Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

When the winter chill starts to set in, there's nothing quite like a hot bowl of chili for dinner. But when you're looking for something special that both warms you up and tantalizes your tastebuds, it's time to whip up this classic white chicken chili recipe. Bursting with flavour from tender chicken, creamy white beans, and just the right amount of heat, this dish is sure to become an instant family favourite. So grab your spoons and get ready; let's explore how to make delicious white chicken chili that will satisfy even the hungriest foodies!

white chicken chili dish in casserole on wood table in dark setting

The mystery surrounding the history of white chili is a bit foggy. You may not expect it, but Texans are known to be passionate about their chilis - usually involving beef and red beans! However, with an increasing focus on healthier diets over time, folks have come up with unique spins like this beloved white bean version that still warms hearts in colder months.

How to make Easy White Chicken Chili

It’s easy to make this Turkey Chili recipe. Let’s first take a look at the chili ingredients:

  • Olive oil
  • Sweet onion
  • Garlic
  • Chicken breasts
  • Great northern beans
  • Chicken broth
  • Jalapeño pepper
  • ground cumin
  • Cilantro (fresh or dried)
  • Poblano pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Honey
  • Limes

These ingredients come together beautifully in a Dutch Oven. If you prep all of these ingredients the night before, you can quickly follow these steps to get this meal cooking in 15 minutes after returning home from work. You can let it simmer while you prepare the rest of the meal, or unwind while it simmers.

Making this White Chicken Chili Recipe is as easy as adding all the ingredients to a pot.

Once you’ve got the chili simmering, if you have the time, it’s time to bake beer bread. That starts by preheating your oven to 350°F.

Making White Chicken Chili

First: Brown the ingredients

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté onion in oil until lightly browned. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer and add the cubed chicken breast. Sauté until brown.

Second: Add the rest of the ingredients (mostly)

Stir in the broth, chilies, cumin, dried cilantro, cayenne, and kosher salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat.

Third: Thicken and simmer

Rinse one can of beans and add to a dutch oven. With a fork, mash the second can of white northern beans until smooth. Add to dutch oven to thicken the sauce. Stir in lime juice. Simmer for 40 minutes.

Adapting our White Chicken Chili

What I love about cooking and repeating recipes are adaptation and improvisation. We always encourage you to play with your food. Change up recipes to suit your changing tastes and other dynamics. That’s how I cook, especially when I’m cooking white chili.

  • Try using a rotisserie chicken to save time and add depth of flavor!
  • Can't find great northern beans? Cannellini, navy, and pinto can be substituted.
  • Skip the peppers if you prefer a more mild chili, and add organic yellow corn instead.
White Chicken Chilli in pottery on napkin on table with garnish on wooden table

Serving this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

When serving chili, I like to offer lots of toppings. It's fun. Try preparing bowls of grated cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, jalapeno pepper slices, lime wedges, sour cream, and avocado slices. Everyone can make a dish unique to their tastes. Stop by your local bakery to pick up a round loaf of rustic bread. Carve out the center of the round and serve this delicious meal inside of a bread bowl that you create. Comfort food at its very finest!

Serve any version of this wonderful Skinny Margarita in advance of, or alongside this dish!

Skinny Margarita made with eastern shore honey and citrus juice

Try our Beer Bread with this dish, it's delicious and you can mix it up and bake it while the chili is simmering.

Beer bread made with honey

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