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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, rinsed and drained - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup frozen corn - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream) - 1 tablespoon lime juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro and avocado for garnish I love using fresh, simple ingredients for my healthy white chicken chili. The chicken gives it a nice texture, while the white beans add creaminess and fiber. The garlic and onion bring out great flavors. The spices, like cumin and smoked paprika, add warmth and depth. Using low-sodium chicken broth keeps it light, and frozen corn adds sweetness. Greek yogurt gives a creamy finish without the extra fat. Lime juice brightens every bite, and fresh cilantro and avocado make it look beautiful. This mix of ingredients makes a tasty and healthy dish. You can feel good about serving it to family and friends. Each part of the chili works together for comfort and flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing onions and garlic Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and stir it around. Cook until the onion turns soft and clear, about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it smells great. 2. Adding spices and vegetables Toss in the diced green bell pepper along with the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Mix it well and let it cook for 2 minutes. This step is key for making the chili flavorful. 3. Cooking chicken and incorporating beans and corn Place the chicken breasts into the pot, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mix to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now, stir in the rinsed white beans and corn. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, giving all the flavors a chance to blend. Finally, take the pot off the heat and mix in the Greek yogurt and lime juice until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve your warm chili with fresh cilantro and avocado slices on top for extra flavor and color. Enjoy your healthy white chicken chili! - Ensuring chicken is tender: Start by cooking the chicken slowly. Use low heat after boiling. This keeps the meat juicy. - Best methods for shredding chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred it easily. This method breaks it apart well. - How to enhance flavors: Add spices early in the cooking. The heat brings out their best taste. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, added at the end brighten up the dish. - Substitutions for Greek yogurt: If you can't have Greek yogurt, use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt. These options keep the creaminess. - Low-sodium options: Choose low-sodium chicken broth and rinse the beans well. This cuts down on salt without losing flavor. - Tips for reducing calories: Use less olive oil and skip the avocado if needed. You can also reduce the amount of Greek yogurt. This keeps the meal light yet tasty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs, especially the cilantro and lime. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika to suit your taste preferences for heat. Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time for meal prep or entertaining. Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can switch up the main protein in this chili. Instead of chicken, try turkey or even tofu for a plant-based option. Each choice brings a unique taste and texture. For beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans instead of white beans. This change alters the flavor and makes it fun to try new things. If you like heat, add some spicy peppers. Jalapeños or serranos can give your chili a nice kick. Adjust the amount to fit your spice level. Garnishes can take your chili to the next level. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor. Slices of avocado create a creamy texture that balances the spice. Pair your white chicken chili with cornbread or a slice of crusty bread. Rice also works well for a filling side. You can even serve it over a bed of quinoa for a healthy twist. To make this dish a complete meal, consider adding a simple salad on the side. A fresh, crisp salad can brighten the whole dining experience. Enjoy your chili in many ways! To store leftover chili, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is best. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label each container with the date for easy tracking. The best method for reheating chili is on the stove. Pour the chili into a pot over low heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. You can add a splash of chicken broth if it seems thick. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Another option is using the microwave. Place the chili in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. To maintain texture and flavor, avoid boiling the chili when reheating. This can break down the beans and chicken. Keeping it gentle ensures your chili remains thick and flavorful. Enjoy every bite of your healthy white chicken chili! You can use turkey or tofu. Both options work well in this chili. If using turkey, choose ground turkey for a similar texture. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it, then cube it before adding to the pot. Yes, it can! Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a skillet. Then, add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken right before serving. To add heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy chili powder instead. Adjust the amount to your taste. Don't forget to taste as you go! This blog post gave you a clear guide to making a tasty chili. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips. Adjustments for dietary needs and variations allow for creativity in your dish. Use the storage info to keep leftovers fresh. With these details, you can make a flavorful meal that suits your taste. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors!

Creamy Healthy White Chicken Chili

A delicious and nutritious white chicken chili that's creamy and packed with flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 whole onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 whole green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro and avocado

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the diced green bell pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Place the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
  • Stir in the rinsed white beans and corn. Simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and lime juice until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro and avocado slices for an extra boost of flavor and color.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Keyword chicken, chili, creamy, healthy