This easy white chicken chili is a delicious and comforting dairy-free dish that's perfect for the autumn season. It's thickened with creamy full-fat coconut milk, loaded with flavor and spices, and designed to meet your nutritional needs.
What is the Nutritional Value of White Chicken Chili?
Our creamy white chicken chili is delicious and nutritious. We make it with chicken breast, fiber-rich beans, and fresh veggies. Compared to beef chili, our healthy white chicken chili is lower in saturated fat and calories when we use full fat coconut milk.
In moderation, this chili can provide well-rounded nutrition. The chicken offers lean protein, beans add fiber, and spices provide antioxidants. With its combo of protein, fiber, and plant nutrients, our creamy white chicken chili is a great healthy meal, as long as portion sizes are watched.
What do we use to Thicken White Chicken Chili?
The secret to getting a thick and creamy texture in dairy-free white chicken chili is using full-fat coconut milk as the base. Simmering the chili slowly with coconut milk and chicken broth lends natural creaminess as the liquids reduce and concentrate. The gelatin and proteins in the chicken broth help give it more body. If after simmering it is still thinner than desired, make a slurry with 1-2 tbsp cornstarch whisked into chicken broth, and gently stir in while hot to reach the perfect velvety texture. Low sodium or homemade chicken broth works best to allow reducing without over-salting.
Slow Cooker or an Instant Pot?
White chicken chili can easily be made in either a slow cooker or instant pot. For the slow cooker, simply add all ingredients and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender. For the instant pot, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and pressure cook on manual for 15-20 minutes. After pressure cooking, do a natural release.
Both the slow cooker and instant pot provide hands-off cooking methods that infuse the chili with flavor, with the instant pot greatly reducing cook time. So white chicken chili is perfectly suited for either appliance, making it an easy weekday meal.
Ingredients:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (adjust quantity to your preference)1 tbsp coconut oil (for instant pot version only)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cans of cannellini or great northern beans (15 oz each)
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (adjust spice level to your liking)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp lime juice
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
1 cup chicken broth (or homemade bone broth)
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
1 cup corn kernels
Garnishes (optional): Shredded cheese, sliced avocado, lime wedge and fresh cilantro
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, beans, spices, chicken broth, green chiles, and corn. Adjust broth to reach desired thickness.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, until chicken is very tender.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in coconut milk and lime juice. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, etc. if desired.
Instant Pot Instructions:
- Select Sauté setting on instant pot and heat coconut oil. Add onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chicken, beans, spices, broth, green chiles and corn. Stir to combine.
- Lock lid, seal valve and cook at high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes.
- Release remaining pressure. Remove lid and shred chicken using two forks.
- Stir in coconut milk and lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve garnished with desired toppings
Note: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze.
Enjoy the warmth and flavor of our Creamy White Chicken Chili, a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for any season.This simple, wholesome recipe is one of your go-to meals for the family.
Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings. The secret ingredient is full-fat coconut milk, which gives it a rich, dairy-free creaminess. Whether made in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, the result is always a soul-warming bowl. Leftovers freeze nicely for those nights when you need a quick dinner. Savor each warm, creamy spoonful!
Joan Silvino
October 20, 2023