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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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