Easy White Chicken Chili

As the seasons change and the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than coming home to a house filled with the rich smells of a hearty meal slowly cooking in the crock pot.

Today, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorite recipes, a white chicken chili. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also super easy to prepare. Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who loves a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

• Chicken broth: 2 to 3 cups depending on your preferred chili consistency.
• Corn: One can, of fire-roasted corn adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Beans: Pinto beans and light red kidney beans. You can substitute with other types of white beans if preferred.
• Green salsa (Salsa Verde): About half a cup adds a delightful tang to the chili.
• Taco seasoning: Homemade or store-bought.
• Ranch dip mix: Fiesta ranch dip mix is recommended for its unique flavor, but regular ranch dip mix works too.
• Chicken breasts: Generally, two to three large ones depending on how much meat you like in your chili.

Preparing the White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Preparing the Crock Pot

Begin by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. If you’re looking to save some time on clean-up, consider using crock pot liners. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any on hand this time, but they can be a real-time-saver.

Step 2: Adding the Beans and Corn

Drain and add your beans to the crock pot. You can mix and match your preferred beans, but pinto and light red kidney beans are a delicious combination. Next, stir in a can of corn. Fire-roasted corn is an excellent choice if you can find it.

Step 3: Pouring in the Chicken Broth

Pour in two to three cups of chicken broth. I like to start with two cups and then assess whether I need more broth after shredding the chicken later in the cooking process.

Step 4: Seasoning the Chili

Now, it’s time for the seasoning. Use a tablespoon and a half of your favorite taco seasoning. Whether you opt for a homemade mix or a store-bought packet, the choice is yours. Next, add about half a packet of ranch dip mix. I found that the Fiesta ranch dip mix adds a unique and delicious flavor, which I highly recommend if you can find it.

Step 5: Adding Salsa Verde

Pour in half a cup of Salsa Verde. This ingredient isn’t spicy but adds a wonderful tang that enhances the overall flavor of the chili.

Step 6: Giving It a Stir

Give everything a gentle stir to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed. This step is optional as the slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Cooking Time

Cover your crock pot and cook the chili on low for 6 to 8 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully and gives you the convenience of going about your day.

Shredding the Chicken

Step 1: Preparing to Shred

After the cooking time, it’s time to shred the chicken. One of my favorite tips is to use a hand mixer. It might sound unconventional, but trust me, it shreds the chicken perfectly in under a minute.

Step 2: Shredding Process

Place one cooked chicken breast inside a high-sided glass or plastic bowl. Using the hand mixer, shred the chicken until it’s nice and fine. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

I typically find that two large chicken breasts are sufficient, but if you used three, you might have some leftover for a tasty chicken salad for lunch the next week.

Step 3: Final Touches

Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and give everything a good stir. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can skip adding more broth. However, I like adding a cup of chicken broth to bring everything together nicely.

Serving Your White Chicken Chili

Now that your white chicken chili is ready, it’s time to serve it up. Here are some of my favorite toppings that perfectly complement this dish:

Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy richness that balances the flavors of the chili.

Fresh Cilantro

Freshly chopped cilantro brings a fresh and slightly citrusy note that brightens the dish.

Lime Slices

A squeeze of lime juice adds a pop of acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese adds a lovely sharpness and extra creaminess when it slightly melts into the warm chili.

Summing It Up

This white chicken chili is not only a quick and easy recipe but also a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul on those cold winter evenings. The combination of simple pantry ingredients and a few fresh toppings makes it a favorite in my household. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do.

Feel free to experiment with different beans, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or add more of your favorite toppings. The versatility of this recipe means you can tailor it to your preferences and create a version that your family will love.