Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with a bowl of "White Lightning Chicken Chili" that promises to electrify your taste buds! This Southern-inspired dish combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and zesty green chiles, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. With just 45 minutes from prep to table, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to whip up a hearty, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, chopping onion finely, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to shimmer.
- Add cubed chicken to the pot, seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly golden and mostly cooked through.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, drained white beans, diced green chiles, and corn kernels. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chili to thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until well incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Ladle chili into serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like additional sour cream, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time during cooking, chop your onions and garlic and cube the chicken in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or incorporating diced jalapeños for an extra kick. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of diced green chiles.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, feel free to use it! Just shred it and add it to the pot after sautéing the onions and garlic to speed up the cooking process.
- Thicken It Up: If you like a thicker chili, you can mash some of the white beans against the side of the pot before stirring in the sour cream. This will create a creamier texture.
- Garnish Creatively: Don’t skip the garnish! Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, but you can also top your chili with avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of crispy tortilla strips for added crunch.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
