Description
Spicy white chicken chili delivers comfort and nutrition in one delicious bowl. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a warming meal that satisfies hunger while nourishing your body with protein-packed goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken)
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional, for spice)
- 2 (15 ounces) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 ounces) can diced green chilies
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
Spices, Liquids, and Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream, for creaminess)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Sliced jalapenos
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by warming olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños, gently sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and tender.
- Infuse the mixture with a blend of warming spices: cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the spices to bloom and release their intense fragrances for approximately 30 seconds.
- Carefully nestle whole chicken breasts into the seasoned foundation. Incorporate white beans, roasted green chilies, and rich chicken broth. Encourage the liquid to reach a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and allow the chicken to poach slowly until thoroughly cooked and exceptionally tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- Extract the chicken from the simmering liquid and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate strands. Return the shredded chicken to the bubbling chili.
- Enhance the chili’s complexity by stirring in sweet corn kernels. Introduce tangy Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lime juice, and vibrant chopped cilantro, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, permitting the ingredients to meld and intensify. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Ladle the steaming chili into warm serving bowls. Garnish with optional toppings such as additional cilantro, a dollop of yogurt, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Notes
- Ensure aromatics are finely chopped for even flavor distribution and quicker cooking.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference, removing seeds for milder version.
- Select Greek yogurt with high protein content for creamier, healthier texture.
- Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time and add deeper flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg