If you're looking to enhance your weeknight dinners, you might want to contemplate trying out some white chili chicken recipes. You can start with a classic that combines tender chicken and creamy white beans, or opt for a rich, creamy version that uses heavy cream for extra indulgence. Not to mention, there's a slow cooker option that makes preparation a breeze. Each recipe has its unique flair, catering to different tastes and preferences. So, what's the best way to find your new favorite?
Classic White Chili Chicken
Classic White Chili Chicken is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of spices to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, this chili isn't only delicious but also easy to prepare. You can customize it to your taste by adjusting the spice level or adding your favorite toppings.
Let's explore the recipe for this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
Next, add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Stir in the cannellini beans, chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Finally, stir in the sour cream until well combined and heated through, then remove from heat.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice, garlic, and spices for a couple of hours before cooking.
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.
Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding jalapeños or other spicy peppers. Serve your classic white chili chicken with tortilla chips, avocado slices, or shredded cheese for an extra delicious touch!
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Creamy white chicken chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili, featuring tender chicken, creamy ingredients, and a touch of spice that raises the dish to a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
This recipe combines the warmth of spices with the richness of cream, creating a luscious texture that amplifies the flavors of the chicken and beans. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to impress guests, this creamy white chicken chili is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
To prepare the creamy white chicken chili, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken, white beans, chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and paprika to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let it cook for another 5 minutes until heated through, then remove from heat.
When making creamy white chicken chili, feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference. Adding more green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper can give it an extra kick.
Additionally, for a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the chili in a blender and then stir it back into the pot. This dish also freezes well, so consider making a double batch for easy meals later on.
Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor!
Slow Cooker White Chili
Slow cooker white chili is a warm and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. This creamy, flavorful chili combines tender chicken, white beans, and a blend of spices that create a deliciously satisfying meal.
Simply throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. In just a few hours, you'll have a hearty dish that's sure to please your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges
Instructions:
In a slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, white beans, diced green chilies, onion, garlic, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Stir to mix everything together, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once done, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This step improves the general taste of the chili.
Additionally, you can adjust the thickness of the chili by varying the amount of chicken broth you add; for a thicker consistency, reduce the broth.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different types of beans or add more vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor!
Spicy White Chicken Chili
Spicy White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili, combining tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a perfect kick of heat. This dish isn't only packed with flavor, but it's also a comforting meal that can easily be made in a single pot. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this chili is sure to satisfy and warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
To prepare the Spicy White Chicken Chili, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, white beans, diced green chilies, corn, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Finally, stir in the sour cream until well combined and heated through.
For the best flavor, allow the chili to simmer for a longer period if time permits, as this will allow the spices to meld beautifully. You can also adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or even include diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and consider pairing it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for added texture. Enjoy your spicy creation!
White Chili Chicken Casserole
White Chili Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of spices for a delightful meal. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings and can easily be made in advance. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, it will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
To prepare the White Chili Chicken Casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, white beans, diced green chilies, sour cream, chicken broth, ¾ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
When cooking this dish, feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, such as corn or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition. For an extra kick, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add jalapeños.
This casserole also freezes well, so consider making a double batch and storing one for a quick meal later. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness!