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Healthy Weeknight White Chicken Chili Recipe

Healthy Weeknight White Chicken Chili

A lighter stovetop white chicken chili made with lean chicken, white beans, green chiles, broth, and fragrant spices. It is comforting, protein-rich, and ready in about 45 to 50 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium Medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño Jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 15-ounce cans Cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 4-ounce can Diced green chiles
  • 4 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
Optional Creamy Finish
  • 1/2 cup Plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and optional jalapeño, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
  2. Add the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic and spices become fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken, drained beans, diced green chiles, and low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  4. Partially cover the pot and simmer for 18 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  6. For a thicker texture, mash approximately 1 cup of the beans against the side of the pot. You may also briefly blend a portion of the chili before returning the shredded chicken.
  7. Stir in the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice. If using Greek yogurt, remove the pot from the heat and gradually stir it in so it stays smooth.
  8. Taste the chili and adjust the salt, pepper, lime juice, or heat as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Keep the chili at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil so the chicken stays tender. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Temper Greek yogurt with a few spoonfuls of hot broth before adding it to the pot.