I love a hearty white chicken chili, but a lot of the recipes I’ve come across are either too thin or too unhealthy. But those days are over; I’ve finally got a hearty, satisfying white chicken chili recipe that’s full of flavor and a huge hit with the whole family. {Well, except the one who doesn’t like beans but I’m not counting him.} And the best part? This white chicken chili isn’t thickened with butter, flour, cream, or cheese like most traditional recipes so it’s healthier! Instead, it’s thickened with pureed beans – a genius strategy I learned from this Pasta Fagioli recipe – so it’s full of fiber and protein instead of unnecessary fat.
It’s also naturally gluten- and dairy-free (depending on the toppings you add). Put this on your menu this week. It will be a new family favorite!
Healthy & Creamy White Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth (divided)
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (I use leftover roast chicken or a rotisserie from the grocery store)
- 2 cans white beans, rinsed & drained (divided)
- 1 Tb butter
- 1 Tb vegetable oil
- 2 Tb dried chopped onions
- 1 jalapeno, seeded & chopped
- 2 Tb minced garlic
- 8 oz (1/2 bottle) salsa verde
- 1 C frozen corn
- 1.5 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- crumbled tortilla chips
- shredded cheese
- avocado
- sour cream
- cilantro
- lime wedges
Directions:
- Heat the butter & oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the dried onions and jalapeno and saute for five minutes.
- While onions and jalapenos are cooking, blend 1 cup broth + 1 can beans in a blender. (If your family really refuses beans, blend 2 cups broth + both cans beans and they’ll never know.)
- Add garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the blended bean/broth mixture, the remaining broth and unblended beans, salsa verde, and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in chicken and frozen corn. Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Serve with desired toppings.
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