Introduction
There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili on a cold day, and when it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it’s even better. White chicken chili is a fantastic variation of the traditional chili, offering a lighter, creamy texture with a rich combination of beans, tender chicken, and a savory broth. The best part? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to get a hearty, delicious meal. This quick and easy white chicken chili is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time to cook.
If you’ve been craving a healthy, satisfying meal that everyone in your family will love, this recipe is for you. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a delicious, homemade white chicken chili ready to serve in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cooking up fresh chicken yourself, the flavors will meld beautifully into a dish that’s both hearty and light. Plus, the optional toppings and customization tips allow you to make this chili exactly how you like it. Let’s get started!
Ingredients Needed
To make this quick and easy white chicken chili, you won’t need any complicated or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, making it simple to put together whenever you’re craving a warm, filling meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic and adding a bit of richness to the dish.
Onion: A medium onion, diced, adds sweetness and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic minced to give a bold, aromatic kick.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that is essential in chili.
Dried oregano: This herb gives a lovely Mediterranean flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
Chili powder: Optional, but it adds an extra layer of heat and depth to the chili.
Green chilies: Canned diced green chilies provide a mild, tangy heat that balances the richness of the chicken.
Cooked chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poach and shred fresh chicken breasts for this recipe.
White beans: Cannellini or great northern beans are the best options here; they’re soft and creamy, making them ideal for chili.
Chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps create a flavorful base for the chili.
Sour cream: This adds a creamy, slightly tangy texture to the chili, giving it a comforting, velvety finish.
Monterey Jack cheese: Shredded cheese brings a nice meltiness and flavor to the chili.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
For garnish and optional toppings, you can also add:
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips
This recipe is not only simple but also allows for plenty of customization based on your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients Table with Calorie Count
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients, including the approximate calorie count per serving. This will help you get a clearer idea of the nutritional value of your meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Onion | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | 10 |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon | 8 |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon | 1 |
| Chili powder (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon | 4 |
| Diced green chilies | 4 oz (1 can) | 25 |
| Shredded cooked chicken | 2 cups | 330 |
| White beans | 2 cans (15 oz each) | 300 |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | 30 |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | 120 |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 1/2 cup | 160 |
Total Calories per Serving (approx.): 290–320 kcal
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making white chicken chili is a breeze with this simple recipe. Follow these steps for a quick, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, oregano, and optional chili powder. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant and infuse the oil.
Stir in the diced green chilies and shredded chicken. Then, add the white beans, making sure to drain and rinse them beforehand to reduce the sodium content. Mix everything together thoroughly so the chicken and beans are well-coated with the spices and oil.
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Once the chili has simmered, it’s time to add the creamy elements. Stir in the sour cream and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the chili becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the chili and add salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice work wonderfully to brighten up the flavors. You can also add a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for extra texture.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
While this recipe is delicious as written, it’s easy to adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
Add Extra Veggies: For a heartier chili, stir in some frozen corn, spinach, or diced bell peppers. These additions will add texture and nutritional value.
Make it Spicy: If you like your chili with a kick, add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some hot sauce to taste.
Make it Dairy-Free: You can swap the sour cream and cheese for dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew cream and vegan cheese, to make the chili completely dairy-free.
Thicken the Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the white beans with a fork or potato masher before adding them to the pot. This will create a creamier texture without having to add any additional thickening agents.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an overview of the nutritional breakdown of each serving of this white chicken chili:
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290–320 kcal |
| Protein | 25–30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20–25 g |
| Fat | 15–18 g |
| Fiber | 6–8 g |
| Sodium | 500–600 mg |
This recipe offers a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded option for lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This white chicken chili is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
Pair with Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread on the side is the perfect complement to this creamy chili.
Serve with Tortilla Chips: For added crunch and flavor, top the chili with some tortilla chips or serve them on the side for dipping.
Add a Fresh Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with lime dressing balances out the richness of the chili and adds some refreshing crunch.
Garnish with Toppings: Fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese can elevate the dish and make it even more satisfying.
Conclusion
This Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and packed with healthy ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that will please the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your tastes or dietary preferences.
So the next time you’re craving chili, give this lighter, creamier version a try. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and hearty, and it comes together faster than you think. Enjoy!