Description
White Chicken Chili delivers comfort straight from the kitchen, warming hearts with its creamy, spicy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Tender chicken, hearty beans, and a rich broth make this dish a perfect weeknight meal that brings smiles around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
Beans and Liquid Base:
- 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) cannellini beans, rinsed
- 4 cups (32 fl oz / 946 ml) chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 can (4 oz / 113 g) diced green chiles
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cut 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch bite-sized cubes using a sharp chef’s knife.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large 5-quart pot over medium heat (375°F). Sauté 1 diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add chicken cubes with 2 teaspoons cumin and 2 teaspoons chili powder. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken turns golden brown on all sides.
- Pour in 2 cans (15 oz each) of rinsed cannellini beans, 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, and 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine ingredients evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low (200°F). Cover and let chili slowly cook for 22 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly thicken.
- Transfer hot chili into serving bowls. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top as a bright, fresh garnish. Serve immediately with warm tortilla chips or crusty bread.
Notes
- Selecting boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tender, easy-to-eat pieces that cook quickly and evenly.
- Rinsing cannellini beans removes excess sodium and helps prevent a gritty texture in the final dish.
- For a creamier consistency, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving to add richness without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
- Swap chicken for turkey or plant-based protein to make this chili adaptable for different dietary preferences, keeping the same warming spices and hearty bean base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg