White Chicken Chili

I have tried countless recipes for white chicken chili over the years, from this popular and easy “dump it all in a pot” recipe to more authentic, time-consuming versions made from a wide array of chili peppers and hominy. My favorite recipe, and the one my family loves best, falls somewhere in the middle. Modestly adapted from the Neelys, this white chicken chili is a hearty, one-pot meal that you can have on the dinner table in under an hour.

White Chicken Chili

Adapted from The Neely’s White Chicken Chili on the Food Network

Made with a rotisserie chicken, this hearty white chicken chili is a one-pot meal that you can have on the table in under an hour.Servings: 4-6Prep Time: 20 MinutesCook Time: 35 MinutesTotal Time: 55 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (see note)
• 2 medium poblano peppers, seeded and diced (see note)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• Salt
• 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and shredded (about 4 cups)
• 3/4 cup frozen corn
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, from one lime, plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro

OPTIONAL FOR SERVING

• Sour cream
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Shredded cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese
• Lime wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor, blend 1/2 of the beans (1 can) with 1 cup of the chicken broth. Set aside both the puréed beans and the remaining whole beans.
2. Add the oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the onion, jalapeño pepper and poblano peppers and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute more. Add the cumin, coriander and ancho chili powder and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for one minute more to toast the spices. Add the chicken broth, puréed beans and 1/2 teaspoon of salt; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, reserved whole beans, corn, and lime juice; bring back to a simmer and cook until everything is heated through, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and lime juice, if necessary. Stir in the cilantro. (Note that the broth will be somewhat soupy — that’s how it is supposed to be. It thickens the longer it sits; see note below.) Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges.
4. Note: The seeds and ribs in the peppers hold all of the heat. I don’t use them to keep the chili mild and family-friendly, but if you like a spicy chili, save them and stir some in at the end. (If you do touch the seeds, be sure to wash your hands well and avoid touching your eyes.)
5. Note: The chili thickens as it sits. If you make it ahead of time, you will probably need to add more broth or water to thin it out.
6. Note: Nutrition info does not include optional toppings.
7. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot. (The chili will thicken up some when frozen, so you’ll likely need to add some broth when reheating.)