Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe – Quick & Healthy
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe – Quick, Healthy & Delicious
Looking for a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? This white chicken chili recipe delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner – it’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and results in a creamy, satisfying chili that will become a family favorite. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and nourishing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Remove chicken from pot, shred with two forks, then return to the pot.
Step 7: Stir in corn and heavy cream (or Greek yogurt), then simmer for another 5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect White Chicken Chili
- For extra flavor: Use homemade chicken broth instead of canned
- Creamier texture: Blend 1 can of beans before adding for thicker consistency
- Spice control: Adjust jalapeño amount based on your heat preference
- Make ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day
- Healthy swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for less fat
Perfect Toppings for Your Chili
Serve your white chicken chili with any of these delicious toppings:
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Tortilla strips
- Sliced green onions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients except cream/yogurt to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream at the end.
Q: Is this white chicken chili freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, this chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use different beans?
A: While white beans are traditional, you can use pinto beans or black beans for variation.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add more jalapeños, include the seeds, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
This easy white chicken chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings. With its creamy texture and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe – Quick, Healthy & Delicious
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from pot, shred with two forks, then return to the pot.
- Stir in corn and heavy cream (or Greek yogurt), then simmer for another 5 minutes.
