White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

White Chicken Chili is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and flavorful spices to create a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

White Chicken Chili is believed to have originated in the Southwestern United States, where it is a popular dish among both home cooks and restaurants. This recipe puts a unique twist on traditional chili by using white beans and chicken instead of the more common beef and red beans.

Ingredients

1 tsp lemon pepper
1 tsp cumin seed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 cup chopped onion
16 oz (454 g) white shoe peq corn, drained (2 x 8 oz cans)
4 oz (113 g) chopped green chiles, drained (1 can)
1 tsp ground cumin
2 to 3 tbsp lime juice
2 (14 oz (397 g)) cans white or great northern beans, undrained
0.67 cup crushed tortilla chips
0.67 cup shredded fat-free monterey jack cheese

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine 2.5 cups of water with the lemon pepper and cumin seeds.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the chicken breast halves and return to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender and the juices run clear.
Remove the chicken from the pan and cut it into tiny pieces.
Defat the broth, return it to the saucepan, and place the chicken back in the stock.
Spray a medium skillet with vegetable oil cooking spray, add the garlic, and cook and stir over low heat for one minute (be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can ruin the taste).
Add the garlic to the chicken mixture, then sauté the onion in the same skillet, cooking until tender.
Add the cooked onion, corn, chiles, ground cumin, and lime juice to the chicken mixture.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the beans and simmer until thoroughly heated, about 45 minutes.
To serve, place about one tablespoon each of tortilla chips and cheese in eight individual soup bowls, ladle the hot chili over them, and serve with salsa.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add extra beans or tofu for protein.
Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra vegetables and flavor.
Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch.

- For a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.

- Garnish your chili with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

White Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of cornbread, rice, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of boiling, simmering, and sautéing to create a flavorful and hearty chili. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are well-developed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, you can make some substitutions:

- Use black beans or kidney beans instead of white beans.

- Substitute ground cumin for cumin seeds.

- Use canned diced tomatoes instead of green chiles.

Make Ahead Tips

White Chicken Chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make your White Chicken Chili look more appetizing, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve it in colorful bowls or mugs for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

White Chicken Chili pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as cornbread, rice, tortilla chips, or a green salad. For drinks, consider serving it with a cold beer, a glass of white wine, or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover White Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of White Chicken Chili contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of White Chicken Chili contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

This recipe is relatively low in fat, with each serving containing around 8 grams of fat. To reduce the fat content even further, you can use low-fat cheese and skip the tortilla chips.

Proteins

White Chicken Chili is a protein-packed dish, with each serving providing about 25 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (tortilla chips). If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to check the labels of your ingredients carefully.

Summary

Overall, White Chicken Chili is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

White Chicken Chili is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With tender chicken, hearty beans, and a blend of spices, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for White Chicken Chili. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the mountains. My family didn't have much money, so we often had to make do with whatever ingredients we had on hand. One day, my mother came home with a whole chicken that she had bought at the market. She said she was going to make a special dish called White Chicken Chili for dinner.

I had never heard of White Chicken Chili before, but I was intrigued by the name. My mother explained that it was a hearty and flavorful soup made with chicken, white beans, and spices. She said it was a favorite dish of her own mother, my grandmother, who had learned the recipe from a friend many years earlier.

As my mother set to work in the kitchen, I watched intently, eager to learn how to make this delicious dish. She showed me how to season the chicken with garlic, cumin, and oregano, and then brown it in a large pot with onions and bell peppers. She added chicken broth, white beans, and a handful of fresh cilantro, and let the soup simmer on the stove for hours until the flavors had melded together perfectly.

When the soup was finally ready, my mother ladled out steaming bowls for all of us to enjoy. The first spoonful of White Chicken Chili was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The tender chicken, creamy beans, and fragrant spices all combined to create a truly unforgettable flavor. From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a beloved staple in our family's kitchen.

Over the years, I have made White Chicken Chili countless times, and each time I do, I think of that first magical bowl that my mother made all those years ago. I have added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it my own. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, all of whom have raved about its deliciousness.

One day, I even entered a cooking competition at the local fair and won first prize for my White Chicken Chili. The judges were impressed by the depth of flavor and richness of the dish, and I was thrilled to receive a blue ribbon for my efforts.

As I have grown older, I have come to appreciate the simple pleasure of cooking for my loved ones. Every time I make White Chicken Chili, I am transported back to that small kitchen in the mountains, watching my mother create magic with just a few humble ingredients. I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish both body and soul.

And so, as I sit here now, writing down this recipe for White Chicken Chili, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the wonderful meals I have shared with my family over the years. I hope that this recipe will bring joy and warmth to your own kitchen, just as it has to mine. Enjoy!