Easy White Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe takes the classic flavors of chili but uses white beans and chicken for a lighter twist. The combination of tender chicken, creamy white beans, and aromatic spices creates a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Serve it with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado, for a delicious and comforting dinner that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients for Easy White Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Easy White Chili:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Chicken and Spices: Add the chicken cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cumin, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, and chili powder and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Simmer the Chili: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add the Beans and Green Chilies: Stir in the white beans and diced green chilies. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
- Season and Serve: Season the chili with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the sour cream and chopped cilantro. Serve the chili hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Chicken adds protein and heartiness to the chili. It’s a lean meat that pairs well with the other ingredients in this dish.
- White Beans: White beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern beans, are used in this recipe instead of traditional kidney beans. They have a creamy texture and mild flavor that works well with the chicken and spices.
- Spices: A blend of spices, including cumin, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, and chili powder, adds depth and flavor to the chili. Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Green Chilies: Diced green chilies add a subtle heat and flavor to the chili. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can use hot green chilies or add additional jalapeños.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream is stirred into the chili at the end of cooking to add creaminess and a tangy flavor. It helps to balance out the heat from the spices.
Easy White Chili is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a great recipe to have on hand for those days when you need a satisfying dinner without a lot of fuss.
