White Chili (Chicken)
A hearty white chicken chili with tender chicken, creamy beans, green chilies, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for comforting dinners and gatherings. Rich, spicy, and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken stock, white beans, half the chopped onion, garlic, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Add more chicken stock if needed to maintain desired consistency.
- Saute the remaining chopped onion in oil until translucent.
- Add diced green chilies and spices (cumin, oregano, coriander, and cayenne) to the onions. Stir and cook briefly.
- Add the chili mixture to the bean and stock mixture and stir well.
- Add the cooked, diced chicken breasts to the chili and heat through.
- Just before serving, sprinkle grated Monterey Jack cheese on top and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving. If you want to reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium chicken stock and rinse the canned beans. This recipe also works well with shredded rotisserie chicken, making it a quicker option. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference; adding cayenne can give it an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this White Chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream can enhance the flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad or browse more Mexican recipes to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little chicken stock or water if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in a covered container, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Chili (Chicken) contains roughly 601 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1318mg per serving (57% 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 beans, but they will need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before adding them to the chili. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dried beans will take longer to cook than the canned variety.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more diced green chilies or include fresh jalapeños. You can also boost the cayenne pepper amount or use a hotter variety of chili powder. Start with small amounts and adjust to your preferred spice level.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, White Chili can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
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).