5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe

Craving a warm, comforting bowl of chili but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili recipe is your answer! With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dish with minimal effort, this recipe delivers big flavors with little fuss. Read on to discover how easy it is to make this tasty white chicken chili!

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What Is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a flavorful and creamy dish made with chicken, white beans, and green chilies. Unlike traditional red chili, which is tomato-based and typically made with beef, this version uses a chicken broth base and focuses on lighter, yet still hearty, ingredients. This quick version streamlines the recipe down to just five essential ingredients without sacrificing the comfort and satisfaction that comes with a bowl of chili.

Ingredients List for 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple and delicious White Chicken Chili:

1. Cooked Chicken: Use 3 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
2. White Beans: Use 2 cans (15 ounces each) of white beans such as cannellini, great northern, or navy beans, drained and rinsed.
3. Green Chilies: For flavor and a mild heat, use 2 cans (4 ounces each) of diced green chilies.
4. Chicken Broth: You’ll need 3 cups of chicken broth. Low-sodium broth is a good option if you want to control the salt content.
5. Salsa Verde: Use 1 cup of salsa verde for a zesty flavor and a hint of spice.

Optional Garnishes and Add-Ins

While the recipe calls for just five ingredients, you can add optional garnishes or extras to elevate your chili:

• Shredded Cheese: Add some cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for extra richness.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess.
• Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips add crunch and texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of fresh flavor.
• Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado for a creamy, healthy topping.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze some fresh lime juice for brightness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shredded chicken, drained and rinsed white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, and salsa verde.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon and stir them in. If the chili is too thick for your liking, add a little more chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Season to Taste: Taste the chili and add salt and pepper if needed, depending on the saltiness of your broth and salsa verde.
5. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and add any of your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.

How to Cook 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

For perfect results, here’s a more detailed guide on each step:

1. Choosing the Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe. Simply shred the meat and discard the skin and bones. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, you can boil or bake it until fully cooked before shredding.
2. Combining the Ingredients: Mixing all ingredients at once is what makes this recipe so quick and easy. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans to remove excess sodium and improve the chili’s texture.
3. Simmering the Chili: Simmering the chili allows the flavors to meld together. Keep the heat low to prevent overcooking the chicken, which could make it dry.
4. Adjusting the Consistency: Mashing some of the beans will thicken the chili naturally. This step is optional but recommended if you like a heartier chili.
5. Tasting Before Serving: Since different brands of salsa verde and broth vary in saltiness, always taste the chili before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is simple, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Overcooking the Chicken: If using pre-cooked chicken, be careful not to simmer the chili too long, as the chicken can become dry.
• Not Adjusting the Seasoning: Since this recipe uses pre-made salsa verde and broth, it’s important to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
• Skipping the Rinsing Step: Always rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content and prevent a gummy texture in your chili.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how to serve and present your 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili:

1. Serving Temperature: This chili is best served hot, straight from the pot. If you’re making it ahead, gently reheat it on the stove before serving.
2. Garnishing: Elevate the presentation with garnishes like a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado.
3. Plating: Serve the chili in wide, deep bowls to keep it warm longer. You can also serve it with a side of tortilla chips for dipping or crushed on top for added texture.

How to Serve 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

This versatile dish can be served in various ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve the chili as a filling main course with a side of cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad.
• For a Quick Lunch: This chili is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch. Pack it in a thermos to enjoy a hot meal on the go.
• For Leftovers: This chili stores well and makes for easy, reheatable lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Presentation Ideas for 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

Make your chili look as good as it tastes with these presentation ideas:

• Colorful Garnishes: Brighten up the dish with colorful garnishes like cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños.
• Contrasting Bowls: Serve the chili in dark bowls to contrast with the light color of the chili, making it visually appealing.
• Toppings Bar: If serving a crowd, set up a toppings bar with a variety of garnishes so everyone can customize their bowl.

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips

To ensure your chili is the best it can be, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds flavor. Just shred and add it to the chili.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier chili, choose a hot salsa verde or add a diced jalapeño.
• Customize with Toppings: Even though the recipe is simple, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings to add more flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili ahead of time?
A: Yes, this chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Q: Can I freeze 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili?
A: Yes, this chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q: What can I serve with White Chicken Chili?
A: This chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Q: Can I use a different type of beans?
A: Yes, while white beans like cannellini, great northern, or navy beans are traditional, you can use black beans or pinto beans for a different twist.

Q: How can I make the chili thicker?
A: To thicken the chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before stirring them in. This will give the chili a heartier texture.

Conclusion

This 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want a quick, comforting meal with minimal ingredients. With just five simple items, you can have a delicious and satisfying chili ready in no time. Customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of chili that’s big on flavor but light on effort!

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