Description
Hearty southwest white chicken chili delivers authentic Mexican-inspired comfort in one delightful bowl. Creamy beans, tender chicken, and zesty spices create a warming meal perfect for cold evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Beans and Vegetables:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (Great Northern or Cannellini)
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Liquids:
- 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large pot at medium temperature and thoroughly brown diced chicken pieces, ensuring even golden coloration.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and aromatic.
- Generously sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute spices evenly across the mixture.
- Pour white beans, roasted green chilies, and chicken broth into the pot, raising heat to generate a robust boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the chili to gently simmer for 20-25 minutes, permitting spices and ingredients to harmonize while ensuring chicken reaches complete doneness.
- Introduce sour cream or heavy cream and fresh lime juice, stirring carefully to create a creamy, tangy consistency and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, preparing to serve the chili piping hot with optional complementary toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, or crisp tortilla strips.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and green chilies for mild or spicy preferences.
- Swap chicken for turkey or plant-based protein to create vegetarian and alternative diet-friendly versions.
- Enhance creaminess by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-packed, lower-fat alternative.
- Maximize flavor development by letting the chili rest for 30 minutes after cooking, allowing spices to fully integrate and intensify taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg