Southwest White Chili
A hearty and flavorful white chili with southwestern spices, tender chicken, green chilies, and creamy white beans. Perfect for cozy dinners, it offers a mild heat and cheesy finish that appeals to those who enjoy comforting, mildly spicy soups with a southwestern twist.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in cubes ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 4 oz. chopped green chilies
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cilantro ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 19 oz. can white kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chicken; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
- Add chopped onion to the saucepan and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, green chilies, garlic powder, ground cumin, oregano leaves, cilantro, and ground red pepper.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in cooked chicken and kidney beans.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with shredded Monterey Jack cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cooked quinoa or additional beans. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the ground red pepper. Fresh herbs like cilantro can be swapped for parsley if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southwest White Chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. Consider topping each bowl with fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Tortilla Roll-Ups for a complete spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to maintain moisture. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest White Chili contains roughly 330 calories, with 16g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). At about 330 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned chicken as a time-saver. Just drain it and add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through, ensuring it doesn't overcook and dry out.
What can I serve with Southwest White Chili?
This chili is great on its own, but you can enhance your meal with sides like rice, a fresh salad, or corn muffins. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Beef Or Chicken Enchiladas.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more ground red pepper or include diced jalapeños while cooking. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).