A bowl of creamy white chili garnished with cilantro and jalapeños.

White Chili

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why make this recipe

White Chili is an easy and delicious recipe that offers a warm and comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. It’s packed with protein from ground chicken or turkey and is loaded with flavor from spices and green chilies. This dish is a great alternative to traditional chili and can be a hit at family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes!

how to make White Chili

Ingredients :

  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
  • 1 can white beans (such as great northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced green chilies
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions :

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground chicken or turkey until browned.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the diced green chilies, white beans, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and cilantro if desired.

how to serve White Chili

Serve White Chili hot, right from the pot. You can add some shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess and garnish it with fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor. It pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy it as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

how to store White Chili

To store leftovers, let the White Chili cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make White Chili

  • If you like it spicy, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes.
  • For added creaminess, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
  • Feel free to substitute any of the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Vegetarians can use plant-based ground meat or skip the meat altogether.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version of White Chili by using lentils or extra beans instead of meat. Adding corn can also give it a nice sweetness and texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken if you prefer. Just drain it and add it to the pot when you add the beans.

What can I serve with White Chili?
White Chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! White Chili can be made ahead of time and stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal prep.

White Chili

A warm and comforting dish that is easy to make, packed with protein from ground chicken or turkey and loaded with flavor from spices and green chilies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chili Base
  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey You can substitute with canned chicken if preferred.
  • 1 can white beans (such as great northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced green chilies
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Toppings
  • Shredded cheese (optional, for topping) For extra creaminess.
  • Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish) For added flavor.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground chicken or turkey until browned.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the diced green chilies, white beans, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and cilantro if desired.

Notes

To store leftovers, let the White Chili cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes.