Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe is an absolute favorite in my household. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The best part? Everyone loves it! With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and the perfect blend of spices, this chili will quickly become a go-to recipe.

Whether it’s game day or just a chilly evening, nothing beats a bowl of homemade chili. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to customize it to suit your tastes. Let’s dive into why this recipe is such a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can have this delicious chili ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will enjoy the creamy texture and mild spice level—kids love it!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This chili stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal prep.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices brings out vibrant flavors that keep you coming back for more.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat or add other vegetables to make this dish your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe is simple because it uses wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chili

• 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons chile powder, divided
• 3 tablespoons cumin, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
• 3 cups chopped onion (about 2 medium onions)
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic (or more if you love garlic)
• 3 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained
• 2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles (hot or mild)
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 4-6 cups low-salt chicken broth
• 6 cups shredded cheese, divided (half Monterey Jack and half cheddar)
• 2 cups sour cream, divided

For Garnish

• Chopped scallions
• Chopped cilantro leaves
• Your favorite hot sauce
• Additional sour cream
• More shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

A little tip: Using two different types of chile powders can really elevate the flavor profile of your chili!

Variations

One of the best things about this chili is how flexible it is. You can easily modify it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or even cooked quinoa for a vegetarian option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or corn for extra color and crunch.
• Change the beans: Black beans or kidney beans work beautifully if you’re looking for something different.
• Adjust the heat: If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or use spicier green chiles.

How to Make Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spread those beautiful chicken breasts out in a roasting pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 2 teaspoons of chile powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Roasting the chicken helps concentrate its flavor and keeps it juicy. After about 30 minutes in the oven, shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large pot, heat up the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender. This step is important because sautéing brings out their sweetness and adds depth to your chili.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once your onions are ready, stir in the drained white beans, shredded chicken, chopped green chiles, oregano, remaining chile powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Pour in 4 cups of low-salt chicken broth while reserving some for later adjustments. Stir everything together gently and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. Remember not to let it boil; keeping it gentle ensures tender chicken!

Step 4: Add Cheese and Sour Cream

Remove your pot from heat after simmering. Let it cool for five minutes before stirring in three cups of cheese—add one cup at a time—and one cup of sour cream. Bringing back to a gentle simmer over low heat helps meld all those rich flavors together without separating the dairy.

Step 5: Serve with Garnishes

Finally! Serve steaming bowls of your Award Winning White Chicken Chili topped with garnishes like chopped scallions, cilantro leaves, hot sauce, or extra cheese as desired. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Now that you know how to prepare this delightful dish from start to finish let’s gather those ingredients and get cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe

Creating a chili that dazzles your taste buds is all about the details, so here are some pro tips to ensure your dish shines!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and spices can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your chili, making it vibrant and aromatic.

• Balance the heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper and use different types of chili powders to customize the spiciness. This allows you to cater to varying heat preferences while adding depth to the flavor.

• Let it simmer: A gentle simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully without breaking down the delicate ingredients. This results in a rich and harmonious chili.

• Mash for texture: Use a potato masher on part of the chicken and beans for added creaminess. This technique creates a delightful contrast between smoothness and hearty chunks in your chili.

• Taste as you go: Don’t forget to adjust seasoning! A little more salt or cumin can elevate your chili from good to outstanding, so be sure to taste throughout the cooking process.

How to Serve Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe

Presenting your white chicken chili can make all the difference in how it’s received at the table. With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn this dish into a show-stopping meal!

Garnishes

• Chopped scallions: Their mild onion flavor adds a fresh crunch, brightening up each bite.
• Chopped cilantro leaves: This herb brings a burst of freshness that complements the spices beautifully.
• Your favorite hot sauce: A drizzle of hot sauce adds an extra kick for those who love heat.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Avocado salad: A light avocado salad adds creaminess and contrasts nicely with the warmth of the chili.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa gives it an extra heartiness while balancing out flavors.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping and add texture alongside your creamy chili.

Each element contributes its own unique flavor, making every meal enjoyable. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a hearty and delicious dish throughout the week. You can store leftovers or even freeze portions for future meals, ensuring you always have a tasty option on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Ensure that the chili is kept at a consistent temperature below 40°F (4°C) to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label and date each container before placing them in the freezer.
• You can freeze white chicken chili for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Add additional chicken broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use other types of beans in this Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! While white beans add a creamy texture, feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

How can I make this Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe spicier?

To increase the heat level, add more cayenne pepper or include additional chopped green chiles. You could also top each serving with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!

Can I substitute the cheese in this chili recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What should I serve with my white chicken chili?

Cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh garden salad are delightful accompaniments that pair well with this chili!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe as much as I do! It’s packed with flavor and perfect for cozy gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spices. Happy cooking, and may every bowl bring warmth and joy to your table!