White Christmas Chili
A creamy, comforting white chili with tender chicken, green chilies, and beans, perfect for cozy gatherings and fans of mild, flavorful soups.
Ingredients
- 4 skinned and boned chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 5 cups water ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 celery ribs, chopped ⓘ
- 3 (16 oz.) cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 3 (4.5 oz.) cans chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 cup canned chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- tortilla chips (for topping) ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken, 5 cups water, and half of the chopped onion in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook for 15 to 18 minutes or until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken from the broth, reserving the broth in the Dutch oven.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In the same Dutch oven, add butter or margarine, chopped celery, remaining chopped onion, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add rinsed and drained Great Northern beans, chopped green chilies, canned chicken broth, ground cumin, bay leaf, salt, and ground red pepper to the Dutch oven.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, topped with tortilla chips, shredded Colby-Jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and cumin before cooking. If you don't have Great Northern beans, white kidney beans or cannellini beans are great substitutes. You can also add corn or bell peppers for extra texture. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. This dish pairs beautifully with Oven Chicken Breast for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the White Christmas Chili hot, topped with tortilla chips, shredded Colby-Jack cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. A side of cornbread or a fresh green salad complements this dish well. For added zest, offer salsa on the side. This chili is perfect for casual gatherings or cozy family dinners, making it a favorite in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Christmas Chili contains roughly 1226 calories, with 18g protein, 274g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (471% of the Daily Value), iron (102% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2640mg per serving (115% 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 vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more beans or vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to maintain the hearty texture.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add diced jalapeños or extra ground red pepper. Alternatively, a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can also do the trick. Adjust to your taste, and remember to start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
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).