White Chili(Lo-Cal)
A creamy, flavorful white chili with green chilies and tender chicken, perfect for a light, comforting meal that's quick to prepare and suits weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon crystals ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies
- 1 tablespoon instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- Pam spray ⓘ
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cubed ⓘ
- 1 can white kidney beans (cannellini)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Stir in chicken bouillon crystals and add chopped green chilies, instant minced onion, garlic powder, oregano leaves, and chili powder.
- Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. If you want to increase the heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey for a different flavor. This dish is versatile, so you can swap the white kidney beans for chickpeas if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this white chili with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of avocado for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. Consider accompanying it with a side salad or a refreshing dish like Iced Fresh Tomato Soup for a light meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Chili(Lo-Cal) contains roughly 44 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg per serving (22% 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 recipe in advance?
Yes, this white chili can be made ahead of time. It's even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This white chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or microwave.
What can I add to make it heartier?
To make the chili heartier, consider adding diced potatoes, corn, or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrients. You can also increase the amount of chicken or beans for a protein boost, making it a more filling meal option.
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).