White Chicken Chili Recipe
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Introduction
White Chicken Chili in a Slow Cooker
If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare, look no further than white chicken chili. This slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken, creamy texture, and just the right amount of spice for a satisfying meal. Ideal for busy days or relaxed weekends, this dish requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
What You’ll Need:
– Chicken breasts, 1 pound (about 2 medium-sized pieces)
– Chicken broth, 4 cups
– White beans, 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
– Diced green chilies, 2 cans (4 oz each)
– Onion, 1 medium, chopped
– Garlic cloves, 3, minced
– Ground cumin, 1 teaspoon
– Paprika, 1 teaspoon
– Chili powder, 1 teaspoon
– Cream cheese, 8 oz, softened
– Shredded cheese, 1 cup (for serving)
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
Effortless Preparation
Getting this recipe started is incredibly simple. All you need to do is gather your ingredients, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Once that’s ready, the slow cooker will take care of the rest for you. There’s minimal active cooking time, making it perfect for a no-fuss dinner. Prep time typically takes around 10 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Tender and Flavorsome
This white chicken chili requires 6-8 hours of cook time on low in the slow cooker, or you can opt for 3-4 hours on high if you’re short on time. Combine the chicken, broth, beans, chilies, onion, garlic, and spices in the slow cooker, and let it simmer away. After cooking, shred the chicken and stir in the cream cheese to create that rich, creamy texture.
Total Time
Between prep and cooking, the total time is approximately 6-8 hours and 10 minutes.
Yield
This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, depending on portion sizes, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
1. Gather all necessary ingredients for the recipe.
2. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cooked chicken.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
1. In the slow cooker, place the diced onion and minced garlic.
2. Add in the black beans, green chilies, corn, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.
Step 3: Add Cooked Chicken
1. Shred the cooked chicken and add it into the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Mix and Cook
1. Stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker gently to combine.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Ensure the chili is heated through.
Step 5: Add Creamy Ingredients
1. When the chili is fully heated, add cream cheese and heavy cream to the slow cooker.
2. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese melts and is thoroughly incorporated.
3. Let the chili cook for 15-20 more minutes after adding these ingredients.
Step 6: Serve
1. Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls.
2. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Notes
Note: Adjust Heat and Flavor
1. For more heat, add additional green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2. Adjust the salt and spices to suit your preference.
Note: Prepare Ingredients Beforehand
1. Cooking the chicken ahead of time and shredding it can save time.
Note: Vegetarian Substitute
1. Replace the chicken with a combination of additional beans or sweet potatoes for a vegetarian version.
Note: Freezing and Storing
1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just reheated gently on the stove after thawing.
Note: Slow Cooker Size
1. Use a slow cooker that is at least 4-6 quarts in size to avoid overflow or spillage.
Note: Toppings
1. Experiment with various toppings like avocado, tortilla chips, or lime wedges for additional flavor.
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Cook Techniques
Sautéing the Vegetables
Before adding ingredients to the slow cooker, briefly sauté the onion, jalapeño, and garlic in a skillet. This step enhances their flavors and adds depth to the chili.
Layering Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, start with the chicken breasts first. Then, follow with the beans, vegetables, and spices to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Using the Slow Cooker Settings
Cook the white chicken chili on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. This allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and absorb all the flavors.
Shredding the Chicken
After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker for the final mixing and to let it absorb the liquid.
Thickening the Chili
If you prefer a thicker texture, mash some beans against the side of the slow cooker and stir them in. This will help create a creamier consistency without using additional thickeners.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s recommended to increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
To make it spicier, you can add extra jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the chili.
Can I use a different type of beans?
Absolutely. While white beans like cannellini or great northern beans are traditional in white chicken chili, you can use other beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, if preferred.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace dairy-based toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese with dairy-free alternatives or omit them entirely.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes. You can cook the chili, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a pot on the stove or in the slow cooker on low heat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months.
What toppings go well with white chicken chili?
Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime juice complement the chili well.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred it and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to warm it up and incorporate the flavors.
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Conclusion
The White Chicken Chili in the slow cooker is a warm, comforting meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Its creamy texture and the combination of tender chicken with a variety of spices make it a family favorite. Perfect for busy days, this recipe offers a hearty dish that you can simply set and forget until dinnertime. Once tried, it’s sure to become a regular addition to your meal rotation.
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