Healthy White Chicken Chili

This Healthy White Chicken Chili is a delightful clean-eating meal that you can easily prepare in your crockpot. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish is packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken, beans, and vibrant vegetables. The creamy texture comes from coconut milk, making it a dairy-free option that everyone will love. Enjoy the robust flavors without the hassle of complicated cooking methods!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.
• Flavorful: A blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously rich taste that warms you up.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the veggies and beans, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for meal prep; just double the recipe and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Healthy White Chicken Chili, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Medium skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, where flavors meld beautifully over time without constant monitoring.
• Medium skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables at the beginning, enhancing their flavor before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Sharp knife: Ensures quick and safe chopping of ingredients like onions and peppers.

Ingredients

This healthy white chicken chili recipe is a clean eating meal you can throw in the crockpot and forget about. It’s made with veggies, protein, beans, and is still creamy even though it’s dairy-free.

For the Base

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 poblano peppers (seeded and diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Chili

• 2-3 cups chicken broth (or chicken stock)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn (drained)
• 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles (with juices)

Spices

• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Freshly cracked pepper and kosher salt (to taste)

Protein & Creaminess

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (dairy-free if needed, optional)
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)

Toppings as Desired

See notes for suggestions!

How to Make Healthy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and poblano peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are soft. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add 2 cups of chicken broth, drained cannellini beans, drained corn, diced green chiles, and all spices into the slow cooker. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Nestle the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the chili mixture. Press down so they are submerged in liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

Step 4: Shred Chicken & Finish Chili

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker onto a cutting board. Shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken back into the crock pot along with cream cheese (if using) and coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir until melted and combined. You can add up to an additional cup of broth if you prefer a thinner consistency. Taste your chili before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Healthy White Chicken Chili

Serving Healthy White Chicken Chili is an opportunity to get creative and make the meal even more enjoyable. Whether you prefer crunchy toppings or a side of bread, these suggestions will elevate your chili experience.

Toppings

• Avocado Slices: Add fresh avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
• Fresh Cilantro: Garnish with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze lime juice over the chili to enhance flavors with acidity.
• Diced Tomatoes: Top with fresh tomatoes for added color and texture.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread Muffins: Serve alongside warm cornbread muffins for a classic pairing.
• Tortilla Chips: Offer crunchy tortilla chips on the side, perfect for scooping.
• Greek Yogurt or Dairy-Free Alternative: A dollop on top can add creaminess without dairy.

How to Perfect Healthy White Chicken Chili

Perfecting Healthy White Chicken Chili involves attention to detail and a few simple tips. With these methods, you can create a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices based on your preference; add more chili powder for heat or cumin for earthiness.
• Control Consistency: Adjust the amount of chicken broth or coconut milk based on how thick or thin you like your chili.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy White Chicken Chili

Complementing your Healthy White Chicken Chili with side dishes can enhance the meal. Here are some great options that pair well:

1. Cornbread: This sweet and savory bread is perfect for soaking up chili flavors.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy chili.
3. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color, nutrition, and flavor to your meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad featuring diced vegetables offers additional protein and fiber.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or beans can be a hearty addition to the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some simple steps that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly skip the sautéing: Some may think adding raw vegetables directly to the slow cooker is fine. Sautéing enhances flavors, so always sauté onions and peppers first.
• Boldly ignore seasoning: Not seasoning at every stage can lead to bland chili. Add spices when cooking and taste as you go for the best flavor.
• Boldly overcooking chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy results.
• Boldly forget about toppings: Toppings add texture and flavor. Don’t skip them! Consider avocado, cilantro, or dairy-free cheese for extra flair.
• Boldly limit broth: Using too little broth can make your chili too thick. Start with 2 cups, and add more if needed until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool before sealing for optimal freshness.

Freezing Healthy White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Healthy White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Healthy White Chicken Chili that can help you make this dish even better.

Can I use different beans in Healthy White Chicken Chili?

Yes! While cannellini beans are traditional, you can use other beans like navy or great northern beans for a different texture.

How can I make this chili spicier?

To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or increasing the amount of chili powder used in the recipe.

What toppings work best with Healthy White Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include avocado slices, chopped cilantro, dairy-free sour cream, or tortilla strips for crunch.

How do I store leftovers of Healthy White Chicken Chili?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I customize this recipe with other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or carrots based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy White Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also versatile enough to fit your dietary needs. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on what’s available in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Healthy White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

This Healthy White Chicken Chili is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Bursting with flavor from tender chicken, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables, this creamy chili uses coconut milk to achieve its rich texture without dairy. It’s easy to prepare in your crockpot, making it a hassle-free option for wholesome clean eating. Customize it with your favorite toppings for an extra layer of deliciousness. Enjoy a bowl of this satisfying meal that’s not only flavorful but also packed with protein and fiber.

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 poblano peppers (seeded and diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2–3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can corn (drained)
• 2 cans diced green chiles
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and poblano peppers for about 4 minutes, then add minced garlic for another minute.
2. Transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker. Add chicken broth, drained beans, corn, green chiles, and spices. Mix well.
3. Nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
4. Once cooked, shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker along with coconut milk. Stir until combined and adjust consistency with more broth if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg