There’s something so heartwarming about a big bowl of white chicken chili, isn’t there? It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in a cozy blanket of flavor, making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Now, let me tell you about my favorite twist on this classic: adding salsa verde! The fresh, zesty kick of the salsa elevates the whole dish, giving it a vibrant flavor that dances on your taste buds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! It’s super easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy Sundays, and it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that’ll make you feel good. So, grab your pot, and let’s dive into this delicious journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Healthy ingredients like lean chicken, beans, and corn for a nutritious meal.
- Versatile and customizable; you can easily adjust spice levels to your liking.
- One-pot meal means less cleanup, so you can enjoy more time with family or friends.
- Great for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Kid-friendly and perfect for any gathering—everyone will love it!
Ingredients for White Chicken Chili Verde
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience!)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (great for that creamy texture)
- 1 cup salsa verde (go for a packed cup to really enhance the flavor)
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works perfectly)
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned (I often use frozen for that fresh taste)
- 1 onion, chopped (a must for that aromatic base)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for warmth and depth)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (adds a nice herbal note)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season to your liking!)
How to Prepare White Chicken Chili Verde
Now, let’s get cooking! This white chicken chili verde comes together in no time and fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, hearty dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Next, add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir it around and let it cook for about 2 minutes just to warm it through.
- Now it’s time for the star of the show! Stir in the salsa verde, chicken broth, and corn. The vibrant colors are just a preview of the deliciousness to come!
- Then, gently fold in the drained and rinsed white beans, cumin, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it bubble away for about 20 minutes, allowing all those flavors to mingle and deepen.
- Once it’s done, serve it hot, and don’t forget to garnish with your favorite toppings for a finishing touch!
And just like that, you’ve got a comforting bowl of white chicken chili verde! Enjoy the comforting warmth and vibrant flavors—your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Success
To make this white chicken chili verde truly shine, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way! First off, don’t skimp on the salsa verde—it really brings that zesty flavor to life! If you like a little heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up. For added depth, consider throwing in a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving; it brightens everything beautifully! And if you want to make this dish even heartier, feel free to add in some diced bell peppers or zucchini. Trust me, these little adjustments can make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious white chicken chili verde! Each hearty cup contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the wholesome goodness packed into each bowl. Enjoy knowing that you’re fueling your body with a nutritious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! While white beans are traditional for this recipe, you can easily substitute them with other beans like black beans or pinto beans. Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed, just like the white beans. Each type will bring its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!
Is this recipe spicy?
This white chicken chili verde has a mild kick thanks to the salsa verde, but if you’re looking for more heat, it’s super easy to adjust! You can add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot while cooking. Alternatively, serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy!
How can I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or microwave!
Serving Suggestions
This white chicken chili verde is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few tasty sides! I love serving it with crispy tortilla chips for that perfect crunch. You could also whip up a fresh side salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing to balance the flavors. And don’t forget to have some sour cream or jalapeños on hand for topping—it adds a nice creamy or spicy kick that everyone will enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious white chicken chili verde is super simple! Once it’s cooled down, just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date so you know when you made it.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw the chili in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave; just make sure to heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. Enjoy!
White Chicken Chili Verde: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and hearty white chicken chili made with salsa verde.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add shredded chicken and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in salsa verde, chicken broth, and corn.
- Add white beans, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños if desired.
- Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: White Chicken Chili Verde, salsa verde, chicken chili