Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small white onion, diced; 1 jalapeño, cored and chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups chicken stock; 3 to 4 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles; 2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans; 1/2 cup whole-kernel corn; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 cups whole milk; Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste; Garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled tortilla chips, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, and/or sour cream

Why Make This Recipe

White Chicken Chili is a comforting dish that offers a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or even just a quiet evening at home. This chili is not only tasty but also simple to make. Its creamy texture combined with the kick of spices makes it a favorite for many. Plus, it’s loaded with protein from the chicken and beans, making it filling and nutritious. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to for so many.

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How to Make White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small white onion, diced
1 jalapeño, cored and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
3 to 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles
2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans
1/2 cup whole-kernel corn
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups whole milk
Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled tortilla chips, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, and/or sour cream

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and chopped jalapeño, and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and mix until well combined, then sauté for one more minute, stirring often.
Gradually add in the chicken stock, stirring until everything is combined.
Then, add the shredded chicken, chopped green chiles, beans, corn, cumin, and oregano. Cook until the soup begins to simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the milk and keep simmering for another 5 minutes.
Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Serve warm, topped with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serve White Chicken Chili in warm bowls. Top it with chopped cilantro, crumbled tortilla chips, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, and shredded Monterrey Jack cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This adds flavor and texture and makes the dish visually appealing. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store White Chicken Chili

To store White Chicken Chili, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chili. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and it can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Tips to Make White Chicken Chili

Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño based on your spice preference.
If you prefer thicker chili, let it simmer longer or add more flour.
For a richer flavor, sauté the vegetables until slightly caramelized.
Experiment with different beans or add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Variation

For a Mexican twist, try adding some lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro before serving. You may also add black beans or swap Great Northern beans for pinto beans for a different flavor profile. If you want a spicier version, consider using spicy sausage instead of chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I make White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

2. Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Cook the chicken first in the stockpot, shred it, and then follow the rest of the recipe.

3. Is White Chicken Chili gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure all the ingredients are certified gluten-free.