Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Craving a comforting bowl of chili but short on time? This Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili recipe is the perfect solution! In just under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table that’s packed with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a flavorful blend of spices. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Read on to learn how to make this fast and tasty dish!

this Recipes

What Is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a lighter, creamy version of traditional chili, made with chicken, white beans, and green chilies. Unlike the classic red chili, which is tomato-based, this version uses a chicken broth base and is spiced with cumin, chili powder, and other flavorful seasonings. It’s a hearty yet light dish that’s perfect for any time of the year, especially when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili

To make this quick and easy White Chicken Chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Cooked Chicken: Use 2 cups of cooked, shredded 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. Chicken Broth: You’ll need 4 cups of chicken broth. Low-sodium broth is a good option if you want to control the salt content.
4. Green Chilies: For a mild heat, use 1 can (4 ounces) of diced green chilies.
5. Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, adds flavor and sweetness to the chili.
6. Garlic: Use 3 cloves of garlic, minced, for a punch of flavor.
7. Cumin: This warm spice adds depth to the chili. Use 2 teaspoons.
8. Chili Powder: For a bit of heat, add 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
9. Oregano: Dried oregano adds an herbaceous note. Use 1 teaspoon.
10. Ground Coriander: This spice adds a fresh, citrusy flavor. Use ½ teaspoon.
11. Salt and Pepper: Season the chili to taste with salt and pepper.
12. Olive Oil: Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the onion and garlic.
13. Sour Cream (optional): For added creaminess, stir in ½ cup of sour cream at the end.
14. Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro for garnish adds a burst of fresh flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some easy substitutions and variations to adapt the Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili to your taste:

• Turkey Substitute: If you don’t have chicken, use shredded turkey instead. It’s a great way to use up leftovers from a holiday meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add an extra can of white beans or some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
• Dairy-Free Option: Skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Spicier Chili: Add a diced jalapeño or increase the amount of chili powder for more heat.
• Cream Cheese Addition: Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese for an even creamier texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili in just a few simple steps:

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, and ground coriander. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.
3. Add the Broth and Chilies: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced green chilies. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the Beans and Chicken: Stir in the drained and rinsed white beans and the cooked, shredded chicken. Continue to simmer the chili for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Finish with Sour Cream (optional): For a creamier chili, stir in the sour cream just before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

How to Cook Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more detailed guide to ensure your Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili turns out perfect:

1. Sautéing the Aromatics: Sautéing the onion and garlic first is key to building a flavorful base. Make sure the onion is soft and translucent before adding the garlic to avoid burning it.
2. Toasting the Spices: Toasting the spices for just a few seconds in the hot pot releases their essential oils, enhancing the overall flavor of the chili.
3. Simmering the Broth: Bringing the chicken broth to a simmer before adding the beans and chicken ensures that the flavors meld quickly, cutting down on overall cooking time.
4. Creamy Finish: Stirring in sour cream at the end adds a creamy texture without needing to cook the chili for long. Make sure the heat is low when adding the sour cream to prevent curdling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a quick recipe like this one, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Prepping Ingredients First: This is a fast recipe, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
• Overcooking the Chicken: If using pre-cooked chicken, be careful not to simmer the chili for too long after adding the chicken, as it can become dry.
• Skipping the Spice Toasting: Don’t skip the step of toasting the spices; it really enhances the flavor of the chili.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how to serve and present your Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili:

1. Serving Temperature: This chili is best served hot. If you’re making it ahead, reheat gently on the stove before serving.
2. Garnishing: Fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese make for a visually appealing and flavorful garnish. You can also add some diced avocado or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
3. Plating: Serve the chili in deep bowls to keep it warm longer. It pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad on the side.

How to Serve Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili

This versatile dish can be served in various ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve the chili as a main course with a side of cornbread or a salad for a complete meal.
• For a Casual Gathering: Offer a chili bar with a variety of toppings so guests can customize their bowls.
• For Leftovers: This chili reheats well and makes for a great lunch or dinner the next day.

Presentation Ideas for Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili

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

• Top with Colorful Garnishes: Brighten up the dish with colorful garnishes like cilantro, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Use Contrasting Bowls: Serve the chili in dark bowls to contrast with the light color of the chili, making the dish pop visually.
• Add a Citrus Twist: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the chili.

Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips

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

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using a rotisserie chicken. It’s a quick and easy way to add tender, flavorful chicken to your chili.
• Adjust Seasoning Last: Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end, especially after adding any dairy like sour cream, as it can mellow the flavors.
• Make It Ahead: This chili can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. The flavors will only improve as they meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili ahead of time?
A: Yes, this chili can be made ahead and reheated. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.

Q: Can I freeze Quick and Easy 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: How can I thicken White Chicken Chili?
A: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot or let the

chili simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Q: Is White Chicken Chili supposed to be spicy?
A: White Chicken Chili typically has a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.

Conclusion

This Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry. With tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a flavorful blend of spices, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it out today, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal in no time!

Print