– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 3 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– ½ cup sour cream (optional for topping)
– Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
– Shredded cheese (optional for topping)
Creating a bowl of delicious White Bean Chicken Chili is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Prepare Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
4. Incorporate Beans and Broth: Add the rinsed white beans, diced green chilies, corn, and chicken broth into the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Return Chicken to Pot: Place the cooked chicken back into the pot. Bring everything to a simmer and then reduce the heat. Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes.
6. Shred the Chicken: After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to mix.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if necessary.
8. Serve: Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat and serve warm.