Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired classic white chicken chili recipe delivers robust southwestern comfort in one delightful bowl. Creamy white beans, tender shredded chicken, and zesty spices combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
- 2 (15 ounces) cans cannellini beans
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 (7 ounces) can diced green chilies
- 1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh corn
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 (14.5 ounces) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (8 ounces) package Neufchatel cheese, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips, Monterrey Jack cheese, and sliced avocado for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, gently transforming diced onions into translucent, softened morsels.
- Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom and permeate the kitchen for roughly 60 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, creating a flavor-rich liquid base, then incorporate green chilies, aromatic spices including cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Encourage the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then reduce heat, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for approximately 15 minutes.
- Carefully introduce Neufchatel cheese, stirring continuously until it dissolves completely, creating a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Fold in sweet corn kernels, tender beans, and shredded chicken, allowing the ingredients to intermingle and warm through for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Brighten the chili’s profile by drizzling fresh lime juice and scattering vibrant cilantro just moments before serving.
- Present steaming hot, accompanied by optional embellishments such as crisp tortilla chips, melty Monterrey Jack cheese, and creamy avocado slices.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the chili.
- Swap Neufchatel cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Roast green chilies beforehand to enhance their smoky flavor and add depth to the chili’s overall taste profile.
- For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with plant-based protein like white beans or diced tofu, maintaining the recipe’s hearty consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg