Why Make This Recipe
Healthy White Chicken Chili is a delightful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich beans, and plenty of vegetables. This recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this chili is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
How to Make Healthy White Chicken Chili
Making Healthy White Chicken Chili is simple and can be done on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. Each method brings out the rich flavors of the ingredients and keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 medium-large)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon oil (I use avocado oil)
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 x 15 ounces cans great Northern beans or cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups corn
- 4 ounces can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin (ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 small bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup plain or Greek yogurt (fat 2%+)
- 1 lime (juice of)
- Tortilla chips, avocado, more yogurt, limes (for serving)
Directions
Stovetop Healthy White Chicken Chili
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until lightly browned on both sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the beans, corn, diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
Slow Cooker Healthy White Chicken Chili
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients except for the cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, remove the chicken and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice before serving.
Instant Pot Healthy White Chicken Chili
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the oil. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the chicken breasts and brown them slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the rest of the ingredients except for the cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Shred the chicken and mix in the cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice.
How to Serve Healthy White Chicken Chili
Serve the Healthy White Chicken Chili hot, garnished with avocado slices, extra yogurt, and lime wedges. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. It makes a wonderful main dish and is perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners.
How to Store Healthy White Chicken Chili
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Healthy White Chicken Chili
- For extra flavor, feel free to add your favorite spices or hot sauce.
- If you like a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Experiment with different types of beans or vegetables to customize the recipe to your tastes.
Variation
You can make this chili vegetarian by using chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time slightly and ensure they are thoroughly cooked before shredding.
2. How can I make this chili spicier?
To make the chili spicier, add more cayenne pepper or include fresh jalapeños during cooking.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
Healthy White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 medium-large)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon oil (preferably avocado oil)
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 15 ounces cans great Northern beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups corn
- 4 ounces diced green chilies, canned
- 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 small bunch cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plain or Greek yogurt (fat 2%+)
- 1 lime juice of
- Tortilla chips, avocado, more yogurt, limes (for serving)
Instructions
Stovetop Healthy White Chicken Chili
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until lightly browned on both sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the beans, corn, diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
Slow Cooker Healthy White Chicken Chili
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients except for the cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, remove the chicken and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice before serving.
Instant Pot Healthy White Chicken Chili
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the oil. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the chicken breasts and brown them slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the rest of the ingredients except for the cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Shred the chicken and mix in the cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice.