Spicy White Chicken Chili Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, warming dish that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than this Spicy White Chicken Chili recipe. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving something spicy and comforting, this dish will satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to perfect this dish, from understanding what makes this chili special to tips for serving it with style.

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What is Spicy White Chicken Chili?

Spicy White Chicken Chili is a savory and spicy stew made with tender chicken, a variety of beans, and a perfect blend of spices. Unlike traditional red chili, this version uses white beans and chicken instead of ground beef and kidney beans, resulting in a lighter, yet still incredibly flavorful dish. The addition of green chilies, jalapeños, and a mix of spices like cumin and oregano gives this chili its characteristic heat and depth. It's a one-pot wonder that's ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little culinary comfort.

Ingredients List for Spicy White Chicken Chili

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious chili:

Soup Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less spice)
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt and pepper, more to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 (14.5-ounce) cans Great Northern beans
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans black beans
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 4 small cans of green chilies
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• ½ cup chopped cilantro

Optional Ingredients for Serving:

• Chopped green onions
• Chopped jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about making chili is how versatile it can be. If you’re looking to change things up or cater to different dietary needs, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Beans: If you don’t have Great Northern beans or black beans, you can use cannellini beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas as a substitute. Each will give the chili a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Chicken: Feel free to swap the chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, or use ground turkey for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken altogether and add more beans or tofu for protein.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by controlling the amount of jalapeños and Tabasco sauce. For a milder chili, reduce the jalapeños or use poblano peppers instead. If you love spice, keep the seeds in the jalapeños and add more Tabasco or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Tomatoes: While diced tomatoes are classic in this recipe, fire-roasted tomatoes add a smokier flavor that complements the spice beautifully.
• Creamy Variation: For a creamier chili, stir in a cup of heavy cream, sour cream, or even cream cheese at the end of cooking. This will give the chili a rich and smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and spicy White Chicken Chili that will warm your soul.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, then toss in the chopped onions and diced jalapeños. Sauté for about 8 minutes, or until the onions become translucent. This helps to build the flavor base for the chili.
2. Add Garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
3. Toast the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, coriander, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture well to coat the onions and jalapeños with the spices. Let the spices cook for about one minute to enhance their flavors.
4. Incorporate the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for another minute or two. This step adds depth and richness to the chili.
5. Add Beans and Broth: Drain and rinse the Great Northern beans and black beans before adding them to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Cook the Chicken: Nestle the chicken breasts into the chili mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Turn the heat up to medium-high to bring the chili to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Shred the Chicken: After the chicken has cooked through, remove the breasts from the pot and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the chili.
8. Final Simmer: Let the chili cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the chili is too thick for your liking, you can add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce depending on your preference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though chili is a forgiving dish, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your Spicy White Chicken Chili turns out perfect every time.

• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can become bitter if burned. Add it to the pot after the onions and jalapeños have softened and only cook it for a minute or so.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Be sure to remove them from the chili once they are cooked through, shred them, and then return them to the pot.
• Not Tasting for Seasoning: The key to a great chili is balancing the flavors. Be sure to taste your chili before serving and adjust the seasoning, especially the salt, pepper, and heat levels.
• Skipping the Resting Period for Chicken: After removing the chicken from the pot, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving your Spicy White Chicken Chili in an appealing way can enhance the overall dining experience. Here’s how to make your chili look as good as it tastes:

How to Serve Spicy White Chicken Chili

• Family-Style: Serve the chili in a large pot or a big, rustic bowl, with all the toppings set out in smaller bowls. This allows everyone to customize their chili to their liking.
• Individual Bowls: Ladle the chili into individual bowls and let your guests add their preferred toppings. This method is great for portion control and ensures everyone gets a fair share of the toppings.
• Bread Bowl: For a fun and unique presentation, serve the chili in a bread bowl. Hollow out a round loaf of sourdough or another crusty bread, and fill it with chili. The bread soaks up the chili and adds another layer of flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Spicy White Chicken Chili

• Garnish Generously: Use a variety of garnishes like chopped green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. The vibrant colors will make your chili pop.
• Cheese Pull: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese on top. The cheese will melt and create an irresistible, gooey topping.
• Sour Cream Swirl: Add a dollop of sour cream on top and swirl it slightly with a spoon for a visually appealing finish. It also helps to cool down the spice.

Spicy White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these tips in mind while making your chili:

• Prep Ingredients in Advance: To make the cooking process smoother, chop all your vegetables and measure out the spices before you start cooking.
• Use Fresh Spices: If possible, use fresh spices instead of ones that have been sitting in your pantry for too long. Fresh spices will give your chili a more vibrant flavor.
• Make Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld. Feel free to make this dish a day in advance and simply reheat before serving.
• Freeze for Later: This chili freezes well, so you can make a big batch and store portions in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Spicy White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! Sauté the onions, jalapeños, and garlic first, then add them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken at the end and stir it back into the chili.

Q: How can I make this chili less spicy?

A: To reduce the spice level, use fewer jalapeños, remove all the seeds, and reduce or omit the Tabasco sauce. You can also add more beans or broth to dilute the heat.

Q: What side dishes go well with Spicy White Chicken Chili?

A: Cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad are great accompaniments to this chili. A side of avocado slices or guacamole also pairs well with the spicy flavors.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts?

A: Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it to the chili after the broth and other ingredients have simmered.

Q: How do I thicken or thin out the chili?

A: To thicken the chili, let it simmer uncovered for longer, allowing more liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, add extra chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Spicy White Chicken Chili is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, hearty beans, and bold spices, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and offers plenty of opportunities for customization. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious chili tonight!

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