Description
Mexican-inspired white chicken chili brings hearty comfort to dinner tables with its creamy richness and bold spices. Home cooks can quickly prepare this satisfying meal that delivers complex flavors in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
Beans and Base:
- 2 cans (15 ounces) white beans
- 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can (4 ounces) green chiles
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Finishing Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Introduce raw chicken pieces, green chiles, cumin, oregano, and chicken broth to the pot, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through.
- Carefully remove chicken from the liquid and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and fold in white beans and softened cream cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Simmer the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring the cream cheese is completely melted and integrated.
- Remove from heat and brighten the flavors by stirring in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Let the chili rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, then ladle into warm bowls and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Swap regular cream cheese for low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to make the chili lighter and accommodate different dietary needs.
- Enhance protein content by adding extra beans or quinoa for a more filling and nutritious meal.
- Control spice levels by adjusting green chiles and selecting mild or hot varieties based on personal heat preference.
- Prepare a larger batch and freeze portions for quick, convenient meals during busy weekdays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg