White Lightning Chili
A hearty, creamy white chili packed with tender chicken, green chilies, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans ⓘ
- 4 (14 oz) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 large chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 5 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz) cans chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- Salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash the navy beans, cover with water, and soak overnight.
- Drain the beans and return them to the pot.
- Add three cans of chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped onion, white pepper, oregano, ground cumin, and salt to the beans.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 2 hours or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add the remaining can of chicken broth, cooked chopped chicken, chopped green chilies, water, and chopped jalapeno.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, soak the navy beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. If you're short on time, you can use canned navy beans; just rinse and add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adjust the heat by adding more jalapeno or using a milder pepper if desired. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the dish's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, topped with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and a dollop of salsa for a burst of flavor. This chili pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or even as a hearty filling for tacos for a creative twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Lightning Chili contains roughly 683 calories, with 17g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1438mg per serving (63% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After soaking the beans, combine all ingredients except for the chicken and simmer on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cooked chicken in the last hour to keep it tender. This method allows for a deep infusion of flavors.
What can I substitute for navy beans?
If navy beans are unavailable, you can substitute them with great northern beans or cannellini beans. Both options will provide a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly if using canned beans, as they will cook faster than dried beans.
Is this chili spicy?
The spiciness of this chili primarily depends on the jalapeno used. If you prefer a milder version, you can omit the jalapeno or remove the seeds before chopping. Alternatively, you can add more spices gradually to achieve your desired heat level.
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).