White Chicken Chili, a creamy and comforting Tex-Mex dish, blends the culinary traditions of Northern Mexico and Southern Texas. This easy-to-make recipe is a delicious twist on classic beef chili, featuring chicken breast, white beans, green chilis, and cream cheese, enriched with aromatic herbs and chili seasoning.
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Unlike its beef counterpart, which relies on red chilies for heat, this version gets its kick from green chilis and sports a lighter color due to white beans. It's not just a feast for the taste buds but also a healthier option, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Enjoy it topped with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and a blend of cheeses for an extra layer of flavor. And for a complete Mexican-inspired experience, try our soothing Mexican drinks like atole, Mexican hot Chocolate, and cafe de olla as delightful after-meal refreshments.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make White Chicken Chili, you'll need some basic Mexican spices and fresh ingredients, easily found in most grocery stores. Here's what to look for:
- Chicken Breast: Fresh, boneless, and skinless is ideal. Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken.
- White Beans: Northern white beans are preferred, but other varieties are also suitable.
- Corn Kernels: Both canned and frozen kernels are acceptable.
- Garlic: Essential for a fresh garlicky flavor.
- Peppers: Serrano peppers and cayenne powder add heat, adjustable to taste.
- Avocado: A fiber-rich fruit for topping.
- Green Chili: Typically found canned or tinned, diced green chilis are a key ingredient.
- Spices: Use a mix of cumin, black pepper, paprika, and coriander powder.
- Onion: Adds depth and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: For a rich, creamy texture.
- Sour Cream: Perfect for topping. Yogurt is a great alternative.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro or coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Cheese Blend: A combination of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese is ideal for topping.
How to make White Chicken Chili?
Dive into the delightful world of White Chicken Chili with our step-by-step recipe guide, complete with photos and video to ensure a perfect dish. Follow along as we take you through each stage of this comforting and flavorful meal. Now, let's get cooking!
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White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 1½ lb Chicken Breast, thinly sliced
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 15 oz Northern White Beans
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- 7 oz Green Chili, diced
- 8 oz Whole Corn Kernel
- 2 Serrano Pepper, or Jalapeno
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Ground Cumin
- 2 tsp Ground Coriander
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- Sour Cream, to serve
- Cheddar and Montarey Jack Cheese Blend, to serve
- ¼ cup Coriander Leaves, + for serving
- Avocado, to serve
- Tortilla Chips, to serve
- 2 tbsp Oil
Instructions
To make White Chicken Chili
- In a wide pot or pan over medium heat, pour in oil and add onion, garlic, and serrano pepper. Sauté until they soften.
- Add chili, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Place the chicken breasts and diced green chili in the pot. Stir and cook until the chicken turns pale and white.
- Introduce corn kernels, Northern white beans, and chicken broth to the mix.
- Stir well and let it boil for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Now remove the chicken breasts and shred them using a fork.
- Return the shredded chicken breasts to the pot with the white bean and corn mixture, mixing well to combine.
- Add cream cheese, stirring until it melts. Let the chili simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. (Optional: For extra creaminess, add white bean puree at this stage. Remember to reserve some white beans earlier.)
- Finally, stir in a generous amount of chopped coriander leaves. Your comforting White Chicken Chili is now ready to be savored and enjoyed!
To Serve
- Savor the delicious White Chicken Chili topped with sour cream, avocado, a blend of cheeses, lime wedges, and some crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Flavorful Chicken: Sautéing the chicken breast with aromatics before adding it to the chili helps infuse it with flavor, eliminating any raw taste.
- Boiling the Breast: While store-bought rotisserie chicken is an option, boiling fresh chicken breast in aromatic broth and seasonings, then shredding it, will significantly boost the chili's flavor.
- Quick Alternatives: If short on time, leftovers from roasted, baked, or air-fried chicken breasts are convenient and tasty substitutes.
- Creaminess Boost: For extra thickness, alongside cream cheese, consider blending some white beans into a puree and adding it to the chili.
- Heat Adjustment: The recipe includes a fair amount of diced green chiles, serrano, and cayenne pepper, making it moderately spicy. Adjust these spices to suit your heat preference.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Storage Suggestions
Enjoy White Chicken Chili best when it's warm and fresh, but you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Always make sure to bring the Chicken Chili to room temperature and then store it in a container.
Serving Suggestions
White Chicken Chili is delightful on its own and pairs well with avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with sides like cornbread, garlic bread, baked or roasted potatoes, and roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, or green beans. Choose your favorite accompaniments to enhance the meal.
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