Hearty White Chicken Chili

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a cozy dish with a bit of heat, this Hearty White Chicken Chili is your go-to. Packed with flavor and ready in under an hour, it's perfect for those chilly nights when you need something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients for Hearty White Chicken Chili

Olive oil starts off our cooking with a healthy fat that adds a subtle richness. Onion and garlic are the aromatic base, providing depth to the dish. For the main protein, we use boneless skinless chicken breasts, which are lean and easy to shred after cooking. White beans add heartiness and a creamy texture without the need for constant stirring. Chicken broth gives the chili a flavorful liquid base. Diced green chilies introduce a mild heat, while ground cumin and dried oregano enhance the earthy and herbal notes. A touch of cayenne pepper adds a gentle kick, and the combination of salt and pepper balances the flavors. Finally, sour cream and heavy cream round out the chili, giving it a luscious, creamy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time; it shreds beautifully and absorbs the flavors well.
  • To thicken the chili, mash a portion of the white beans before adding them to the pot.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions

This chili pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm tortillas to soak up every drop. Top it with shredded cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, or crunchy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor. A side of avocado or a sprinkle of lime juice can add a refreshing twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, simply combine all the ingredients except the creams and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the creams in the last 30 minutes.
What beans can I use if I don't have white beans?
Northern beans or cannellini beans work great as substitutes.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Hearty White Chicken Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about five minutes. Once the onion is ready, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook just until it becomes fragrant, roughly one minute.

Add the chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred, about 15–20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks before returning it to the pot.

Stir in the white beans, diced green chilies, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and a dash of salt and pepper. Let the pot simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Finally, reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and heavy cream. Ensure everything is well-blended and heated through. Serve your chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
  • Rich in flavor with a creamy texture.
  • Perfect balance of spices without being overpowering.
  • Versatile enough for various toppings and sides.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 15oz cans of white beans, drained
4 cups chicken broth
1 4oz can diced green chilies
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
3. Add chicken breasts to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return to the pot.
5. Stir in the white beans, diced green chilies, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to marry flavors.
6. Reduce heat to low, then stir in sour cream and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is well-blended and heated through.
7. Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or tortilla strips.

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