If you're looking for a warm and filling dish that's perfect for a chilly night or a game day gathering, look no further than White Chicken Chili! This flavorful recipe is easy to make and will keep you satisfied for hours. One serving of White Chicken Chili contains 880 calories, making it a substantial meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

In addition to being filling, White Chicken Chili is also quite nutritious. It's packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. Here's a closer look at the ingredients used in this tasty recipe.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about making White Chicken Chili, including some tips for perfecting the recipe and serving suggestions. Let's get started!

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a hearty soup that is made with white beans, chicken, and a variety of spices and seasonings. It's a great alternative to traditional chili and has a creamier texture due to the use of white beans instead of kidney beans or other types of beans. White Chicken Chili is typically served with toppings such as sour cream, cheese, and sliced jalapenos. There are many variations of White Chicken Chili, but most recipes call for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs that are cooked and shredded. The chicken is then combined with white beans, chicken broth, diced green chilies, garlic, cumin, and other spices. The chili is simmered until it's heated through and the flavors have melded together. White Chicken Chili is a delicious and filling dish that's perfect for cooler weather. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken or to stretch a single chicken breast to feed a crowd.

Ingredients of White Chicken Chili

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make White Chicken Chili:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cooked and shredded (about 2 cups)
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or northern beans work well)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Note: You can also add additional ingredients to your White Chicken Chili, such as corn, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes. Be creative and use what you have on hand!

Nutritional Information of White Chicken Chili

Here's a look at the nutritional information for one serving (about 2 cups) of White Chicken Chili:

• calories: 880
• Protein: 63 grams
• Fat: 43 grams
• Carbohydrates: 59 grams
• Fiber: 18 grams
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Sodium: 1610 milligrams

As you can see, White Chicken Chili is a high-protein and high-fiber dish that will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. However, due to the use of heavy cream and other high-fat ingredients, it's also a relatively high-calorie meal. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How to Make White Chicken Chili?

Here's how to make White Chicken Chili:

1. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper and cook them in a skillet or in the oven until they're cooked through. Shred the chicken and set it aside.
2. Saute the onions and garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, saute the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until they're soft and fragrant.
3. Add the beans and chicken broth: Add the rinsed and drained white beans to the pot along with the chicken broth.
4. Season the chili: Add the green chilies, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
5. Simmer the chili: Let the chili simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the chicken and cream: Finally, add the shredded chicken to the pot along with the heavy cream (if using). Stir everything together and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the chili is heated through.
7. Serve and enjoy! Ladle the White Chicken Chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapenos.

And that's it! White Chicken Chili is an easy and tasty meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Making Perfect White Chicken Chili

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect White Chicken Chili:

• Use high-quality ingredients: To get the best flavor and texture, be sure to use high-quality chicken, beans, and broth.
• Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so be sure to cook it just until it's done and then shred it.
• Adjust the heat to your liking: If you like your chili spicy, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less or omit these ingredients entirely.
• Let the chili simmer: To allow the flavors to meld together, let the chili simmer for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Add toppings: White Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but it's even better with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapenos.

Follow these tips and you'll be well on your way to making the best White Chicken Chili you've ever tasted!

Variation of White Chicken Chili

Here are a few variations you can try to mix up the flavor of your White Chicken Chili:

• Swap out the chicken: You can use diced pork or ground turkey instead of chicken to mix things up.
• Add more veggies: Try adding diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or corn to your chili for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use different beans: While cannellini and northern beans are the most traditional choices, you can also try other types of beans such as chickpeas or black beans.
• Make it vegan: To make a vegan version of White Chicken Chili, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies and beans to make the chili even heartier.

There are countless ways to customize White Chicken Chili to your tastes, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect recipe!

Serving Suggestions for White Chicken Chili

Here are some serving suggestions for White Chicken Chili:

• Add toppings: White Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but it's even better with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, or chopped cilantro.
• Serve with cornbread: Cornbread is the perfect side dish to pair with White Chicken Chili. Whip up a batch of your favorite recipe or buy some from the store.
• Make a chili bar: Set up a chili bar to allow your guests to customize their bowls of White Chicken Chili. Offer toppings such as cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, cilantro, and diced tomatoes.

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Have fun experimenting with different toppings and sides to find your perfect combination.

Can You Freeze White Chicken Chili?

Yes, you can freeze White Chicken Chili! To freeze this dish, simply ladle it into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. It will keep for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.

Is White Chicken Chili Healthy?

White Chicken Chili can be a healthy and filling meal, depending on how it's prepared. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Protein and fiber: White Chicken Chili is a great source of protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
• Vitamins and minerals: The use of beans, chicken and spices makes the dish a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, iron, magnesium and potassium.
• calories and fat: Due to the use of heavy cream, sour cream, and cheese, White Chicken Chili can be a relatively high-calorie and high-fat dish. To make it healthier, consider using low-fat or fat-free versions of these ingredients.
• Sodium: Depending on how much salt is in the chicken broth you use and how much seasoning you add, White Chicken Chili can also be relatively high in sodium. Be mindful of how much salt you're consuming and adjust the recipe to your tastes.

Overall, White Chicken Chili can be a nutritious and satisfying meal as long as you're mindful of the ingredients you use and how much you consume. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

History of White Chicken Chili

While the exact origins of White Chicken Chili are unclear, it's believed to have originated in the Southwest United States, where chili con carne is a popular dish. White Chicken Chili may have developed as a variation of traditional chili to use up leftover chicken or to make a lighter, fresher version of the dish. Today, White Chicken Chili is a staple in many households and is enjoyed by people all over the United States. It's a great dish for cozy nights in or for entertaining guests, and can be customized in countless ways to suit the tastes of any cook or diner.