Description
Hearty white chicken chili delivers comfort and warmth with its creamy blend of tender chicken, white beans, and aromatic spices. Rich southwestern flavors invite home cooks to savor a soul-satisfying meal that warms from the first delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 (15 ounces) (425 grams) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Base and Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 ounces) (113 grams) can diced green chilies
- ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Juice of 1 lime
Garnishes:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Jalapeno slices
Instructions
- Awaken the aromatic foundation by gently sautéing diced onions in a spacious pot until they become translucent and tender, releasing their sweet essence. Introduce minced garlic and allow its fragrance to permeate the kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating vibrant green chilies and a harmonious blend of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a whisper of cayenne pepper. Toast the spices briefly to unlock their intense, complex notes.
- Transform the culinary canvas by cascading chicken broth into the pot, creating a robust liquid base. Gently fold in tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and sweet corn kernels, allowing each ingredient to intertwine and develop depth.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, permitting the ingredients to converse and meld their distinctive personalities. This slow dance of flavors will marry the spices and proteins into a rich, cohesive composition.
- Introduce luxurious creaminess by whisking in velvety sour cream and decadent heavy cream, creating a silky texture that embraces the chili. Brighten the entire dish with a zesty splash of lime juice, and season judiciously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Present the chili in warm bowls, inviting guests to personalize their experience with an array of vibrant garnishes that add texture, color, and additional layers of flavor.
Notes
- Enhance the spice blend by lightly toasting whole cumin and chili powder in a dry skillet before adding to the pot, intensifying the aromatic depth.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains creamy texture while reducing calories.
- Control heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity; start with a pinch and gradually increase for personalized spice tolerance.
- Boost protein content by adding quinoa or extra white beans, transforming the chili into a more substantial one-pot meal with increased nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg