Best White Chili chicken
There’s something utterly comforting about a steaming bowl of Best White Chili. Imagine cold evenings wrapped in a cozy blanket, the warmth of spices filling your kitchen, and that first spoonful melting into your mouth — it just feels like a hug on a dreary day. This isn’t just any chili; it’s a creamy, flavorful embrace of tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty green chilies. The aroma wafts through your home, inviting everyone to gather ’round as they anticipate the delightful bowl of goodness that awaits. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a comforting gathering with friends, Best White Chili has that special touch to make any moment feel festive and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Best White Chili recipe is a standout for several reasons, and once you make it, you’ll see why it deserves a spot in your cooking rotation.
- Creamy Comfort: The rich addition of sour cream gives this chili a velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Simple and Quick: With straightforward steps and minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
- Flavorful Hearty Ingredients: The combination of beans, chicken, and spices creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
- Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily adjust the spices and toppings to suit your preferences, making it your own signature dish.
- Perfect for Batch Cooking: This recipe makes plenty, so it’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
How to Make Best White Chili chicken
Making Best White Chili chicken is both easy and rewarding. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can create this delicious dish without a hitch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can green chilies, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Let’s talk about these ingredients for a moment, as each one plays a crucial role in making the best white chili. Ground chicken or turkey is the base here, lending itself to a lean meat option that soaks up the surrounding flavors beautifully. The onion and garlic create a flavorful foundation that’s aromatic and inviting — you’ll know it’s cooking when that lovely scent fills your kitchen. White beans provide creaminess and heartiness, while the green chilies introduce a mild but zesty kick. Cumin and oregano add warmth, and the chicken broth brings everything together into a comforting, cohesive dish. Don’t forget the sour cream and cheese—these enrich the chili and make it dreamy and indulgent. If you’re looking for substitutions, feel free to use ground beef or plant-based options, swap out the beans for your favorite variety, or use vegetable broth for a lighter feel.
Directions
To get started, grab a large pot and set it over medium heat. Add in your ground chicken or turkey, cooking until it’s browned and crumbly. This should take about five to seven minutes, and oh, you’ll love the sounds of the meat sizzling away! Once it’s looking good, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions turn translucent — this won’t take long, and trust me, the combination of meat, onions, and garlic is already mouthwatering.
Next, stir in the rinsed white beans and diced green chilies, allowing the flavors to mix and merge. Now, pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in the cumin and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir and turn up the heat until it begins to bubble. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat slightly and let it cook for about 20 minutes—this is when it starts to smell amazing as everything cooks together.
Finally, pull the pot off the heat and stir in the sour cream and, if you wish, the shredded cheese. You’ll notice the chili takes on a creamy, enticing texture that you’re going to love. Give it a taste and adjust any seasonings if needed! Serve it hot, and don’t forget to top with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Best White Chili chicken
When it comes to serving your Best White Chili, there are so many delicious possibilities. This dish shines at gatherings, game days, or any occasion where you want comforting food that brings people together. Ladle the chili into bowls, and consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top, or even a dollop of extra sour cream to make it a bit more rich and indulgent. You might also serve it alongside some crusty bread or corn muffins to soak up every last drop, making sure no one leaves a bowl unfinished.
The colors are beautiful too—creamy white with the specks of green chili and the vibrant cilantro garnish. The texture is just as inviting, with a smooth chili base and the tender beans making every spoonful a treat.
How to Store Best White Chili chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be hard to believe because it’s so tempting!), storing them is easy. Allow the Best White Chili to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
You can also freeze portions for later! This chili holds up well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stove for the best texture. If you’re in a hurry, a quick microwave reheat works too! For extra coziness, consider reheating it on the stovetop with a little splash of chicken broth to loosen it up and bring back its creamy goodness.
Tips for Perfect Best White Chili chicken
To ensure your Best White Chili is always a hit, here are some friendly tips from my personal kitchen experiences:
- Sauté Your Aromatics: Don’t skimp on the sautéing time for the onions and garlic. This step builds the flavors and makes everything more aromatic.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the chili simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so resist the urge to rush it.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to taste-test throughout the cooking process. If you like it zestier, add more green chilies; for a deeper flavor, add more cumin.
- Check the Thickness: If you feel like your chili is too thick, add a little more broth or water until it’s your desired consistency.
- Fresh Garnishes Make a Difference: Toppings can really elevate this dish—fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice will brighten it up!
Variations
While the traditional Best White Chili is fantastic as is, sometimes stepping out of the box can be exciting! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Vegetarian White Chili: Replace the ground meat with diced bell peppers and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. You could even add some quinoa for added protein.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the sour cream for a plant-based version or use coconut milk for a unique twist. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to kick the spice level up a notch.
- Southwestern Flair: Stir in corn and diced bell peppers for a true southwestern twist, enhancing the texture and adding vibrant colors.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned chicken is a great substitute. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to your pot. It might not need as much cooking time since it’s already cooked through.
What can I serve with white chili chicken?
Some crispy tortilla chips, a side salad, or cornbread make perfect pairings. You might also enjoy it with avocado slices or a fresh jalapeño garnish on the side for an extra kick!
How can I make this chili chicken spicier?
To amp up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, extra green chilies, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process.
Can I meal prep this chili chicken for the week?
Definitely! This chili stores beautifully, so you can make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for quick meals throughout the week. Just remember to store it properly in airtight containers.
Conclusion
There you have it! Making your own Best White Chili chicken is not only simple but incredibly rewarding. With its creamy texture, zesty flavors, and warm aroma, it’s bound to be a new favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy it solo or share it with loved ones, this dish joys the heart as much as the taste buds. So why not give it a try? If you love this Best White Chili, save it for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too! Happy cooking!
Print
Best White Chili chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A creamy, flavorful chili chicken made with tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty green chilies, perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can green chilies, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground chicken or turkey until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions turn translucent.
- Stir in the rinsed white beans and diced green chilies.
- Pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in the cumin and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and optional shredded cheese until smooth.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
Adjust spices and toppings to your preference. Great for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
