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White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a creamy, flavorful soup made with tender chicken, white beans, and mild spices like cumin and oregano. It is simmered until the ingredients meld into a rich, smooth broth with chunks of chicken, often finished with fresh herbs and lime for brightness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup sour cream for richness
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • e.g. Fresh cilantro and lime for garnish and flavor

Equipment

  • Large Soup Pot
  • Mixing Spoon

Method
 

  1. Sauté the diced onion in the large soup pot over medium heat until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly until it smells fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the cumin and oregano, stirring to combine the spices evenly into the broth.
  4. Introduce the chicken pieces to the broth, then cover the pot and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks, then return it to the soup. Stir in the drained white beans and continue simmering uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  6. Add the sour cream to the soup, stirring well to create a creamy texture that balances the spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  7. Simmer for a few more minutes until the soup is heated through and the flavors are well combined. The chili should be creamy and thickened, with tender chicken chunks and white beans throughout.
  8. Ladle the hot white chicken chili into bowls, then garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite bread or tortilla chips, enjoying the warm, comforting flavors and creamy texture.