White Lightning Texas Chili
White Lightning Texas Chili offers a hearty, spicy blend of white beans, green chiles, and aromatic spices—perfect for comforting gatherings or a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans
- 4 (14 1/2 oz) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp ground white pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz) cans chopped green chiles (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- Sort and wash the navy beans; place them in a large Dutch oven.
- Cover the beans with water 2 inches above them and soak for 8 hours.
- Drain the beans and return them to the pan.
- Add 3 cans of chicken broth, chopped onion, ground white pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin, and ground cloves.
- Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Add the remaining can of chicken broth, chopped green chiles, chopped jalapeno, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bring to a boil again, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with salsa as a topping or side.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or diced tomatoes for a fresh twist. If you prefer a milder chili, use less jalapeno or omit it entirely. You can also substitute navy beans with pinto beans or black beans for a different texture. Adjust the spices according to your taste; for a bolder flavor, increase the cumin or oregano slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the White Lightning Texas Chili hot, topped with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and a side of salsa for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal. For an added crunch, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some avocado slices to balance the spice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simmer on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Lightning Texas Chili contains roughly 297 calories, with 11g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (173% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and calcium (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 509mg 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 chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat before serving. It’s a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The beans and spices will provide plenty of flavor, making it a hearty and satisfying dish without the meat.
What can I do if the chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or a bit of sugar. Additionally, incorporating more beans or broth can help dilute the spice while maintaining the dish's overall 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).