Description
A comforting and hearty white chicken chili, packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a flavorful blend of spices, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oiln1 large yellow onion, choppedn3 cloves garlic, mincedn1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)n1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighsn1 tsp ground cuminn1 tsp chili powdern0.5 tsp dried oreganon0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)n4 cups chicken brothn2 (15 oz) cans great northern or cannellini beans, rinsed and drainedn1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, undrainedn4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubesn0.5 cup milk or half-and-halfnSalt and freshly ground black pepper to tastenFresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)nShredded Monterey Jack cheese (for garnish)nSour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)nDiced avocado (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.nStep 2: Add minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.nStep 3: Add chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken doesn't need to be cooked through at this stage.nStep 4: Stir in cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until aromatic.nStep 5: Pour in chicken broth, then add rinsed and drained beans and diced green chilies. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.nStep 6: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the chili.nStep 7: Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes until completely melted and incorporated, making the chili creamy. Gradually stir in the milk or half-and-half until the chili reaches your desired consistency.nStep 8: Season the chili with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.nStep 9: Ladle the creamy white chicken chili into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and diced avocado, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier chili, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch more cayenne pepper. If you don't have cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt can be stirred in at the very end (off the heat) for a similar creamy tang. This chili freezes well; simply thaw overnight and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg