White Chili (Chicken Chili)
A hearty, creamy white chicken chili with tender beans, green chilies, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting meals and adaptable for family or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 6 c. water ⓘ
- 6 c. chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans green chili peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 4 c. cooked chicken, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the beans and place them in a Dutch oven; add water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for several minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the beans soak for 1 hour or overnight.
- Drain off the water.
- In a large pot, combine chicken stock, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped green chili peppers, oregano, cumin, red pepper, and salt.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the onion is tender.
- Add the cooked, chopped chicken and beans to the pot.
- Stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese and cook until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving. If you want to spice it up, substitute the ground red pepper with diced jalapeños. You can also use other beans like cannellini or pinto if Great Northern beans aren't available. For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for additional veggies or tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the white chili hot, garnished with extra shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Fried Cabbage Supreme as a side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a little chicken stock or water to adjust the consistency if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Chili (Chicken Chili) contains roughly 2526 calories, with 104g protein, 437g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (698% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (235% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1370mg per serving (60% 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 in advance?
Yes, this white chili can be made a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier. Just reheat it gently before serving, and consider adding a little extra cheese or fresh toppings for a fresh taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness in this white chili can be adjusted to your liking. The ground red pepper adds some heat, but you can reduce the amount or omit it for a milder flavor. For more heat, add extra green chilies or jalapeños.
Can I freeze the white chili?
Absolutely! This white chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove.
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).