Weight Watcher'S Southwestern White Chili
A flavorful, protein-packed Southwestern white chili with tender chicken, beans, and zesty spices, perfect for a hearty, low-calorie meal that warms and satisfies.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 12 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. canned chicken broth ⓘ
- 15 oz. can white navy beans with jalapenos ⓘ
- Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cilantro ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- chopped green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan over high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon, cover, and keep warm.
- Add chopped onion, white navy beans with jalapenos, garlic powder, ground cumin, oregano leaves, cilantro, and ground red pepper to the saucepan.
- Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in canned chicken broth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with grated Monterey Jack cheese and chopped green onions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the chili just before serving. You can substitute the chicken with turkey or use canned chicken for a quicker option. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for regular white beans instead of the spicy navy beans with jalapenos. Enhance the flavor by incorporating fresh lime juice or diced tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or tortilla chips for added crunch. Garnish with additional Monterey Jack cheese and cilantro for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Spicy Lime Chicken, creating a delightful Mexican-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Weight Watcher'S Southwestern White Chili contains roughly 443 calories, with 25g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (146% of the Daily Value), and calcium (123% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 41g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While white navy beans are traditional, you can substitute them with great northern beans or cannellini beans for a similar texture. If you're looking to add more color and flavor, black beans or pinto beans can also work well.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this Weight Watchers Southwestern White Chili is gluten-free! Just ensure that the chicken broth you use does not contain any gluten ingredients, as some brands may vary. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat to your chili, increase the amount of ground red pepper or include diced fresh jalapenos. You can also add a splash of hot sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky kick. Adjust the spices gradually to suit your taste preferences.
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).