Description
This comforting white chicken chili is bright, savory, and ready in 45 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it features tender shredded chicken, creamy texture, and a blend of spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 900 g (2 lb) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 960 ml (4 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 x 15 oz (425 g) cans cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion (150 g), finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 x 4 oz (113 g) cans diced green chiles or 2 fresh poblanos, roasted and diced
- 1½ tsp (4 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (3 g) dried oregano
- ½ tsp (1.5 g) cayenne or to taste
- 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch mixed with 30 ml (2 tbsp) water (optional)
- 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream or half-and-half
- Juice of 1 lime (about 30 ml) and zest of ½ lime
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1½ tsp (8 g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, avocado, shredded cheddar, tortilla chips, or lime wedges.
Instructions
- Prep and poach the chicken: Place 900 g (2 lb) chicken in a pot with 960 ml (4 cups) cold chicken broth and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce to low and poach for 12–14 minutes until cooked. Remove chicken, let rest 5 minutes, then shred.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Bloom the spices and add chiles: Stir in spices, cook until aromatic. Add chiles and warm through.
- Combine beans, broth, and chicken: Add drained beans, reserved poaching liquid, and additional broth. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in shredded chicken.
- Thicken and finish: If desired, whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the pot. Remove from heat and stir in cream and lime juice. Season to taste.
Notes
For quick variations, use rotisserie chicken for speed. This chili freezes well and can also be made in a slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg