Cozy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Wholesome Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives with this hearty white chicken chili that warms you from the inside out.

Cool evenings call for something rich and satisfying.

Creamy white beans blend perfectly with tender chicken and a blend of aromatic spices.

Each spoonful delivers a robust flavor profile that makes ordinary dinner feel extraordinary.

Jalapeños add a subtle kick that tingles your taste buds without overwhelming the delicate balance of ingredients.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this chili brings restaurant-quality goodness straight to your kitchen.

Prepare to savor a bowl of pure culinary comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tools For Healthy White Chicken Chili

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering the entire chili.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro.
• Chef's Knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Two Forks: Ideal for shredding cooked chicken breasts.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving chili into bowls.

Steps To Simmer Healthy White Chicken Chili

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot, bringing onion, garlic, and jalapeno to life. Awaken the spices by stirring in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

• Create the Chili Foundation

Drop chicken breasts, white beans, and green chilies into the pot. Pour in chicken broth and let everything dance together, simmering gently until the chicken becomes tender and easily pulls apart. Shred the chicken and return it to the bubbling mixture.

• Finish with Fresh Touches

Introduce corn, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro to the pot. Let the ingredients mingle and blend for a few more minutes, transforming the chili into a vibrant, creamy delight. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

• Serve with Excitement

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and crown it with your favorite toppings. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty, nutritious meal that promises to satisfy and nourish.

Tips To Boost Healthy White Chicken Chili Flavor

• Chili Cooking Mastery: Expert Tips & Twists
• Chicken Tenderness Trick: Let chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum moisture and prevent dryness.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by removing jalapeno seeds for milder flavor or adding extra chili powder for more kick.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives like tofu for different dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip corn and beans, replace with extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate version.

Serve Healthy White Chicken Chili Warm And Hearty

• Zesty Garnish Parade: Top the chili with crispy tortilla strips, fresh diced avocado, and extra cilantro for a burst of texture and color.
• Creamy Cheese Swirl: Sprinkle shredded monterey jack or crumbled queso fresco on top for a rich, melty finish that complements the chili's warm spices.
• Lime Freshness Boost: Add an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten the flavors and enhance the dish's tangy profile.
• Hearty Side Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crisp green salad to transform this chili into a complete and satisfying meal.

Keep Healthy White Chicken Chili Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal cooled chili in airtight containers and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Flavors will continue to develop and become richer overnight, making next-day leftovers even more delicious.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm chili slowly in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small splashes of chicken broth to restore original consistency if liquid has reduced. Avoid microwave to maintain texture.
• Portioning Power: Divide chili into individual meal-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches. Perfect for meal prep, these single servings make workweek eating convenient and nutritious without sacrificing homemade flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Healthy White Chicken Chili

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth base for sautéing and rich flavor foundation.
• Onion: Adds delightful sweetness and complex depth to the chili's base.
• Garlic: Delivers powerful, zesty undertone that enhances overall taste profile.
• Jalapeno: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant pepper excitement.
• Cumin: Brings warm, earthy southwestern essence to the dish.
• Chili Powder: Creates robust, spicy background note.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers subtle smoky dimension and rich color.
• Oregano: Contributes herbal brightness and traditional chili complexity.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies all flavor elements.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warming kick and aromatic sharpness.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that absorbs surrounding spices beautifully.
• White Beans: Creamy, nutritious element providing heartiness and smooth texture.
• Green Chilies: Introduces mild, bright pepper character and additional warmth.
• Chicken Broth: Creates silky, flavorful liquid foundation for entire chili.

• Corn: Sweet, crisp element that adds delightful textural contrast.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy, tangy topping that softens spice and adds protein.
• Lime Juice: Bright, zesty acid that lifts and balances entire dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh, herbal garnish that provides vibrant final touch.

Hearty White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty white chicken chili delivers a comforting Mexican-inspired meal packed with protein and flavor. Creamy beans, tender chicken, and aromatic spices combine for a nourishing dinner you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken)
• 2 (15 oz / 425 g) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 (4 oz / 113 g) can diced green chilies
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional, for spice)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream, for creaminess)
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced avocado
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Aromatics Initiation: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños until they become translucent and softened.
2. Spice Awakening: Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the vegetable base, toasting for 30 seconds to release their robust essences.
3. Liquid Harmony: Nestle whole chicken breasts into the spiced foundation, adding white beans, roasted green chilies, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, covering and cooking until chicken is perfectly tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Texture Transformation: Remove chicken and shred meticulously with two forks, returning the delicate strands to the simmering liquid. Incorporate sweet corn kernels, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro, blending flavors for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Presentation Finale: Ladle the aromatic chili into warm bowls, embellishing with optional garnishes like extra cilantro, a yogurt dollop, or sliced jalapeños for an added flavor dimension.

Notes

• Optimize Spice Intensity: Adjust chili powder and jalapeños based on personal heat tolerance, adding gradually to control spiciness without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.
• Control Chicken Texture: Poach chicken breasts gently to prevent toughening, ensuring low and slow cooking maintains tender, juicy meat that easily shreds.
• Enhance Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with turkey or plant-based protein like tofu for dietary variations while maintaining the chili’s robust flavor profile.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutrient density and create a more substantial, wholesome meal without compromising the chili’s authentic taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg