South Dakota White Chili
A hearty and flavorful white chili featuring tender chicken, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and mild green chilies, perfect for comforting gatherings and cold weather enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried Great Northern white beans ⓘ
- 2 lb. boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 5 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans chopped mild green chilies ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. dried oregano, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 6 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 c. grated Monterey Jack cheese (12 oz.) ⓘ
- sour cream ⓘ
- salsa ⓘ
- chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- Place dried Great Northern white beans in a heavy large pot.
- Add enough cold water to cover the beans by at least 3 inches and soak overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your South Dakota White Chili, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for a richer taste. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. For added heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. This dish is quite versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your South Dakota White Chili topped with grated Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with warm cornbread or tortilla chips on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or pairing it with dishes like Grandma'S Chicken Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Dakota White Chili contains roughly 1321 calories, with 70g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (219% of the Daily Value), protein (139% of the Daily Value), and calcium (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use canned beans instead of dried for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned Great Northern beans instead of dried. If using canned, skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time. Rinse and drain the beans before adding them to the chili to avoid excess sodium and ensure a better texture.
What can I do if the chili is too thick?
If your chili turns out too thick, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. This not only helps thin it out but also keeps the flavors balanced. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Is this chili spicy?
This South Dakota White Chili has a mild to moderate spice level, thanks to the green chilies and cayenne pepper. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add more cayenne or include chopped jalapeños. On the other hand, if you want to reduce the heat, use less cayenne and opt for mild green chilies.
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).