simple white chili recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple white chili recipe

I’ve always been a fan of hearty, comforting soups that warm the belly and soothe the soul. White chili is one of those recipes that never fails to hit the spot.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make in large quantities and how versatile it is for any occasion. My kids love it when I serve it at family gatherings, and I love how it’s a great way to get them to eat something nutritious.

But what really draws me to this recipe is its rich history and cultural significance. White chili has its roots in the American Southwest, where it was created by early Spanish and Mexican settlers as a variation on traditional chili recipes.

The dish typically consists of ground meat, white beans, and a blend of spices, which gives it a distinctive flavor and texture that’s both familiar and exotic at the same time. One of the things I love about this recipe is the way it combines simplicity with depth of flavor.

It’s amazing how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something truly remarkable. Of course, there are many variations on this recipe out there, but at its core, white chili remains a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Simple White Chili

4.7 from 766 votes

A comforting and easy-to-make white chili recipe perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe features tender chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of aromatic spices.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, diced
1 large bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic.
3Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers are softened, about 5 minutes.
4Stir frequently to prevent burning.
5Add chicken pieces to the pot.
6Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
7Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
8If the chicken starts to brown, reduce the heat to medium-low.
9Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
10Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine the spices with the chicken and vegetables.
11Add great northern beans, cannellini beans, and chicken broth.
12Stir well to combine.
13Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
14Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
15Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
16Stir in heavy cream.
17Cook for an additional 5 minutes over low heat.
18Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
19The chili should have a creamy texture and a mild heat if cayenne pepper was used.
20Ladle the white chili into bowls.
21Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
22Serve immediately while hot.
23The chili should be steaming and the chicken should be tender and cooked through.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño. For a smoother texture, you can blend half of the beans before adding them to the pot.

One thing I love about this recipe is how well it stores for later use – whether you refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for months on end.

When reheating, be sure to add some extra broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with serving ideas – try serving it over rice or noodles for an added twist.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About White Chili

1. What is white chili?

White chili is a type of chili that does not contain any tomatoes or red peppers, giving it a distinctively creamy texture and flavor. It originated in the American Southwest, where early Spanish and Mexican settlers created variations on traditional chili recipes using local ingredients.

2. What are the key ingredients in white chili?

The key ingredients in white chili include ground meat (usually beef or pork), white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern beans), and a blend of spices (including cumin, garlic powder, and oregano). You can also add other ingredients like onions, garlic, and jalapenos to give it an extra kick.

3. Is white chili healthy?

White chili can be a relatively healthy option if you use lean ground meat and minimal added salt. The beans provide fiber and protein, while the spices add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

4. Can I make white chili ahead of time?

Yes, you can make white chili ahead of time by cooking the ground meat and beans in advance and then refrigerating or freezing it until you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I customize this recipe to suit my tastes?

Totally! One of the best things about white chili is how easily you can adapt it to your own tastes by adding different spices or ingredients.

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