When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of White Chicken Chili. This dish is packed with flavor, combining tender chicken, hearty beans, and just the right amount of spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a cold day, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz can of diced green chiles
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked rotisserie chicken
- 15 oz cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 oz light cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for serving)
- 1 diced scallion (for serving)
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro (for serving)
- 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced (for serving)
- Crushed tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
Directions
1. Sauté Onions:
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add Garlic & Spices:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
- Add the kosher salt, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom.
3. Simmer:
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced green chiles.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the chopped rotisserie chicken, rinsed cannellini beans, cream cheese cubes, and lime juice.
- Continue simmering for a few more minutes until the cream cheese has melted and the chili is warmed through.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced scallions, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and a handful of crushed tortilla chips, if desired.
- Enjoy this cozy and flavorful chili with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: Approx. 300 kcal per serving
Tips for the Perfect White Chicken Chili
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Convenient Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken not only adds flavor but also saves time. Simply chop and add to the chili.
- Even Better as Leftovers: This chili stores well in the refrigerator and the flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Conclusion
White Chicken Chili is a deliciously comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this chili is sure to be a hit. The combination of tender chicken, creamy beans, and a hint of spice makes this dish a standout on any table.