Below is my delicious recipe for White Chicken Chili, a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
Broth and Beans:
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- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (like cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
Vegetables:
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- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned corn, drained)
Seasonings:
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- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce or other hot sauce for extra heat
- Creaminess:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Optional: sour cream for serving
Instructions
Stovetop Method
Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, green chiles, white beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce if using. Mix well.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and stir it into the chili. Allow it to melt as you simmer everything together for an additional 10 minutes over medium heat.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro.
Slow Cooker Method
Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients except for the cream cheese in the slow cooker (chicken breasts, broth, onion, garlic, green chiles, beans, corn, seasonings).
Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for about 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it. Return it to the pot.
Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well combined.
Serve: Serve with your favorite toppings as mentioned above.
Tips
For added thickness, you can puree a portion of the white beans before adding them to the chili.
This dish is freezer-friendly; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months.
What are some good variations of white chicken chili
Here are some creative variations of White Chicken Chili that can add unique flavors and textures to the dish:
1. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke
Add chopped spinach and canned artichoke hearts for a creamy, rich texture. This variation combines the classic chili flavors with a creamy dip twist.
2. Southwestern Style
Incorporate black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Adds a smoky taste and a heartier texture.
3. Spicy Jalapeño Kick
- Ingredients: Increase the amount of jalapeños or add diced serrano peppers for extra heat.
- Flavor Profile: For spice lovers, this variation brings a fiery kick to the traditional recipe.
4. Lime and Cilantro Infusion
- Ingredients: Add more lime juice and fresh cilantro during cooking for a zesty finish.
- Flavor Profile: Brightens up the chili with fresh citrus notes.
5. Cheesy White Chicken Chili
Stir in cream cheese or shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack) towards the end of cooking. Creates an ultra-creamy texture and adds richness.
6. Coconut Curry White Chicken Chili
- Ingredients: Substitute part of the chicken broth with coconut milk and add curry powder.
- Flavor Profile: This variation introduces a tropical twist with aromatic spices.
7. Vegetarian Option
Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and additional beans (like chickpeas).A lighter, plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
8. Buffalo Chicken White Chili
Mix in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy flavor. Perfect for those who enjoy the tangy heat of buffalo wings.
These variations can be tailored to suit personal tastes while maintaining the essence of White Chicken Chili. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients!
How can I make white chicken chili creamy without adding sour cream
To make White Chicken Chili creamy without adding sour cream, consider these alternatives:
1. Pureed Beans
Blend a portion of the white beans (like cannellini or great northern) with some chicken broth until smooth. Stir this puree back into the chili to create a creamy texture. This method enhances the chili’s flavor while adding creaminess without dairy.
2. Chickpea Puree
Similar to the bean puree, you can use chickpeas. Blend some chickpeas with broth to create a rich, creamy base. Chickpeas add a unique flavor and texture, making the chili hearty and satisfying[1].
3. Nut-Based Cream
Use cashews or almonds. Soak raw cashews in water, then blend with a little broth until smooth. Stir this nut cream into the chili. This adds richness and a subtle nutty flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
4. Coconut Milk
Substitute part of the chicken broth with full-fat coconut milk.Coconut milk adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness, complementing the spices in the chili well.
5. Cream Cheese Alternative
If you’re avoiding sour cream but still want creaminess, consider using a plant-based cream cheese or a non-dairy yogurt.This option provides a similar texture and tanginess without using dairy.
6. Cornstarch Slurry
- Method: Mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chili as it simmers.
- Benefit: This thickens the chili, giving it a creamier consistency without altering the flavor significantly.
These methods allow you to enjoy a creamy White Chicken Chili while keeping it free from sour cream and other dairy products.
What are some good toppings for white chicken chili
Here are some excellent topping ideas for White Chicken Chili that can enhance its flavor and presentation:
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and color.
Shredded Cheese: Options like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
Avocado Slices: Creamy texture that complements the chili.
Tortilla Chips: For crunch and added flavor; can be crumbled on top or served on the side.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Provides creaminess and tanginess.
Diced Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Jalapeño Slices: For those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Tortilla Strips: A crunchy alternative to chips for added texture.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings according to your preference!
