Description
White chicken chili warms up dinner tables with its hearty Southwest-inspired flavors that make weeknight meals totally satisfying. Creamy beans, tender chicken, and a gentle spice blend create a comforting bowl perfect for chasing away chilly evening hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, chopped)
Main Liquid and Base:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans white beans
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime
- ¼ cup cilantro
- 1 jalapeño
Instructions
- Heat a large pot at medium temperature (375°F). Sauté 1 diced yellow onion for 3 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Incorporate 2 chopped chicken breasts into the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking meat into smaller pieces while browning.
- Pour 4 cups chicken broth into the pot. Add 2 drained cans of white beans, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Mix thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low (250°F). Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Squeeze juice from 1 whole lime into the chili. Stir to distribute the bright citrus flavor throughout the pot.
- Fold in ¼ cup chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as your preference dictates.
- Optional: Sprinkle chopped jalapeño on top for extra heat. Serve the chili immediately in warm bowls.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more tender result that stays juicy during cooking.
- Soak dried white beans overnight if using fresh beans to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Roast the cumin and chili powder in the pan for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to intensify their flavor and create more depth.
- For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream during the final minutes of cooking to add richness and smooth out the chili’s consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg