Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Ultimate White Chicken Chili! This delightful recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I always whip it up when I want to impress friends or just indulge in something oh-so-satisfying. It’s creamy, hearty, and just the right amount of spicy thanks to those green chilies. I remember the first time I made it for a cozy game night with friends – the way everyone dug in and praised the flavors warmed my heart. It’s definitely a dish that brings people together!
What sets this chili apart is its beautiful combination of white beans, tender chicken, and a velvety cream base. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is perfect for those days when I need something delicious without spending all my time in the kitchen. So, whether you’re gathering for a casual get-together or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this Ultimate White Chicken Chili is bound to become a beloved favorite at your place too!
What’s in Ultimate White Chicken Chili?
Let’s break down the stars of the show in this chili:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean, they’re the main protein source in this chili, absorbing all the flavors beautifully as they cook.
Olive Oil: A must-have for sautéing the onions and garlic. I prefer extra virgin for that rich flavor.
Onion: A medium onion, diced to perfection, adds depth to the dish.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, bring a wonderful aroma and savory flavor that complements the chicken.
White Beans: I typically use Great Northern or Cannellini beans; both lend a creamy texture to the chili.
Diced Green Chilies: These little cans of happiness provide just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the dish.
Chicken Broth: I love using low-sodium broth to control the salt levels while infusing a lovely flavor.
Ground Cumin: A teaspoon of this earthy spice adds warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Dried Oregano: Another layer of flavor! Oregano complements the other ingredients so well.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
Heavy Cream: For that luxurious final touch! It makes the chili so creamy and dreamy.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of this at the end brightens everything up!
Optional Toppings: I often go with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crunchy tortilla chips. They’re perfect for a bit of extra texture and flavor.
Is Ultimate White Chicken Chili Good for You?
Absolutely! This chili has a lot going for it in the nutrition department.
Chicken: It’s a great source of lean protein which is fantastic for muscle health and keeping you full.
White Beans: Loaded with fiber and protein, these beans keep your digestive system happy and can help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Heavy Cream: While it does add calories, it also conveys richness and satiates, so a little goes a long way. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half or even a plant-based cream.
That said, it’s always a good idea to enjoy it in moderation, particularly if you’re watching your saturated fat intake.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 6 hearty portions, perfect for sharing!
– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
– 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, tortilla chips
How to Make Ultimate White Chicken Chili?
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make this delicious pot of chili:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot, stirring it around for about a minute until you can smell that lovely aroma.
3. Next, place the chicken breasts in the pot, along with the chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks (I always enjoy this part!). Return the shredded goodness back to the pot.
6. Stir in the white beans and diced green chilies, then pour in the heavy cream. Heat everything through on low for about 5 minutes, but be careful not to let it boil.
7. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, and don’t forget those tempting optional toppings like shredded cheese or avocado slices!
Chili Perfection: Extra Tips!
Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to elevate your chili game:
– This chili is perfect for meal prep; it can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. I often make a big batch on Sundays for the week ahead!
– If you want to freeze it, I recommend leaving out the heavy cream until you’re reheating it. This helps maintain the creamy texture.
– For a fun twist, add some spices like smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
– Serve your chili with warm tortillas or over rice – so good!
Trust me, once you give this Ultimate White Chicken Chili a try, it’ll be a recipe you keep coming back to! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Enjoy every scrumptious spoonful!
