Description
Hearty white chicken chili delivers rich southwestern comfort with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty green chiles. Warm spices and fresh toppings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 (15 oz) (425 grams) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) (113 grams) can diced green chilies
- ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Jalapeno slices
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: In a spacious pot, sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, releasing their fragrant essence and creating a warm culinary environment.
- Spice Awakening: Stir in green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Briefly toast the spices to maximize their intense, complex flavor profiles.
- Liquid Symphony: Pour chicken broth into the pot, then fold in shredded chicken, white beans, and corn kernels. Allow the ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, interconnected depth of flavor.
- Flavor Fusion: Simmer the mixture on low heat, enabling the ingredients to meld together and create a robust, cohesive culinary experience. The slow cooking process will intensify the chili’s complex taste.
- Creamy Transformation: Whisk in sour cream and heavy cream to create a luxurious, silky texture. Brighten the dish with a vibrant squeeze of lime juice, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to balance the flavors.
- Elegant Presentation: Ladle the chili into warm bowls and offer an array of garnishes, allowing diners to customize their culinary journey with additional textures and flavor accents.
Notes
- Sauté Carefully: Low and slow is key for onions to develop sweet, caramelized flavor without burning; use medium heat and stir frequently.
- Spice Toasting Technique: Toast spices for 30-60 seconds maximum to release aromatic oils without scorching, which can create bitter undertones.
- Cream Integration Strategy: Add dairy components at the end of cooking and remove from direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, silky texture.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version; use Greek yogurt for lighter option; substitute chicken with plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg