Healthy White Chicken Chili

This Healthy White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply looking for a comforting weeknight dish, this chili delivers on flavor without compromising your health goals. Packed with protein, beans, and fresh vegetables, it’s creamy yet dairy-free, making it a standout option for clean eating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: A blend of spices and ingredients creates a rich taste that will please everyone at the table.
• Versatile Meal: Customize with your favorite toppings or adjust spice levels to suit your preferences.
• Healthy Comfort Food: This dish is packed with protein and fiber while being low in calories.
• Dairy-Free Option: Enjoy all the creaminess without dairy by using coconut milk or dairy-free cream cheese.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Healthy White Chicken Chili, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Medium skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for hands-off cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Medium skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for precise cutting of onions, peppers, and other veggies.

Ingredients

This healthy white chicken chili recipe is a clean eating meal you can throw in the crockpot and forget about. It’s made with veggies, protein, beans, and is still creamy even though it’s dairy free.

For the Base

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 poblano peppers (seeded and diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Chili

• 2-3 cups chicken broth (or chicken stock)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn (drained)
• 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles (with juices)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Freshly cracked pepper and kosher salt (to taste)

For the Protein

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)

For Creaminess

• 4 ounces cream cheese (dairy-free if needed, optional)
• 1 cup full fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)

Toppings

• Toppings as desired (see notes)

How to Make Healthy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and poblano peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add 2 cups of chicken broth, beans, corn, green chilis, and spices into the slow cooker. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Nestle the chicken breasts into the chili mixture. Press down gently to ensure they are submerged in liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the slow cooker onto a cutting board. Shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken back into the crockpot along with cream cheese (if using) and coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir well until everything is melted and combined.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency & Serve

If needed, add up to 1 cup more of broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste your chili and adjust salt and pepper as necessary before serving with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy this Healthy White Chicken Chili as part of your wholesome meal routine!

How to Serve Healthy White Chicken Chili

Serving Healthy White Chicken Chili is an opportunity to get creative and make the meal even more enjoyable. Toppings and side dishes can elevate the flavor and presentation, making it a delightful experience for everyone at the table.

Toppings

• Avocado – Creamy slices of avocado add richness and healthy fats.
• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor that complements the chili.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice enhances the chili’s taste with acidity.
• Diced Tomatoes – Fresh diced tomatoes add color and freshness to each bowl.
• Green Onions – Chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor and crunch.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Moist cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up every delicious drop.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips offer a satisfying contrast to the creamy chili.
• Rice – Serve over fluffy rice for a heartier meal; consider using brown rice for added fiber.

How to Perfect Healthy White Chicken Chili

To ensure your Healthy White Chicken Chili turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips. They will help you master this dish for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh veggies and herbs enhance the taste and nutrition of your chili.
• Adjust the spices – Feel free to tweak the spices according to your heat preferences; add more chili powder for extra kick!
• Shred chicken thoroughly – Shredding the chicken finely allows it to absorb more flavors from the broth during cooking.
• Experiment with toppings – Try different toppings like jalapeños or dairy-free cheese for added variety.
• Let it rest before serving – Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld all the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy White Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that will complement your dish.

1. Simple Green Salad – A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the chili.
2. Quinoa Salad – Protein-packed quinoa tossed with veggies makes for a nutritious side that adds texture.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices offer an excellent way to serve more veggies.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional flavors that pair beautifully with chili.
5. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast that complements savory dishes well.
6. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make for a delicious dipping option alongside your chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some key steps for the best results. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong broth: Always choose a low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option. Using regular broth can make the chili too salty.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing your veggies before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavors. Don’t skip this step!
• Forgetting to season: It’s crucial to taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Start with less salt and add more later to avoid over-salting.
• Not using enough liquid: If you want a creamier chili, ensure you have enough liquid, either through broth or coconut milk. Adjust as necessary.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can lead to dry meat. Follow cooking times carefully for tender chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Healthy White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Healthy White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring often until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Healthy White Chicken Chili that might help you as you prepare this delicious dish.

Can I make Healthy White Chicken Chili in advance?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese or omit it altogether if you prefer a lighter version of Healthy White Chicken Chili.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used in this Healthy White Chicken Chili are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any canned products are labeled as gluten-free.

How can I customize my Healthy White Chicken Chili?

Feel free to add different beans, vegetables, or spices based on your preferences. Toppings like avocado or cilantro can also enhance flavor!

Final Thoughts

This Healthy White Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients and toppings according to your taste, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today!

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Healthy White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Healthy White Chicken Chili is a nutritious and comforting dish that promises to delight your taste buds while keeping your health goals in check. Perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to meal prep—it’s packed with tender chicken, fiber-rich beans, and vibrant vegetables. The creamy consistency comes from coconut milk, making it a fantastic dairy-free option that maintains all the richness you crave. With its blend of spices and customizable toppings, this chili can be tailored to suit everyone’s preferences. Enjoy a bowlful of warmth and nourishment with every spoonful!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 poblano peppers (seeded and diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2–3 cups chicken broth (or chicken stock)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn (drained)
• 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles (with juices)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Freshly cracked pepper and kosher salt (to taste)
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (dairy-free if needed, optional)
• 1 cup full fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)

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Instructions

1. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and poblano peppers for 3-4 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Transfer the sautéed mixture to a slow cooker and add chicken broth, drained beans, corn, green chiles, and spices. Stir well.
3. Nestle the chicken into the mixture, ensuring it's submerged in liquid. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
4. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker with coconut milk (and cream cheese if using). Stir until combined.
5. Adjust seasoning and consistency by adding more broth if desired before serving with your favorite toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg