Nothing quite warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds like a cozy bowl of White Chicken Chili. This delicious dish seamlessly blends the richness of creamy ingredients with the bold flavors typical of Southwestern cuisine, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal. White Chicken Chili stands out with its inviting taste and ease of preparation, ensuring it remains a favorite for busy home cooks. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a warm, flavorful bowl of chili that’s sure to impress.
One of the best aspects of White Chicken Chili is its versatility; you can customize it with your choice of toppings or mix in additional ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. With a hearty foundation of rotisserie chicken, creamy cheese, and healthy beans, this dish is comforting and hearty while remaining relatively light. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual get-together, this White Chicken Chili will be a delightful addition to your dinner repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy nights, this chili can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for many families.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a flavorful, satisfying dish that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, this dish is wholesome without sacrificing taste.
- Customizable: With a variety of toppings to choose from, you can easily tailor each bowl to your liking.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making your White Chicken Chili, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a sharp knife for chopping the onion and garlic, a cutting board, a medium pot to hold all the ingredients, and a large spoon for stirring. To ensure a smooth cooking process, have your measuring spoons and cups handy as well.
Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking will help streamline the process. Dice your onion and mince your garlic — having these aromatics ready will enhance the flavor of your dish. If you are using rotisserie chicken, shred or chop it beforehand, ensuring it’s all ready to be added at the right time. Keeping your workspace organized will not only make cooking easier but also more enjoyable!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1½ cups cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 oz light cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tsp lime juice
- For Serving:
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 diced scallion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ avocado, sliced
- Crushed tortilla chips (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. This step creates a savory base for your chili. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Garlic has a wonderful aroma that will start filling your kitchen!
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Stir in the kosher salt, cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté these spices with the onions and garlic for around 1 minute to allow their flavors to bloom. This will infuse your chili with a deep, aromatic base. Be careful not to let the spices burn!
Step 3: Simmer Base
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the diced green chiles. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, leaving it uncovered for approximately 10 minutes. This simmering phase is vital as it allows the flavors to meld together while the broth reduces slightly, intensifying the overall taste.
Step 4: Add Chicken & Beans
Once the base has simmered and thickened, it’s time to stir in the cooked rotisserie chicken and rinsed cannellini beans. Add the cubed light cream cheese and lime juice, mixing until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. Continue to simmer the chili for a few minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors are harmonized.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Once your chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and generously top with your choices of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced scallion, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips if desired. These toppings add depth and texture to your delicious chili!
Variations
- Protein: Swap the rotisserie chicken for cooked turkey or even cooked shrimp for a unique twist.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for a veggie boost in your chili.
- Spices: Experiment with adding cumin seeds, smoked paprika, or chipotle in adobo for extra dimension and heat.
Cooking Notes
- For a thicker chili, simmer longer without adding additional liquid, letting it reduce.
- Make sure to taste your chili as you go; adjust the seasonings based on your personal preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm, crusty bread or cornbread to soak up every last bite.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick upon reheating.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding a variety of vegetables and perhaps tofu or tempeh for protein.
What toppings do you recommend for White Chicken Chili?
Some popular options include shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, crispy tortillas, and a sprinkle of lime juice.
Can I freeze White Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! Just let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How can I make this chili spicier?
If you enjoy extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or include chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the pot.
Conclusion
This White Chicken Chili recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight meal or serving it at a gathering, it’s bound to be a hit! With rich ingredients and effortless preparation, this chili encourages creativity with toppings and variations, allowing you to personalize each bowl. Be sure to share your experiences and any modifications you make in the comments! Happy cooking!
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Delicious White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Nothing quite warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds like a cozy bowl of White Chicken Chili.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1½ cups cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 oz light cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tsp lime juice
- For Serving:
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 diced scallion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ avocado, sliced
- Crushed tortilla chips (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. This step creates a savory base for your chili. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Garlic has a wonderful aroma that will start filling your kitchen!
- Stir in the kosher salt, cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté these spices with the onions and garlic for around 1 minute to allow their flavors to bloom. This will infuse your chili with a deep, aromatic base. Be careful not to let the spices burn!
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the diced green chiles. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, leaving it uncovered for approximately 10 minutes. This simmering phase is vital as it allows the flavors to meld together while the broth reduces slightly, intensifying the overall taste.
- Once the base has simmered and thickened, it’s time to stir in the cooked rotisserie chicken and rinsed cannellini beans. Add the cubed light cream cheese and lime juice, mixing until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. Continue to simmer the chili for a few minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors are harmonized.
- Once your chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and generously top with your choices of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced scallion, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips if desired. These toppings add depth and texture to your delicious chili!
Notes
Serve with warm, crusty bread or cornbread to soak up every last bite. Pair with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 30 g