Description
White bean chicken chili brings hearty southwestern comfort to your dinner table. Home cooks can easily prepare this satisfying one-pot meal packed with protein and bold spices for a perfect weeknight solution.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Nestle chicken breasts into a spacious cooking vessel, ensuring ample room for ingredients.
- Layer diced onions, minced garlic, Northern and cannellini beans, corn, and green chiles around the chicken.
- Generously drizzle chicken broth over the mixture, then sprinkle cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, black pepper, oregano, and optional cayenne for robust flavor profiles.
- Securely seal the pot and allow the ingredients to simmer at low temperature (approximately 200°F) for 6-8 hours, or 3-4 hours on high setting, until chicken reaches complete tenderness.
- Utilize two forks to methodically shred chicken directly within the cooking liquid, creating uniform, delicate strands.
- Incorporate softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring continuously until the chili transforms into a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- Brighten the flavor profile by squeezing fresh lime juice throughout the chili, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with vibrant, freshly chopped cilantro for a final aromatic touch.
Notes
- Enhance the protein boost by adding extra beans or swapping chicken for turkey for a leaner option.
- Customize heat levels easily by adjusting cayenne pepper and choosing mild or spicy green chiles.
- Reduce dairy content using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Prep ahead by freezing the chili in portions, which maintains flavor and texture when reheated carefully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 271 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 765 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg