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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh - 1 lime, juiced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (optional) I love using fresh, simple ingredients for my white chicken chili. First, I use shredded chicken. You can use leftovers or cook fresh chicken. Next, I add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sautéing these makes the dish smell amazing. Then, I include white beans. Cannellini or navy beans work best here. They add creaminess and protein. I also toss in diced green chilies for a mild kick. The spices are key. Ground cumin and chili powder give depth. Smoked paprika adds a nice, smoky flavor. Chicken broth is the base. It brings everything together and keeps it juicy. I love adding corn for sweetness and texture. Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste. Don't forget garnishes! Fresh cilantro adds color. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt makes it creamy and rich. Each ingredient plays a role, creating a hearty and flavorful meal you'll love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Sautéing the Onion and Garlic First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one diced medium onion and sauté for about five minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. Next, stir in three minced garlic cloves. Cook this mix for one more minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can taste bitter. Combining Main Ingredients After your onion and garlic smell great, it’s time to add the main ingredients. Toss in two cups of shredded cooked chicken, two cans of drained white beans, and one can of diced green chilies. For flavor, add one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of chili powder, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, pour in four cups of chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine. Bringing to a Boil Now, raise the heat and bring your chili mix to a boil. This helps meld all the flavors together. Simmering for Flavor Development Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let your chili simmer for about twenty minutes. This slow cooking allows the spices to blend and the flavors to deepen. Adding Corn and Lime Juice In the last five to ten minutes, add one cup of corn, whether frozen or fresh. Then squeeze in the juice of one lime and stir. This brightens up the chili and adds a nice zing. Your white chicken chili is almost ready! Don’t forget to taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Preparation and Refrigeration Tips I love making White Chicken Chili ahead of time. You can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. First, let the chili cool completely. Then, put it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. When you are ready to eat, just pull it out and enjoy! Reheating Instructions Reheating is easy. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat over medium-low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. If using the microwave, place the chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it and heat for about two minutes. Check and stir halfway through. Alternative Seasonings Want to mix things up? Try adding different spices. A pinch of cayenne can add heat. Or, mix in some oregano for an earthy touch. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the dish too. Feel free to get creative! Suggested Cooking Techniques Consider using a slow cooker for a different taste. It allows the flavors to blend over several hours. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a pan. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Set it on low for about six hours. This method gives you a rich, deep flavor. Enjoy experimenting! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, making it a quick and easy meal. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. Beans Variations: Feel free to swap out the white beans for other varieties like pinto or black beans for a different flavor and texture. Fresh Garnishes: Adding fresh garnishes like avocado, lime wedges, or diced red onion can enhance the flavor and presentation of your chili. {{image_2}} To make this dish in the Instant Pot, follow these steps: 1. Sauté the Vegetables: Start by choosing the sauté setting. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft. 2. Add Ingredients: Next, add the shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, spices, and chicken broth. Stir it all together. 3. Seal and Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. 4. Release Pressure: After the time is up, do a quick release. Open the lid carefully. For pressure cooking, you may need to adjust the liquid. Make sure you have enough broth to avoid burning. If you want thicker chili, consider reducing the broth a bit. To make chili in a slow cooker, follow these steps: 1. Prep the Base: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic for 5 minutes. This step adds more flavor. 2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed mix to the slow cooker. Add the chicken, white beans, green chilies, spices, and chicken broth. Stir well. 3. Set to Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 4. Add Final Touches: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in corn and lime juice. To preserve flavor, avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Each time you open it, you lose heat and steam. This method gives you a rich and deep flavor. Try these variations for quick or slow cooking. They all yield a warm and comforting bowl of white chicken chili! Best Accompaniments Fresh cilantro is a must. It adds a nice touch. You can also use a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This gives a creamy contrast to the chili’s heat. Squeeze some lime on top for a zesty kick. You can add diced avocado for creaminess too. Creative Serving Ideas Try serving the chili in a bread bowl. It makes for a fun dish. You can also top it with crispy tortilla strips for crunch. If you want a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños. A sprinkle of cheese can enhance the flavor as well. Recommended Sides to Complement Chili For a great meal, serve the chili with warm cornbread. The sweetness balances the chili's spice. You can also try tortilla chips on the side. They add a nice crunch and are perfect for dipping. Quick Salad Recipes that Pair Well A simple green salad works well too. Just mix leafy greens with cherry tomatoes and a light dressing. You can add some avocado for creaminess. Another idea is a corn salad. Combine corn, bell peppers, and a bit of lime juice. It’s fresh and easy to make. Yes, you can use leftover turkey in this recipe. Turkey works well because it has a similar texture and flavor to chicken. Just shred the turkey and replace the chicken in the recipe. Your chili will still be delicious and hearty. To make White Chicken Chili gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Most canned beans are gluten-free, but always check the label. You can also use fresh corn instead of any canned versions. This way, you keep the chili tasty and safe for gluten-sensitive diets. You can use various beans in this chili. Great options include black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. Just make sure they are cooked and rinsed if they come from a can. Each type of bean adds its unique flavor and texture, making your chili more exciting. You now have a complete guide to making White Chicken Chili. We covered the key ingredients like shredded chicken and spices, detailed step-by-step instructions, and shared tips for optimal flavor. You also learned about different cooking methods, like using an Instant Pot or slow cooker. With these insights, you can easily tailor the recipe to suit your taste. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, and I hope this guide helps you create a delicious meal. Now it's time to enjoy your chili with friends and family!

Savory White Chicken Chili

A delicious and hearty white chicken chili with a blend of spices and beans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 lime juiced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
  • Add the shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Add in the corn and lime juice, stirring to incorporate. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the corn is heated through.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.

Notes

Top with fresh cilantro and sour cream or Greek yogurt for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, chili, comfort food, white beans