Are you in search of a quick and delicious meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This 5-ingredient white chicken chili is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines the comfort of hearty chili with the lightness of white chicken, making it a family favorite. Read on to discover how you can make this flavorful chili with just five main ingredients, plus a few optional toppings to take it to the next level.
What is White Chicken Chili?
White chicken chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili, made with chicken instead of beef, and featuring a creamy, tangy broth instead of a tomato-based one. This dish is typically lighter than red chili, yet still packed with flavor, thanks to ingredients like salsa verde and cumin. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress guests, this white chicken chili is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients List for White Chicken Chili
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious white chicken chili:
- 6 cups chicken stock: The base of the chili, chicken stock provides a rich, savory flavor.
- 3 to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken: You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans of beans, rinsed and drained: Choose your favorite beans, such as Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, or even pinto beans.
- 2 cups (16 ounces) salsa verde: This gives the chili its signature tangy flavor and a bit of heat. You can use store-bought salsa verde or make your own.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy spice that complements the other flavors.
Optional Toppings
To enhance the flavor and texture of your white chicken chili, consider adding some of these optional toppings:
- Diced avocado: Adds a creamy, rich texture.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Brightens up the dish with a fresh, herbal flavor.
- Shredded cheese: A little extra cheesy goodness never hurts.
- Chopped red or green onions: Provides a crunchy, sharp contrast.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and cools down the spice.
- Crumbled tortilla chips: For a satisfying crunch.
- Fresh jalapeño slices: If you like your chili with a kick, this is a must.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with additional beans or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh.
- Spicier chili: Add more salsa verde or include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper.
- Creamier texture: Stir in a cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking.
- Different beans: If you’re not a fan of Great Northern beans, try black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
- Lower sodium: Use low-sodium chicken stock and rinse your canned beans thoroughly to reduce the sodium content.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking this 5-ingredient white chicken chili is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:

- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by shredding your cooked chicken if it’s not already shredded. Rinse and drain the beans to remove any excess sodium and preservatives.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, shredded chicken, beans, salsa verde, and cumin. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cook the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more cumin, salt, or pepper depending on your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite optional toppings.
How to Cook White Chicken Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break it down even further to ensure your white chicken chili comes out perfect every time:
- Step 1: Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, this step will be quick and easy.
- Step 2: Rinse and Drain the Beans: Place the beans in a colander and rinse under cold water to remove the liquid they’re packed in. This step is crucial for reducing sodium and getting rid of any canned taste.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Use a large pot to accommodate all the ingredients and prevent any spills while stirring. Add the chicken stock first, followed by the chicken, beans, salsa verde, and cumin.
- Step 4: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Heating the mixture until it boils helps to activate the flavors quickly. Once boiling, reducing the heat to a simmer allows the chili to thicken and the flavors to develop more fully without overcooking the chicken.
- Step 5: Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your chili before serving. This is your chance to tweak the flavors by adding more cumin, a pinch of salt, or a dash of hot sauce if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Chicken: If you cook the chili for too long, the chicken can become tough and dry. Since the chicken is already cooked, the goal is just to heat it through.
- Not Rinsing the Beans: Skipping this step can lead to overly salty chili and a muddied flavor from the canning liquid.
- Using Too Much Salsa Verde: While salsa verde adds great flavor, too much can overpower the dish and make it too acidic. Stick to the recommended amount unless you want a very tangy chili.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key to making any dish feel special. Here’s how to serve your white chicken chili for maximum appeal:
- Serve in Wide Bowls: This allows room for all the delicious toppings and makes the dish look hearty and inviting.
- Top with a Dollop of Sour Cream: The contrast of the white chili with the creamy white dollop is visually appealing and adds richness to each bite.
- Garnish with Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Include a Lime Wedge: A wedge of lime on the side adds a splash of color and offers a citrusy option for those who like a bit of acidity.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili
This chili is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a Main Dish: Serve it with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips on the side for a complete meal.
- As a Topping: Use the chili as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos for a fun twist on traditional chili.
- In a Bread Bowl: For an extra hearty presentation, serve the chili in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
Presentation Ideas for White Chicken Chili
- Layered Toppings: Arrange toppings like avocado, cheese, and cilantro in a neat, layered fashion on top of the chili for a visually appealing presentation.
- Colorful Garnishes: Use bright, colorful garnishes like chopped red onions, green onions, and jalapeños to add contrast and make the dish pop.
White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker meal, use rotisserie chicken, which is already cooked and seasoned.
- Make Ahead: This chili can be made a day in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier.
- Freeze for Later: This chili freezes well, so make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
2. How can I thicken my chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot, or let the chili simmer uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken stock and salsa verde are gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
4. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to cook it thoroughly before shredding and adding it to the chili.
5. What can I use instead of salsa verde?
If you can’t find salsa verde, you can substitute it with a green enchilada sauce or a combination of tomatillo sauce and green chilies.
Conclusion
This 5-ingredient white chicken chili is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal that will warm you up on even the chilliest of days. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this chili is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to try out different variations and toppings to make it your own! So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start cooking – your new favorite chili recipe is just a few steps away.
Print5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe
This 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili recipe is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep, this recipe uses chicken stock, shredded chicken, beans, salsa verde, and ground cumin to create a hearty meal. Customize with optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 3 to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 (15-ounce) cans beans of your choice, rinsed and drained (Great Northern beans recommended)
- 2 cups (16 ounces) salsa verde
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, chopped red or green onions, sour cream, crumbled tortilla chips, fresh jalapeño slices
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, shredded chicken, beans, salsa verde, and ground cumin.
- Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with your choice of optional toppings.
Notes
- This recipe is easily adaptable with different types of beans or salsa verde for varying flavors.
- Great for meal prep or freezing for later use.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or spicy salsa verde.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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