Growing up, my mom’s White Chicken Chili was the ultimate comfort food. The aroma of simmering chili, with its blend of warm spices and tender shredded chicken, would fill our home and instantly transport me back to cozy winter evenings spent gathered around the dinner table. I can still remember the way the creamy broth would warm me from the inside out, and how the occasional crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds added the perfect textural contrast.
To this day, whenever I make a batch of her signature White Chicken Chili, it feels like a hug from the past. The memories it evokes are so vivid and comforting, and I’m always eager to share this beloved recipe with friends and family. That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you my mom’s White Chicken Chili recipe – it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to become your new go-to for cozy, flavor-packed meals.
Why This White Chicken Chili Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect White Chicken Chili
What sets this White Chicken Chili apart is the careful balance of flavors and the unique technique that results in the most tender, juicy chicken you’ve ever tasted. By searing the chicken first before adding it to the chili, we lock in all those delicious juices, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. And the blend of spices – from the warmth of cumin to the subtle heat of green chiles – creates a truly crave-worthy dish that’ll have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, these juicy chicken breasts will shred to perfection once simmered in the chili.
– Diced white onion: Provides a savory base and aromatic foundation for the chili.
– Minced garlic: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
– Ground cumin: This warm, earthy spice is essential for authentic White Chicken Chili.
– Dried oregano: Contributes a subtle herbaceous note.
– Canned white beans: The creamy texture of the beans helps thicken the chili and adds protein.
– Chicken broth: The liquid base that brings all the flavors together.
– Green chiles: For a touch of heat that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
– Sour cream and shredded cheese: The perfect cool and creamy toppings to balance the warmth of the chili.
Step-by-Step White Chicken Chili Instructions
Preparing Your White Chicken Chili
This White Chicken Chili comes together quickly, with just about 30 minutes of hands-on time. You’ll start by searing the chicken breasts to lock in their juices, then let the chili simmer on the stovetop until the flavors have melded together seamlessly.
1- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.
2- Remove the chicken from the pan and shred it using two forks once it’s cool enough to handle.
3- In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4- Add the cumin, oregano, and green chiles, and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aroma.
5- Pour in the chicken broth and white beans, then return the shredded chicken to the pot. Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded.
6- Ladle the hot White Chicken Chili into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfecting this White Chicken Chili is to sear the chicken first, which helps lock in all those delicious juices. Additionally, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – the amount of heat from the green chiles can vary, so you may want to start with a smaller amount and add more to suit your spice preference. And don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings! Toasted pumpkin seeds, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips can all add wonderful textural contrast.
Serving and Storing Your White Chicken Chili
Perfect Pairings for White Chicken Chili
This White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or a crusty slice of garlic bread. It also makes a fantastic appetizer when served in smaller portions, perhaps with a selection of tortilla chips or crostini for dipping. And don’t forget the classic pairing of a cold beer or a glass of crisp white wine to complement the flavors of the chili.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this White Chicken Chili recipe is perfect for meal prepping and making ahead. Simply let the chili cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the chili on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.
The chili also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it the perfect dish to have on hand for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for White Chicken Chili
Creative White Chicken Chili Variations
While this classic White Chicken Chili recipe is hard to beat, there are so many ways to put your own spin on it. For a heartier version, try adding diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash. You could also swap out the green chiles for a blend of roasted red peppers and jalapeños for a smoky, spicy twist. And during the summer months, fresh corn kernels or diced zucchini would be a delicious addition.
Making White Chicken Chili Diet-Friendly
To make this White Chicken Chili recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free chicken broth. To make it vegan or dairy-free, omit the sour cream and cheese, and use a plant-based milk or unsweetened almond milk to achieve a creamy texture. And for a low-carb adaptation, serve the chili over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this White Chicken Chili recipe. The dark meat will remain tender and juicy even after simmering. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to fully cook through.
Q: How can I make this chili spicier?
A: For a spicier White Chicken Chili, you can increase the amount of diced green chiles or try adding a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also stir in some hot sauce to your individual bowl if you want to control the heat level.
Q: Can I make this chili in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Definitely! This White Chicken Chili recipe is easily adaptable to the slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simply sear the chicken, then add all the ingredients to the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. In the Instant Pot, sear the chicken using the sauté function, then pressure cook the chili on high for 15 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
Q: How long will the leftovers keep?
A: Leftover White Chicken Chili will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it the perfect meal-prep dish. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the creamy, flavorful goodness of this 30-minute White Chicken Chili. Made with tender chicken, white beans, and a blend of spices, it’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp ground coriander
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. – Add the cubed chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. – Stir in the white beans, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, coriander, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. – Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until the flavors have melded and the chili has thickened.
5. – Serve the white chicken chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Notes
This chili can be made ahead of time and reheated. It also freezes well for easy meal prep. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade White Chicken Chili to warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe, passed down from my mom, is sure to become a new family favorite in your home. The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and just the right amount of heat is simply irresistible.
I encourage you to give this White Chicken Chili a try – I promise it’ll quickly become a go-to in your recipe arsenal. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your photos. Enjoy!