recipe.
How Can I Make The Chili Creamier?
For an even creamier texture, you have a few options. You can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a few ounces of softened cream cheese near the end of the cooking time. For a dairy free option, simply blend one cup of the finished chili and stir it back into the pot.
Is This Chili Chicken Recipe Spicy?
This recipe is quite mild. The chopped green chiles add more flavor than heat. The cayenne pepper is where the spice comes from, so you can easily adjust it. Add more for a bigger kick, or leave it out completely if you prefer no heat at all.
Can I Prepare This In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, this White Chicken Chili is great for a slow cooker. You can brown the chicken, onion, and garlic on the stovetop first for better flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Or, just add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
White Chicken Chili
A comforting white chicken chili recipe that’s a lighter, yet flavorful, take on classic chili. Featuring creamy cannellini beans, tender chicken, and a gentle warmth from green chiles, all prepared in one pot for an easy and satisfying meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, browning the chicken and softening the onions.
- Carefully remove the browned chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly, then cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about one inch each).
- Return the chopped chicken pieces to the pot. Add the chicken broth, rinsed cannellini beans, chopped green chiles, dried oregano, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 30 to 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- To serve, divide the fresh cilantro among serving bowls. Ladle the hot chili over the cilantro. Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and add salt to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
For a quicker version, use a rotisserie chicken. Just shred the meat and add it during the simmering step.
Don’t be shy with the toppings. Sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime juice can add fantastic texture and flavor.
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the cannellini beans with a fork before adding them back to the pot. Or, you could blend a cup of the chili and stir it back in. This will create a creamier consistency without adding any dairy.
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