Tennessee White Chili
A hearty, flavorful white chili featuring tender chicken, green chilies, and beans, perfect for comfort food lovers seeking a mildly spicy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the soaked and drained Great Northern beans, chicken broth, minced garlic, and one chopped onion in a soup pot. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until beans are tender.
- Saute the remaining chopped onion in margarine until tender.
- Add the chopped green chilies, oregano, cayenne pepper, and cumin to the sauteed onions.
- Mix well and add this mixture to the cooked beans in the soup pot.
- Add the cooked, boned, and diced chicken breasts to the chili.
- Simmer for at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier texture, consider using a mix of Great Northern beans and other white beans. You can substitute the margarine with olive oil for a healthier option. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it works great as a time-saving alternative. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference, as it can vary in intensity. This chili is also delicious with a squeeze of lime before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tennessee White Chili with warm cornbread or over rice for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or tortilla chips for added crunch. It’s a perfect option for game day or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it has thickened. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tennessee White Chili contains roughly 1530 calories, with 66g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (176% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1421mg per serving (62% 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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried Great Northern beans. Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the recipe. Remember to adjust the cooking time as needed, and ensure they are fully cooked before combining with the other ingredients.
Is this chili suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It freezes well, so you can enjoy it later on busy days. Just reheat and serve for a quick and satisfying meal.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might also consider adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the flavor and texture while keeping it hearty.
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).