Description
Mexican-inspired spicy white chicken chili delivers hearty comfort in a bowl packed with robust flavors and creamy textures. Protein-rich beans and tender chicken create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Beans and Vegetables:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 jalapenos, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- 2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chilies
Spices, Herbs, and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a robust pot over medium-high heat, creating a fragrant base by sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeños until they transform into a translucent, aromatic mixture.
- Introduce chicken pieces to the pot, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior by carefully browning on all surfaces. Once achieved, temporarily transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Infuse the pot with robust chicken broth, vibrant green chilies, earthy cumin, aromatic oregano, warming chili powder, smoky paprika, and fiery cayenne, whisking these ingredients into a harmonious blend.
- Reintroduce the browned chicken to the liquid, covering the pot and allowing the contents to gently simmer at medium-low heat for approximately 20-25 minutes, ensuring complete chicken cooking.
- Extract the chicken, meticulously shred using two forks, and return the tender meat back to the bubbling liquid, accompanied by creamy white beans and sweet corn kernels.
- Incorporate softened cream cheese, stirring consistently until it melts completely and integrates seamlessly into the chili, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Allow the chili to gently bubble for an additional 5 minutes, melding flavors and reaching optimal serving temperature. Fine-tune seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Present the chili piping hot, embellished with fresh cilantro sprigs and a zesty lime wedge for a bright, tangy finish.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño and cayenne quantities for milder or spicier results.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer, more tender meat that absorbs flavors more deeply.
- Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and reduce overall fat content.
- Enhance protein by adding quinoa or extra beans, making the chili more filling and nutritionally balanced.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 222 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg