The Dove'S Nest White Chili
A flavorful white chili featuring tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, tomatillos, and green chilies, perfect for cozy gatherings and those craving a hearty, spicy soup.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. fresh tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 6 fresh tomatillos, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium jalapeno, seeded, ribbed and minced ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken stock
- 1 (17 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked chicken, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 4 heaping Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (19 oz.) cans cannellini beans and liquid ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer, avoiding browning.
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes, diced tomatillos, and minced jalapeno; cook until tomatillos are soft.
- Add chicken stock, chopped green chilies, cooked chicken, oregano, cumin, chopped cilantro, cannellini beans with liquid, and lime juice.
- Heat through and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes and tomatillos before adding them to the pot. If fresh ingredients are not available, canned tomatoes and tomatillos can be substituted. For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne. This dish is also great for meal prep, as the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with corn tortilla chips or a side of cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or with Richard'S Chicken Enchiladas for a satisfying Mexican-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if it thickens too much. This chili also freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Dove'S Nest White Chili contains roughly 1583 calories, with 11g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (139% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and calcium (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1515mg per serving (66% 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 chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can add more beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, to maintain protein content and heartiness.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can modify the amount of jalapeno used or add in some diced chipotle peppers for a smoky heat. Alternatively, you can use mild green chilies instead of hot ones to keep it more family-friendly.
Can I use different beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans are traditional for this white chili, you can substitute them with great northern beans or even navy beans. Just ensure they are cooked or canned for convenience. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to your taste.
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).