White Chili(Hot)
A creamy, flavorful white chili packed with tender chicken, green chillies, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for cozy gatherings and fans of mild spicy comfort food.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 1/2 gal. water ⓘ
- 1/8 cup chicken soup base ⓘ
- 2 cups onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 pound chicken
- 1/2 cup green chillies, diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper ⓘ
- pinch ground cloves
- 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak and wash the beans.
- Cover the beans with water to 2 inches above them and let soak overnight.
- Drain the beans and place them in a heavy kettle.
- Add the chicken soup base, chopped onion, garlic, and salt to the kettle.
- Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chicken, diced green chillies, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper to the kettle.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, sprinkling shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each bowl as it is served.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked chicken or turkey instead of plain chicken. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit the green chilies. You can substitute Great Northern beans with cannellini beans if needed. To enhance flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of oil before adding them to the kettle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the white chili hot, topped with shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy finish. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Bread Stuffing or a side of cornbread for a comforting meal. For a fresh touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or diced avocado on top. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Chili(Hot) contains roughly 1315 calories, with 46g protein, 300g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (602% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1720mg per serving (75% 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 white chili ahead of time?
Yes, this white chili can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight. Simply store it in the refrigerator after cooking and reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Can I use different beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Great Northern beans are traditional, you can substitute them with other white beans like cannellini or navy beans. Each will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your taste. The cayenne pepper and green chilies contribute heat, but you can reduce these ingredients for a milder version. Additionally, serving with sour cream can help balance the spice.
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).