Delicious White Chicken Chili for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This White Chicken Chili combines tender chicken and creamy Cannellini beans, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Base

1 small Yellow Onion Adds sweetness and flavor. Substitute with shallots if desired.
2 Tbsp Olive Oil Necessary for sautéing the onion. Can replace with avocado oil.
2 cloves Garlic Provides aromatic depth. Use garlic powder in a pinch (1/2 tsp).
2 cans Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Base liquid providing flavor. Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
1 can Diced Green Chilies Adds mild heat and flavor. Can omit for a milder chili.
1.5 tsp Ground Cumin Key spice contributing earthiness. No direct substitution; can use coriander for a different flavor profile.
0.5 tsp Paprika Enhances color and flavor. Smoked paprika can be used for added depth.
0.5 tsp Dried Oregano Offers herbal notes. Fresh oregano can substitute (use 1 tsp).
0.5 tsp Ground Coriander Complements other spices. If unavailable, increase cumin slightly as a substitute.
0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper Provides heat; adjust to taste. Can eliminate if preferred.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper Essential for seasoning. Adjust to personal preference.

For Creaminess

8 oz Neufchatel Cheese Adds creaminess. Substitute with low-fat cream cheese or for dairy-free, use coconut cream.

For the Chili

1.25 cups Frozen or Fresh Corn Sweetness and texture. Frozen is convenient; fresh can be used when available.
2 cans Cannellini Beans Base ingredient for heartiness. Substitute with great northern beans.
2.5 cups Shredded Cooked Rotisserie Chicken Main protein. Leftover chicken or turkey can be used.
1 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice Brightens and balances flavors. Lemon juice can replace lime.
2 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Cilantro Adds freshness. Can substitute with parsley if needed.

For Serving

Tortilla Chips/Strips Suggested toppings for serving. Customize toppings based on preference.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Sliced Avocado

Equipment

Large Pot

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions for White Chicken Chili

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add one small yellow onion, finely chopped, and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and continue to sauté for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without browning.
Pour in 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of low-sodium chicken broth, followed by one can (7 oz) of diced green chilies. Sprinkle in 1.5 teaspoons of ground cumin, 0.5 teaspoons of paprika, 0.5 teaspoons of dried oregano, and 0.5 teaspoons of ground coriander. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
While the broth simmers, rinse 2 cans (15 oz each) of Cannellini beans in a colander. Reserve 1 cup of whole beans and transfer the remaining beans to a blender. Puree them with 1/4 cup of the soup broth until smooth. This step will create a creamy texture for your White Chicken Chili, enhancing its overall richness.
Stir 8 oz of Neufchatel cheese into the pot, followed by the reserved whole and pureed beans, along with 1.25 cups of frozen or fresh corn. Mix everything well and increase the heat slightly, letting it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese has fully melted, creating a luscious, creamy base.
To complete your White Chicken Chili, gently fold in 2.5 cups of shredded cooked rotisserie chicken, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro. Allow the chili to simmer for a couple of minutes to heat the chicken and meld the flavors; then, it’s ready to be served. Enjoy with your favorite toppings like tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, or sliced avocado!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This White Chicken Chili is rich and comforting, perfect for family meals. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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