Cabana Cafe'S White Chili
Creamy and hearty, Cabana Cafe's White Chili combines tender chicken, tender white beans, green chilies, and aromatic spices for a comforting dish with a mild kick. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, its rich flavors and smooth texture make it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy bold, savory soups.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. dry Northern white beans ⓘ
- 4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 large diced onions ⓘ
- 1 (27 oz.) can chopped mild green chili peppers
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 gallon chicken stock
- 3/4 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground oregano
- 1 Tbsp. onion salt ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 pint draft beer or 12 oz. bottle ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the dry Northern white beans overnight in cold water.
- Wash the chicken breasts and cover with 1/2 of the spice mixture (cumin, oregano, onion salt, cayenne pepper, seasoned salt).
- Bake the chicken at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet.
- Saute diced onions until translucent.
- Add chopped green chili peppers, minced garlic, and remaining spices; saute for 1 minute.
- Drain the soaked beans and add them along with chicken stock to a large pot.
- Add the sauteed onions, spice mixture, and draft beer to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours or until beans are tender.
- Dice the baked chicken into quarter-sized pieces.
- Add the diced chicken to the pot and simmer briefly to combine flavors.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chili, consider adding a dollop of sour cream before serving. If you want to spice it up, you can increase the cayenne or serve with sliced jalapenos. If Northern white beans aren't available, Great Northern or cannellini beans can be used as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with extra beans or vegetables and use vegetable stock.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the white chili with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Kelly'S Cheese Soup as a unique appetizer for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover white chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabana Cafe'S White Chili contains roughly 599 calories, with 47g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (94% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 824mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this white chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After soaking the beans, add all the ingredients (except the chicken) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Near the end of cooking, bake the chicken separately and add it to the chili before serving.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili is too watery, you can thicken it by mashing a portion of the beans against the side of the pot or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and simmering for a few minutes until thickened to your liking.
What sides go well with this white chili?
This white chili pairs well with a simple side salad or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. You might also consider serving it with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing complement to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).