Traditional Hearty White Chicken Chili

Name: Traditional Hearty White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you're craving a cozy, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, this Traditional Hearty White Chicken Chili is for you. Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and just the right amount of spice, it’s perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a comforting bowl of goodness.

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Ingredients for Traditional Hearty White Chicken Chili

Chicken breasts are the star of the dish, providing lean protein and a meaty base. Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic, bringing out their natural sweetness. Onion adds a layer of aromatic flavor, while garlic gives a bit of a punch. The cannellini beans offer creaminess and bulk, making the chili hearty. Corn adds a touch of sweetness and color, while chicken broth enriches the flavor profile. Green chilies provide a mild heat that complements the spices—cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper—each contributing depth and warmth. Finally, the sour cream and heavy cream lend a smooth finish that balances the spice, and a sprinkle of cilantro on top adds freshness.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
Make it ahead of time—this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This chili pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery cornbread. Add a crisp green salad on the side for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it over a bed of rice or with tortilla chips for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness to the chili.
How can I make this chili dairy-free?: Substitute the sour cream and heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker?: Yes, just add all the ingredients except the dairy to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the dairy at the end.

Traditional Hearty White Chicken Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, and let them sauté until they’re soft and translucent, not brown. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Next, add the chicken breasts to the pot. Sear them so they get a nice golden color on both sides. You’re not cooking them through at this stage, just giving them a good sear for extra flavor.

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the cannellini beans, corn, chicken broth, green chilies, and all your spices: cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Now, return the chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook through and soak up all those flavors. After simmering, take the chicken out again and shred it using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir it in.

Finally, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and stir in the sour cream and heavy cream. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the cream to separate. Once everything is heated through, your chili is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and top with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights.
Packed with protein from the chicken and beans, making it satisfying and filling.
Customizable spice level to suit your family's taste buds.
Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
A creamy texture without being overly rich or heavy.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

2 cups chicken broth

1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp chopped cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.

2. Add chicken breasts to the pot and sear until golden brown on both sides.

3. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add cannellini beans, corn, chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Return the chicken to the pot, reduce heat, and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.

5. Remove the chicken again, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.