Description
White chicken chili delivers comfort in a hearty bowl packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices. Warm and satisfying, this Mexican-inspired dish provides a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Beans and Vegetables:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Liquids:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Avocado
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel over medium heat, then gently sauté diced onions and crushed garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce whole chicken breasts to the pot, searing each side until a golden-brown exterior develops, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Sprinkle aromatic spices including cumin, oregano, chili powder, and paprika into the pot, allowing them to bloom and release their intense flavors for about 60 seconds.
- Cascade chicken broth into the mixture, incorporating diced green chilies and tender white beans, then elevate the temperature until the liquid reaches a gentle, rolling simmer.
- Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow the ingredients to meld together, cooking for 20 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Carefully extract chicken breasts, utilizing two forks to shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces, then reintroduce to the simmering liquid.
- Swirl in rich sour cream and velvety heavy cream, stirring gently to create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like sharp shredded cheese, fresh cilantro sprigs, and zesty lime wedges for an extra flavor dimension.
Notes
- Easily swap chicken breasts for rotisserie chicken to save cooking time and add more flavor depth.
- Consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that reduces calories.
- Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or extra beans, making the chili more filling and nutritionally balanced.
- For gluten-free requirements, verify all ingredient labels, particularly with store-bought chicken broth and spice blends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg