Picture a steaming bowl of white chicken chili, its rich aroma wafting through the air.
There’s something heartwarming about the simplicity of this dish, perfect for a cozy evening.
Easily prepared in under an hour, this chili boasts tender chicken and creamy white beans, simmering together to create a delightful harmony of flavors.
Let’s bring this comforting dish to life and fill your home with warmth and deliciousness.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 can opener
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Healthy White Chicken Chili, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe carefully to guarantee you understand each step and have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces.
- Measure out all the spices: ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Drain and rinse the white beans.
- Measure the chicken broth and corn.
- Chop the cilantro and set aside.
- Cooking (30 minutes)
- Minute 0-5: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Minute 5-10: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Minute 10-15: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- Minute 15-20: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Minute 20-25: Add the white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Minute 25-45: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Minute 45-50: Stir in the corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Minute 50: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- Resting (10 minutes)
- Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
Add the white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in the corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Whole-Grain Bread: Serve the chili with slices of whole-grain bread to add fiber and make the meal more filling.
- Avocado Slices: Top the chili with fresh avocado slices for a creamy texture and added healthy fats.
- Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy and protein-packed alternative to sour cream.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top to enhance the flavor and add richness.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast and a fun way to scoop up the chili.
Storage
To store Healthy White Chicken Chili, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Freezing
Allow the White Chicken Chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for ideal freshness.
Reheating
To reheat Healthy White Chicken Chili, warm it slowly on the stovetop or microwave.
Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy White Chicken Chili offers a flavorful and nutritious option for a satisfying meal.
The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.
With a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this chili fits well into a balanced diet.
Feel free to customize the spice level to your liking by adjusting the chili powder or adding hot sauce.
Serving it with whole-grain bread or avocado slices can further enhance its nutritional value.
Enjoy this dish as a hearty main course that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Turkey for Chicken in This Recipe?
You can substitute turkey for chicken in this recipe. Turkey provides similar protein levels while being lower in calories and fat. It’s a nutrient-rich choice that maintains the dish’s flavor profile. Make certain it’s cooked thoroughly for safety.
What Are Some Dairy-Free Topping Options for This Chili?
You can use avocado, which adds healthy fats and creaminess without dairy. Try topping with chopped green onions or fresh salsa for added flavor and nutrients. Toasted pumpkin seeds provide a crunchy texture while being calorie-conscious.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain flavor. This swap reduces calories and saturated fats while keeping the dish nutrient-rich and satisfying.
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of White Beans?
You’ll find white beans are a great source of protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health. They’re low in calories, rich in iron, magnesium, and folate, supporting energy levels and a healthy immune system.
Is There a Low-Sodium Version of This Recipe?
To lower sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and rinse canned beans thoroughly. Skip added salt and choose fresh chilies over canned ones. These changes reduce sodium while maintaining flavor, making your chili a healthier option.
Healthy White Chicken Chili
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 can opener
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
