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Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe with Cannellini Beans

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A creamy, comforting white chicken chili made with tender chicken breasts and cannellini beans, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth, preferably low sodium
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Open the green chilies can.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken breasts whole and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in cumin and oregano, letting them toast slightly to release aroma. Add the chopped green chilies.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and add all but 1 cup of the cannellini beans. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. While the chili simmers, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
  7. Transfer the reserved cup of beans and about ½ cup of broth into a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree until smooth, creating the creamy texture without cream.
  8. Stir the pureed beans back into the pot. Add shredded chicken. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Let everything heat together for 3-5 minutes.
  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, cheese, sour cream, avocado, or a squeeze of lime as desired.

Notes

Cook chicken breasts whole to keep them tender and juicy. Blend some of the beans to create creaminess without cream. Season gradually to avoid over-salting. If chili thickens too much, add more broth or water. For a spicy version, add jalapeños or chipotle powder. Slow cooker method: brown chicken and aromatics first, then cook on low 4-6 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, cannellini beans, easy chili recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/creamy-white-chicken-chili-recipe-with-cannellini-beans-easy-and-perfect-for-beginners/