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White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a creamy, flavorful stew that combines tender chicken, silky beans, and spices, cooked using simmering and sautéing methods. The dish has a hearty yet silky texture with a bright, zesty finish, often garnished with lime and herbs. Its appearance is inviting, with a thick broth and tender meat contrasting with colorful garnishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups white beans drained and rinsed, such as cannellini or great northern beans
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 lime lime cut into wedges for serving
  • fresh cilantro cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Stir in the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink on the outside, about 4-5 minutes, while breaking them apart with a spoon.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
  5. Add the drained and rinsed white beans, corn kernels, cumin, chili powder, and oregano to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed, then squeeze in fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
  8. Ladle the hot chili into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving.