Description
This hearty and creamy chicken chili features tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a rich blend of spices simmered in a comforting combination of chicken broth and heavy cream. Enhanced with melted Monterey Jack cheese and customizable toppings, this dish delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Protein
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
Liquids and Spices
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Chopped cilantro (for topping)
- Shredded cheese (for topping)
- Jalapeño slices (for topping)
- Tortilla chips (optional, for added crunch)
Instructions
- Heat Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Beans: Stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, and diced green chilies. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer with Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, and white pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Optional Blending for Creaminess: For a thicker and creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the chili directly in the pot, or transfer 2 cups of the chili to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. This enhances the chili’s creaminess.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted and the chili becomes rich and creamy.
- Final Seasoning and Simmer: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 5 minutes to let everything come together perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, and tortilla chips for some crunch.
Notes
- Using a rotisserie chicken makes preparation quicker and adds great flavor.
- Blending part of the chili is optional but recommended for a creamier consistency.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chili powder and jalapeño slices according to your preference.
- Serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips to complete the meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze well for up to 2 months.
