Hello, my wonderful friends! As the autumn air here in Khenifra turns wonderfully crisp, my kitchen starts calling for meals that are warm, comforting, and oh-so-easy. And let me tell you, this Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect answer. Imagine a savory, creamy broth filled with tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and a gentle, warming spice. It’s a beautiful white chili chicken one pot meal that comes together in a flash, making it an absolute dream for busy weeknights. It strikes that perfect balance between a soul-soothing comfort food and a light, healthy meal you can feel great about.
Serving Versatility
This chili is a true delight in its versatility! Serve it in a classic bowl loaded with toppings, ladle it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, or use crunchy tortilla chips to scoop it up like a hearty dip. It’s a meal that adapts beautifully to whatever you’re craving.
Full Recipe: My Favorite 30-Minute White Chili
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: 35 minutes Servings: 6 Calories: Approximately 290 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (or 2-3 cups cooked, shredded chicken)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (15 ounce) cans Great Northern or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little extra warmth)
- ½ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt or light sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through. If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, you can skip this step and add it in with the beans.
- Stir in the ground cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Cook for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant. This is a key step for a flavorful white chili stove top recipe!
- Pour in the chicken broth, rinsed beans, and the can of green chiles. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt or sour cream until it’s smooth and creamy. Be sure not to let the chili boil after adding it, as it can curdle.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve your delicious white chi ken chili warm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This is a true white chili recipe easy! It’s a one-pot meal that’s ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Made with simple, affordable ingredients like chicken breast and canned beans.
- Big, cozy flavor: This mild white chicken chili is creamy, savory, and comforting, perfect for the whole family.
- Nutritional value: It’s one of those fantastic white meat recipes healthy and light. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and smart choice. It can easily be a 1 point white chicken chili depending on your plan!
- Customizability: You can easily make this a creamy white chili recipe by adding a little more yogurt, or spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
The beauty of this recipe lies in the one-pot cooking method. This technique is a lifesaver for busy home cooks because it simplifies everything from preparation to cleanup. By building flavors layer by layer in a single pot, from sautéing the aromatics to simmering the final chili, you ensure that no deliciousness is lost. All the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a wonderfully cohesive and flavorful dish with minimal fuss.
Serving Suggestions
- The Classic Bowl: Top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and a dollop of extra Greek yogurt.
- Festive and Fun: Its beautiful color makes it a perfect White Christmas Chili Recipe for holiday gatherings. Serve with red and green garnishes like diced red bell pepper and cilantro!
- With a Crunch: Serve with a side of warm cornbread muffins or a generous handful of crushed tortilla chips.
- Hearty Meal: Ladle over a baked sweet potato for a super filling and nutritious dinner.
Pro Tips for Success
- Time-Saver Tip: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken! Simply shred the meat and add it to the chili along with the beans.
- Creamy Texture Secret: For an even creamier base without adding fat, take about one cup of the chili (mostly beans and broth) before adding the yogurt, blend it until smooth, and stir it back into the pot.
- Brighten the Flavors: Don’t skip the fresh lime juice at the end! It adds a wonderful brightness that cuts through the richness and makes all the other flavors pop.
- Temper the Yogurt: To prevent any chance of curdling, you can “temper” the Greek yogurt. Place it in a small bowl and slowly whisk in a ladleful of the hot chili broth before stirring the mixture back into the main pot.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This chili also freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or reheat in the microwave.
Closing Paragraph
I am so excited for you to whip up a pot of this Easy White Chicken Chili. It’s one of those recipes that proves a delicious, satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a perfect, cozy dish to share with your loved ones. Please give it a try, get creative with your toppings, and let me know how you enjoyed it by leaving a rating and a comment below!
🎀 Final Thoughts
This chili is a true hug in a bowl for me. On a busy day, knowing I can have this warm, creamy, and nourishing meal ready in just over 30 minutes is such a relief. It’s simple, it’s comforting, and it makes the whole house smell amazing. I hope it brings as much warmth and happiness to your table as it does to mine.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients except the Greek yogurt and lime juice to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Shred the chicken and stir in the yogurt and lime juice at the end.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: You can add a finely diced jalapeño along with the onion, use a can of hot green chiles, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your chicken broth and seasoning spices are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.