Warm up your taste buds with a bowl of Hearty White Chicken Chili that’s not just a meal, but a comforting hug in a bowl! This American classic combines tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and sweet corn, all simmered in a flavorful broth that’s bursting with spices. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy gathering with friends, this chili is quick to prepare and can be on your table in just 40 minutes! Ready to discover how to make this delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cooking it thoroughly. You can either bake, grill, or poach the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to coat and toast the spices for about 1 minute, which will enhance their depth of flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the drained white beans and corn. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the chili seems too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Optional: top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado for extra richness.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: For the best texture, consider poaching the chicken breasts in the broth you'll use for the chili. This will infuse the meat with flavor and keep it moist.
- Sautéing Matters: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the onions and garlic. This foundational step builds layers of flavor that elevate the entire dish.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer a bit more heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Consistency Control: If you find your chili is too thick, simply add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish for Greatness: Don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, and toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado can take your chili to the next level.
- Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Consider making a larger batch and storing leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal later in the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 174kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
