Title: Cheesy White Chicken Chili
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Number of Servings: 6
Required Equipment List: Slow cooker, measuring cups, measuring spoons, knife, cutting board
Cuisine Type: American
Cheesy White Chicken Chili is a creamy and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and an abundance of cheese for a rich and satisfying meal. This slow-cooked recipe is perfect for busy days as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
The combination of white beans, green chilies, and a blend of cheeses creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that make this chili a family favorite. As the chili simmers in the slow cooker, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infuses the broth with its savory goodness.
Topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes, this dish not only tastes great but also presents beautifully when served. Ideal for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this cheesy white chicken chili is sure to warm you up and leave you satisfied.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and rinse the white beans. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to guarantee they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, white beans, green chilies, diced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the chicken broth over the top, making sure all the ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. You can also cook it on high for 3 hours if you’re short on time.
- After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to combine.
- Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Allow the chili to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid on to let the cheese fully incorporate into the chili.
- Once ready to serve, ladle the cheesy white chicken chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Extra Tips: For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chili. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the white beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
This will give the dish a creamier texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and also freeze well, making this dish perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy your delicious creation!