5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe

Looking for a quick, comforting, and delicious meal that doesn’t require an endless list of ingredients? This 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, game day, or any time you crave a warm bowl of flavorful chili. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe delivers big on taste while keeping things simple. Keep reading to discover the magic of this easy white chicken chili and learn how to whip it up in no time!

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a creamy, hearty, and mildly spiced soup that substitutes the traditional tomato base of regular chili with white beans and chicken, typically combined with green chilies and a variety of spices. Unlike traditional red chili, which is usually made with beef, tomatoes, and chili powder, white chicken chili boasts a lighter color and a different flavor profile, thanks to ingredients like salsa verde, chicken stock, and cumin. This dish is beloved for its rich, creamy texture and comforting warmth, making it a popular choice for cool weather or when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast.

Ingredients List for White Chicken Chili

To create this mouthwatering white chicken chili, you only need five main ingredients:

1. 6 cups chicken stock: The base of the chili, providing depth and a rich, savory flavor.
2. 3 to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken breasts, or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
3. 2 (15-ounce) cans beans of your choice, rinsed and drained: Great Northern beans are a classic choice, but you can also use cannellini beans or any white beans you prefer.
4. 2 cups (16 ounces) salsa verde: This adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the chili. Store-bought salsa verde works great, but you can also use homemade if you have it.
5. 2 teaspoons ground cumin: This essential spice gives the chili its warm, earthy flavor.

Optional Toppings for White Chicken Chili

While the chili is delicious on its own, the toppings take it to the next level. Here are some suggestions to customize your bowl:

• Diced avocado: Adds a creamy texture and a mild flavor.
• Chopped fresh cilantro: A burst of freshness that complements the rich chili.
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
• Chopped red or green onions: For a bit of crunch and sharpness.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor.
• Crumbled tortilla chips: For extra crunch.
• Fresh jalapeño slices: To turn up the heat!

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this 5-ingredient white chicken chili recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Chicken substitute: If you don’t have chicken, try using turkey or even ground chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add extra beans or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh.
• Bean variety: While Great Northern beans are traditional, you can swap them for cannellini beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas for a slightly different texture.
• Salsa verde substitute: If you can’t find salsa verde, you can use a mix of diced green chilies and a little extra chicken stock or even tomatillo sauce. For a different flavor profile, you could also use a red salsa, but this will change the color and taste of the chili.
• Add creaminess: If you prefer a creamier chili, stir in a bit of cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream at the end of cooking. A can of white beans can also be blended and added to the soup to thicken it.
• Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like your chili with a bit more heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking this white chicken chili is as simple as combining the ingredients and letting them simmer together. Here’s how to do it:

1. Combine ingredients: In a large stockpot, combine 6 cups of chicken stock, 3 to 4 cups of shredded chicken, 2 (15-ounce) cans of rinsed and drained beans, 2 cups of salsa verde, and 2 teaspoons of ground cumin. Stir everything together until well mixed.
2. Bring to a simmer: Place the stockpot over high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. You’ll see small bubbles starting to rise to the surface, and the chili will begin to steam.
3. Reduce heat and simmer: Once the chili reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together while heating the chili through.
4. Taste and adjust: Before serving, give the chili a taste. If you want more spice, add a bit of cayenne or hot sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve it hot with your favorite toppings.

How to Cook White Chicken Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare your ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are ready. Shred the chicken, rinse and drain the beans, and have your salsa verde and spices measured out.
2. Start with the stock: Pour the chicken stock into your large stockpot. This forms the base of your chili and will help distribute the flavors evenly.
3. Add the chicken: Shred your cooked chicken and add it to the stock. If you're using rotisserie chicken, simply pull it apart into bite-sized pieces.
4. Incorporate the beans: After rinsing and draining your beans, add them to the pot. This step is crucial as it prevents excess liquid from the canned beans from diluting your chili.
5. Mix in the salsa verde and spices: Stir in the salsa verde and ground cumin. The salsa verde provides a tangy kick, while the cumin adds depth and warmth.
6. Simmer and stir: Bring the pot to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. Final touches: Taste your chili and make any necessary adjustments, such as adding more spices or salt.
8. Serve immediately: Ladle the chili into bowls, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final result:

1. Overcooking the chicken: If your chicken is already cooked, be careful not to simmer the chili for too long, as this can make the chicken tough and dry. Five minutes of simmering is usually sufficient.
2. Using too much liquid: It’s important not to add extra water or stock unless necessary, as this can thin out the chili too much, leading to a soup rather than a hearty chili.
3. Not rinsing the beans: Canned beans come in a thick liquid that can be starchy and salty. Rinsing the beans before adding them to the chili ensures that your dish isn’t overly salty or too thick.
4. Skipping the simmer: The simmering step is essential for letting the flavors meld together. Don’t rush this process, as it’s what helps make the chili taste rich and well-balanced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation might not be the first thing you think of when serving chili, but a little effort can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some tips:

• Serve in colorful bowls: A bright, contrasting bowl can make the creamy white chili pop visually.
• Add a garnish: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a few slices of avocado can add a burst of color and texture.
• Layer the toppings: Don’t just dump all your toppings on in one go. Layer them thoughtfully to create a visually appealing presentation.
• Side dishes: Serve your white chicken chili with warm, crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips to make it a complete meal.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion:

• As a main dish: Serve it in large bowls with plenty of toppings for a hearty meal.
• As a starter: Serve smaller portions in appetizer bowls or mugs for a warm and inviting starter to a multi-course meal.
• In bread bowls: Hollow out small, round loaves of bread and serve the chili inside for a fun and rustic presentation.
• With a side salad: Pair the chili with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for White Chicken Chili

Here are some creative ways to present your white chicken chili:

• Chili Bar: Set up a chili bar with various toppings so guests can customize their bowls. This is great for parties or family gatherings.
• Mason Jars: For a portable option, serve your chili in mason jars, perfect for picnics or casual gatherings.
• Skillet: Serve the chili directly from a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, homestyle feel.

White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your white chicken chili turns out perfect every time:

1. Use quality chicken stock: The better your stock, the better the flavor of your chili. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock is ideal.
2. Prep ingredients ahead: To save time, shred the chicken and rinse the beans before you start cooking.
3. Adjust to taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning, add more cumin, or kick up the heat with additional spices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this white chicken chili in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Q: Can I freeze white chicken chili?
A: Absolutely. Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: How can I make this chili thicker?
A: For a thicker chili, you can blend one can of beans before adding it to the pot, or stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end.

Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Yes, add more salsa verde, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or freezing it for later, this white chicken chili is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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