Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Looking for a delicious and healthy chili recipe? This white chicken chili is the perfect comfort food, loaded with lean chicken, chickpeas, and spices for a hearty and satisfying meal. Made with fresh ingredients and low-sodium broth, this healthy chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any time of year. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this easy white chicken chili recipe will become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 1 can mild green chiles (or substitute with 2 seeded and diced jalapeños)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• ½ cup frozen corn
• 1 medium lime, juiced
• ⅓ cup fresh, chopped cilantro

For Garnish:

• Tortilla strips or chips
• Extra cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Extra lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and green chiles (or jalapeños) and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Spices: Stir in cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, and dried oregano. Let the spices cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
3. Simmer the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add one can of drained chickpeas, uncooked chicken (either breasts or thighs), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Shred the Chicken: After simmering, remove the chicken from the pot with a slotted spoon. Shred the chicken using two forks.
5. Add Lime & Cilantro: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to brighten the soup.
6. Blend Chickpeas: In a blender, combine the second can of rinsed and drained chickpeas with ½ cup of water or broth. Blend until smooth, adding more liquid as needed for a creamy texture.
7. Finish the Chili: Pour the blended chickpeas into the soup, then add the frozen corn. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and heat through.
8. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips or chips, additional cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges. Serve and enjoy!

Serves 4.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich in Flavor: The combination of cumin, chili powder, and fresh lime creates a balanced, zesty chili that’s perfect for any season.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with lean chicken, chickpeas, and veggies, this chili is high in protein and fiber while being low in fat.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Tips

• Shred the Chicken: For extra flavor, let the shredded chicken sit in the broth for a few minutes after adding it back to the pot.
• Adjust the Spice: Add more chili powder or a diced jalapeño for extra heat, or leave it mild if you prefer.
• Thicken the Soup: For a thicker consistency, blend more chickpeas or add a bit of mashed potato to the soup.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
• Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken breast for a leaner option, or try tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!

Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, you can freeze this white chicken chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Is this chili spicy?
This chili is mild, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños to suit your taste.

Serving

This hearty and healthy chili is perfect served with tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or a slice of warm cornbread. Add a refreshing salad on the side for a complete meal.

Suggestions

• Toppings: Add avocado, shredded cheese (if not dairy-free), or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
• Side Dishes: Pair with a light green salad, steamed veggies, or rice for a fuller meal.
• Spicy Kick: If you love spice, top your chili with a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped fresh chilies for extra heat.