White Chili

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

White chili is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken and creamy white Northern beans, elevated by the warmth of spices like cumin and oregano. This dish is perfect for those seeking a flavorful alternative to traditional chili, ideal for family gatherings or chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. white Northern beans
  • 4 lb. chicken breast
  • 27 oz. green chilies
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh garlic
  • 1 1/2 c. diced onions
  • 1/4 c. oil
  • 1 gal. chicken stock
  • 3/4 Tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 Tbsp. ground oregano
  • 1 Tbsp. onion salt
  • 1/2 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 Tbsp. seasoning salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the white Northern beans until tender.
  2. Cook the chicken breast and cut it into small pieces, saving the broth.
  3. In a large pot, combine the cooked beans, chicken, green chilies, garlic, diced onions, oil, chicken stock, cumin, oregano, onion salt, cayenne pepper, and seasoning salt.
  4. Simmer the mixture until it reaches the desired thickness.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a can of cream of chicken soup or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. If you want to spice it up, adding a few diced jalapeños can enhance the heat. If you don't have white Northern beans, great alternatives are cannellini or navy beans. Using rotisserie chicken can save time while still delivering great flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the white chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Topping it with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add freshness and richness. This dish pairs beautifully with Linda'S Broccoli Casserole for a well-rounded dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if it thickens too much. This chili also freezes well, so consider portioning it into freezer-safe containers for future meals.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of White Chili contains roughly 2893 calories, with 39g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 252g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 756mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

2893 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 39.5g 79% DV
Total Fat 252.2g 100% DV
Carbs 162.4g 59% DV
Fiber 35.2g 100% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 756.2mg 33% DV
Potassium 3487.2mg 74% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 180.8mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 95.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, canned white beans can be used for convenience. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the pot. Reduce the cooking time to allow the flavors to meld without overcooking the beans.

What can I do if my chili is too thick?

If your chili becomes too thick, simply add more chicken stock or water until you reach the desired consistency. Stir well and allow it to simmer for a few minutes to heat through.

How can I make this chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with diced tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to maintain the flavor.

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).

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