Description
Ever wondered how to whip up a bowl of chili that’s rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen? Picture savoring Creamy White Chili, a hearty mix of tender chicken, creamy beans, zesty green chiles, and a velvety sour cream finish that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Each ingredient in Creamy White Chili contributes to its rich flavor and hearty texture. Substitutions make it adaptable to your pantry.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing chicken and veggies. Substitution: Vegetable oil or butter.
- Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves (1 lb, cut into ½-inch cubes): Lean protein that absorbs flavors. Substitution: Chicken thighs, turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth. Substitution: Shallots or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Garlic (2 cloves, chopped): Brings aromatic richness. Substitution: ½ tsp garlic powder.
- Great Northern Beans (2 x 15.5 oz cans, rinsed and drained): Creamy, mild beans for heartiness. Substitution: Cannellini beans, navy beans, or pinto beans.
- Chicken Broth (14.5 oz can): Provides savory liquid for the base. Substitution: Vegetable broth or water with 1 tsp bouillon.
- Chopped Green Chiles (2 x 4 oz cans): Add mild heat and tang. Substitution: Fresh diced jalapeños or ½ cup salsa verde.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors. Substitution: Low-sodium salt or sea salt.
- Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Brings warm, earthy flavor. Substitution: Chili powder or coriander.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Adds herby depth. Substitution: Dried thyme or Mexican oregano.
- Ground Black Pepper (½ tsp): Provides mild heat. Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle kick. Substitution: Paprika for less heat or hot sauce.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Creates a creamy, tangy finish. Substitution: Greek yogurt or vegan sour cream.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (½ cup): Adds rich, velvety texture. Substitution: Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or coconut cream for dairy-free.
Why These Ingredients Matter:
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- Chicken and beans provide protein and fiber, making this a filling, nutritious meal.
- Green chiles and spices like cumin and cayenne deliver bold, Southwestern flavor.
- Sour cream and heavy cream create a luxurious, comforting texture.
- One-pot cooking keeps prep and cleanup simple.
Instructions
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- Prep the Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Cut 1 lb chicken breast into ½-inch cubes.
- Chop 1 onion and 2 garlic cloves.
- Rinse and drain 2 cans of great Northern beans. Tip: Prep all ingredients first, as the cooking process moves quickly.
- Cook the Chicken and Veggies (10-15 minutes):
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chicken, onion, and garlic; cook, stirring, until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear, 10-15 minutes. Tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Beans and Seasonings (5 minutes):
- Stir in 2 cans great Northern beans, 14.5 oz chicken broth, 2 cans chopped green chiles, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Tip: Scrape the pan to incorporate any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer the Chili (30 minutes):
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly. Tip: If the chili is too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
- Add Creaminess (2 minutes):
- Remove chili from heat and stir in 1 cup sour cream and ½ cup heavy whipping cream until fully incorporated. Tip: Stir gently to avoid curdling; let the chili cool slightly before adding dairy.
- Serve (2 minutes):
- Ladle into bowls (about 1 cup per serving for 8 portions) and serve hot. Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or cayenne if desired.
