This white chili recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional chili, offering a creamy and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken breast, hearty great northern beans, and a blend of flavorful spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for a gathering, this white chili has got you covered.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Great northern beans are a key component and may not be in everyone's pantry, so be sure to grab a couple of cans. Additionally, sour cream and shredded cheese are essential for achieving the creamy texture and rich flavor of this dish.
Ingredients For White Chili Recipe
Diced chicken breast: Provides the protein and main substance of the dish.
Great northern beans: Adds heartiness and a creamy texture to the chili.
Corn: Brings a sweet crunch to the chili.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the chili, adding depth of flavor.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to the chili.
Shredded cheese: Melts into the chili, adding richness and a cheesy flavor.
Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor.
Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the need for fresh onions.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cooking the diced chicken breast, ensure it is cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking. For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with a subtle zest and enhance the overall taste of the white chili.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
diced chicken breast - Substitute with diced turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative.
great northern beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a creamy texture and mild flavor, similar to great northern beans.
corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn retains its sweetness and texture, making it a convenient substitute.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar depth of flavor and is a good option for vegetarians.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, but with added protein.
shredded cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a warm, citrusy flavor that can complement the dish similarly to cumin.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a mild heat and smoky flavor, which can mimic the taste of chili powder.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions provide a fresh and slightly sweet flavor, similar to onion powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, making it a good alternative.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the white chili to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can lead to a watery texture.
Transfer the cooled white chili into airtight containers. For portion control and convenience, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
Label each container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you consume the white chili within a safe timeframe.
Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the white chili within 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the ingredients safe to eat.
For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. White chili can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
When ready to reheat, thaw frozen white chili in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Reheat the white chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in the microwave, using a microwave-safe container and stirring halfway through the heating process.
If the white chili appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh toppings like additional shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavor and presentation before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place the leftover white chili in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the chili appears too thick. Heat until the chicken and beans are warmed through, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Microwave Method: Transfer the white chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until the chili is hot throughout.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the white chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chili is heated through. Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.
Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the white chili to a slow cooker. Set to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for maintaining the chili's creamy texture and flavor.
Double Boiler Method: Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer. Place the white chili in the top section and cover. Stir occasionally until the chili is heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes. This gentle method helps prevent the sour cream and cheese from separating.
Best Tools for Making This Recipe
Large pot: Used to cook the diced chicken breast and combine all the ingredients for the chili.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients together without scratching the pot.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring out the spices and seasonings.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to dice the chicken breast.
Chef's knife: Essential for dicing the chicken breast efficiently and safely.
Can opener: Required to open the cans of great northern beans and corn.
Colander: Used to drain and rinse the beans and corn.
Ladle: Handy for serving the chili into bowls.
Serving bowls: Used to serve the finished chili.
Cheese grater: If you are using a block of cheese, this will be needed to shred it.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cook the chicken: Dice and cook the chicken breast in advance. Store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned beans instead of dried ones to save soaking and cooking time.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out all spices and store them in a small container. This makes it easy to add them all at once.
Shred cheese ahead: Shred the cheese beforehand and keep it in the fridge. This will save you time during the cooking process.
One-pot cooking: Use a single pot to minimize cleanup time.

White Chili Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast diced
- 2 cans Great Northern Beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can Corn drained
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot, cook the diced chicken breast over medium heat until no longer pink.
- 2. Add the beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- 3. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 4. Reduce heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
- 6. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or sour cream if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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