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White Chicken Chili

Creamy White Chicken Chili for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This Creamy White Chicken Chili is a hearty yet light dish that brings comfort and warmth, perfect for cozy evenings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 small Yellow Onion Adds aromatic flavor; can substitute with sweet or white onions.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing the onion and garlic; can replace with canola or vegetable oil.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; provides depth and savory flavor; fresh is preferred for best results.
  • 2 cans Low-Sodium Chicken Broth 14.5 oz each; creates the rich base of the chili; substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
  • 1 can Diced Green Chilies 7 oz; adds mild heat and flavor; fresh diced chilies can be used if preferred.
For the Spices
  • 1.5 teaspoons Cumin Essential spice for authenticity; decrease for a milder flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoons Paprika Adds color and mild flavor; consider using smoked paprika for a twist.
  • 0.5 teaspoons Dried Oregano Introduces herbal notes; substitute with Italian seasoning if needed.
  • 0.5 teaspoons Ground Coriander Adds a citrusy flavor; can be omitted if unavailable.
  • 0.25 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper Provides heat; adjust to taste depending on your spice preference.
  • to taste Salt Season to taste for optimal flavor.
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper Season to taste for optimal flavor.
For the Creamy Texture
  • 8 oz Neufchatel Cheese Adds creaminess without the overload; can substitute with regular cream cheese.
  • 1.25 cups Frozen or Fresh Corn Provides sweetness and texture; canned corn can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 cans Cannellini Beans 15 oz each; main source of protein; their creaminess enhances the overall texture of the chili.
For Protein and Garnish
  • 2.5 cups Shredded Cooked Rotisserie Chicken Offers flavor and protein; substitute with cooked turkey or canned chicken if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice Brightens the dish; bottled lime juice can be a convenient alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Cilantro Enhances flavor and garnishes the chili; can be omitted if not preferred.
Optional Toppings
  • Tortilla chips or strips Add crunch and texture; perfect for dipping!
  • Monterey Jack cheese Melt over the top for an extra layer of creaminess.
  • Sliced avocado Provides creaminess and a fresh flavor punch to each bite.

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add one diced small yellow onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of low-sodium chicken broth and one can (7 oz) of diced green chilies. Stir in 1.5 teaspoons of cumin, 0.5 teaspoons of paprika, 0.5 teaspoons of dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoons of ground coriander, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. While your chili is simmering, rinse and drain 2 cans (15 oz each) of Cannellini beans, setting aside 1 cup of whole beans. In a food processor, combine the reserved cup of beans with 1/4 cup of the broth from your pot and puree until smooth.
  4. Now, stir in 8 oz of Neufchatel cheese into the pot to enhance the creamy texture. Follow this with the reserved whole Cannellini beans and the bean puree. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  5. Finally, incorporate 2.5 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro into your White Chicken Chili. Stir well to combine and heat through.
  6. Spoon your creamy White Chicken Chili into bowls and garnish with additional fresh cilantro. For extra flavor and texture, top with optional tortilla chips or strips, a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese, and slices of avocado.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Embrace the leftovers! This chili heats up beautifully, making it perfect for next-day lunches.

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