Description
This creamy chicken and white bean chili is a comforting and flavorful dish made with shredded chicken, white beans, diced green chilies, and a blend of aromatic spices. Simmered in chicken broth and heavy cream, finished with melted Monterey Jack cheese, it offers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Jalapeño slices
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken and beans: Stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, and diced green chilies. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add the liquids and spices: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, and ground white pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Blend for creaminess (optional): For a thicker and creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the chili directly in the pot, or transfer 2 cups of the chili to a blender, blend, and return to the pot. This step is optional but enhances the richness.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted, making the chili rich and creamy.
- Taste and season: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for another 5 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, extra shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, or crunchy tortilla chips.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken cuts down prep time and adds great flavor.
- Blending part of the chili is optional but results in a creamier texture.
- Feel free to customize toppings according to your preference for heat and texture.
- This chili can be made ahead and reheated for convenient meal prep.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream and a vegan cheese alternative.
