Savory White Chicken Chili
Experience a comforting bowl of Savory White Chicken Chili, a delightful take on a traditional chili that's perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. This hearty dish combines tender chunks of chicken with creamy white beans and bold spices, creating a flavorful blend that warms the soul. Serve it topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, accompanied by crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. Ideal for meal prep or family dinners, this chili is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Jalapeño pepper
1 (diced)
Chopped green chili peppers
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Chicken broth
2 (10.5 ounce) cans (none)
Chopped cooked chicken
3 cups (cooked)
White beans
3 (15 ounce) cans (drained)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, diced jalapeño, and drained green chili peppers, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine and allowing the spices to toast slightly.
5
Pour in the chicken broth and carefully add the cooked chicken and drained white beans. Stir until everything is well combined.
6
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Once the flavors have melded and the chili has thickened to your liking, remove from heat and incorporate the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
8
Serve the chili hot, ladled over a bed of tortilla chips for added texture, and enjoy with a fresh salad on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory White Chicken Chili?
Savory White Chicken Chili is a hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and bold spices for a comforting, flavorful meal.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You can use any cooked chicken, such as shredded rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken breasts, or leftover roasted chicken.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and fully cook the dried white beans before adding them to the chili base.
Is this white chicken chili recipe spicy?
This recipe has a moderate kick from the jalapeño and cayenne pepper, but you can adjust these to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with extra beans or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What kind of white beans are best for this chili?
Cannellini, Great Northern, or Navy beans are all excellent choices for this recipe due to their creamy texture.
Is this Savory White Chicken Chili gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free, provided your spices and broth are certified gluten-free.
How long does it take to cook this chili?
After the initial sautéing of vegetables, the chili needs to simmer for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients except the cheese in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cheese before serving.
Can I freeze Savory White Chicken Chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What are the best toppings for white chicken chili?
Popular toppings include shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, avocado, fresh cilantro, and crispy tortilla chips.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.
Can I substitute Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can use Pepper Jack for more spice, or mild white cheddar or mozzarella as alternatives.
How do I make the chili less spicy?
To reduce the heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
How can I make the chili even spicier?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, add more diced jalapeños, or include a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Should I use chicken breasts or chicken thighs?
Either works well; breasts are leaner, while thighs offer a richer flavor and stay more tender during simmering.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What side dishes go well with this chili?
A fresh garden salad, warm cornbread, or even a simple side of rice pairs beautifully with this chili.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to scale up; just ensure you use a large enough stockpot.
What is the purpose of cumin in this recipe?
Cumin provides the earthy, smoky depth of flavor that is characteristic of traditional chili recipes.
How can I thicken the chili if it is too thin?
You can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or let it simmer longer without a lid to reduce the liquid.
Is this chili keto-friendly?
While it contains beans which have carbs, it is high in protein and fat; check your specific macro requirements.
Can I use fresh green chilies instead of canned?
Yes, but it is recommended to roast and peel fresh chilies first to achieve the best flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping when adding it?
Add the shredded cheese gradually over low heat and stir constantly until it is fully incorporated and smooth.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil or any neutral cooking oil can be used to sauté the vegetables.
What if I do not have oregano?
You can substitute oregano with marjoram or a small amount of Italian seasoning if necessary.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, if you keep the spice level low, children usually enjoy the creamy beans and mild chicken flavors.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically yields approximately 6 to 8 servings depending on the portion size.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function for the vegetables, then pressure cook on high for 5 minutes with a natural release before adding cheese.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
A standard yellow or white onion works best for its balanced sweetness and sharp aroma when sautéed.