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White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a hearty soup made with tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, and aromatic spices, simmered to create a smooth, flavorful broth. The dish features a slightly thickened, comforting texture with a light but rich appearance, perfect for chilly days. It combines simple ingredients with straightforward cooking methods, resulting in a warm, inviting meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.25 cup sour cream for serving
  • fresh cilantro for garnish chopped

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Stirring spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat the large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the broth, along with rinsed cannellini beans, frozen corn, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
  6. Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls and top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for freshness and a creamy finish.

Notes

For extra flavor, roast the chicken beforehand or add a squeeze of lime before serving.