Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired white chicken chili delivers comfort and bold flavors in one delightful bowl. Packed with tender chicken, creamy broth, and zesty spices, this recipe promises a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
Beans and Chiles:
- 4 cans (15.5 ounces / 440 grams each) great northern white beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cans (4 ounces / 113 grams each) diced green chiles, drained
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 32 ounces (946 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
- 8 ounces (226 grams) low fat cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 2 onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Spices:
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Infuse the aromatic base with lime juice, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the vibrant seasonings evenly.
- Pour in chicken broth, then introduce shredded chicken, pristine white beans, and roasted green chiles, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and meld flavors.
- Reduce the heat and incorporate cream cheese, delicately stirring until the cheese dissolves completely, creating a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Stream in heavy cream, continuing to simmer until the chili thickens and develops a rich, velvety consistency.
- Elevate the dish’s brightness by folding in freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and customize with optional garnishes such as crispy tortilla strips, zesty jalapeños, additional cilantro, melted cheese, tangy sour cream, or creamy avocado slices.
Notes
- Swap chicken for turkey or plant-based protein to create healthier alternative versions of the chili.
- Reduce spiciness by cutting back on cayenne pepper or using mild green chiles for sensitive palates.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and half-and-half to make a lighter, less caloric dish without compromising rich flavor.
- Enhance meal prep by cooking chicken and chopping ingredients ahead of time, allowing faster preparation during busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg