Speedy Paula Deen White Chicken Chili Recipe That Wows

Simmering with southwestern charm, white chicken chili emerges as a culinary gem that transforms ordinary dinners into memorable feasts.

This creamy concoction marries tender chicken with velvety white beans in a dance of robust flavors.

Spices whisper tales of comfort, while each spoonful promises a journey through hearty, soul-warming goodness.

Loaded with protein and warmth, the chili dances between rustic simplicity and gourmet elegance.

Its smooth texture and nuanced seasonings elevate home cooking to an art form.

Quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, this dish beckons you to grab a ladle and experience pure culinary bliss.

Surrender to the delicious embrace of this southwestern-inspired masterpiece and let your taste buds celebrate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Paula Deen’s White Chicken Chili

• Dried Navy Beans: Choose plump, uncracked beans with uniform color and no signs of moisture damage.
• Chicken Stock: Select low-sodium varieties for better flavor control and healthier option.

• Yellow Onion, Green Chilies, Garlic: Pick firm, fresh produce with vibrant colors and no soft spots or blemishes.

• Cooked Chicken: Use freshly shredded or rotisserie chicken for tender, juicy meat.
• Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Opt for recently purchased, fragrant spices from reputable brands to ensure maximum flavor intensity.
• Fresh Cilantro: Select bright green leaves without wilting or yellowing edges for maximum freshness.

• Butter: Choose unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.

Tools You’ll Use for White Chicken Chili

• Large Cooking Pot: Essential for boiling and simmering beans and chili.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing aromatics like garlic, onions, and chilies.
• Colander: Great for draining and rinsing dried navy beans.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, chilies, and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add ground cumin, peppers, and herbs.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and blending chili ingredients.
• Ladle: Helps serve hot chili into individual bowls.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for measuring chicken stock.

Instructions for Cooking White Chicken Chili

• Soften Beans

Rinse navy beans under cool water and let them soak for two hours. Drain water completely and transfer beans to a large pot. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a vigorous boil.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Heat butter in a skillet and toss in garlic, onions, and green chilies. Cook until onions turn golden and release a mouth-watering aroma. The vegetables will dance and sizzle, creating a rich base for your chili.

• Blend Hearty Ingredients

Combine the sautéed aromatics with beans and stir in tender chicken pieces. Sprinkle in warming spices like cumin, oregano, and peppers. Add fresh cilantro for a vibrant kick that brightens the entire dish.

• Slow Cook and Develop Depth

Reduce heat and let the chili simmer gently. Allow the liquid to slowly reduce and ingredients to meld together. Stir occasionally, letting each ingredient whisper its flavor into the pot. After about 90 minutes, the chicken will become incredibly tender and the spices will create a complex, satisfying taste.

• Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro if you desire. Pair with cornbread or your favorite side for a complete, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.

Flavorful Chili Tips and Add-Ins

• Elevate Bean Chili Magic: Expert Cooking Insights
• Customize Bean Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes and green chilies to control spiciness. Mild lovers can reduce quantity, while heat seekers can amplify pepper amounts for an intense kick.
• Bean Texture Transformation: Experiment with bean soaking times. Longer soaking creates softer beans, while shorter periods maintain slightly firmer texture. Drain and rinse beans thoroughly to enhance digestibility and reduce potential gas.
• Protein Power-Up: Replace chicken with alternative proteins like ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based crumbles. Each protein option introduces unique flavor profiles and nutritional variations to your chili experience.
• Meal Prep Champion: This chili freezes beautifully for up to three months. Store in airtight containers, leaving slight expansion room. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, adding splash of chicken stock to restore original consistency and moisture.

Serving White Chicken Chili Like a Pro

• Boost Flavor with Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese, diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top to add creamy texture and extra zest.
• Create Hearty Meal Combo: Serve alongside warm cornbread or fluffy rice to transform this chili into a complete, satisfying dinner that fills hungry bellies.
• Customize Heat Level: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for spice lovers who want an extra kick of heat with their meal.
• Make Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, warm flavors of the chicken and bean chili.

Storage Plan for Chili Leftovers

• Preserve Fresh Flavor: Cool chili completely before transferring to airtight containers, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining optimal taste quality.
• Refrigerate Smart Portions: Store chili in sealed containers for up to 4 days, keeping each portion under 2 cups to ensure consistent cooling and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chili maintains excellent quality for 3 months, providing quick meal solutions during busy weeks.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw refrigerated or frozen chili in the microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying, ensuring the chili tastes just as delicious as when first prepared.

Hearty Paula Deen White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s white chicken chili combines creamy comfort with zesty southwestern flavors. Southern-style cooking delivers hearty warmth that comforts diners from first spoonful to last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) dried navy beans
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) skinless boneless chicken breast, finely chopped
• 5 cups (1.2 liters) chicken stock
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) butter
• ¾ cup (180 ml) onion, diced
• 1 ½ can green chilies/jalapeño peppers, chopped or whole
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 to 2 tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp white pepper
• ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
• red pepper flakes (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Bean Preparation: Cleanse navy beans under running water, removing any impurities. Soak beans in water for 2 hours at room temperature, allowing thorough hydration.
2. Initial Cooking: Transfer drained beans to a stockpot, cover with chicken stock, and bring to a vigorous boil over high heat. This process creates a robust liquid base for the chili.
3. Vegetable Foundation: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic, onions, and chilies until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence. The caramelization develops deep, complex flavor profiles.
4. Flavor Amalgamation: Introduce the sautéed vegetable mixture into the boiling bean liquid. Add chicken pieces, cumin, oregano, black and white pepper, cilantro, and red pepper flakes to build a multi-dimensional taste experience.
5. Simmering and Melding: Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the chili to simmer uncovered. Periodically stir and let the liquid reduce for approximately 90 minutes, ensuring chicken becomes incredibly tender and ingredients harmonize completely.
6. Final Refinement: Assess and fine-tune seasoning with salt or additional spices. Serve the white chicken chili hot, complemented by cornbread or your preferred accompaniment.

Notes

• Soak Smartly: Navy beans require full submersion and 2-hour hydration at room temperature to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
• Butter Boost: Use high-quality unsalted butter for sautéing vegetables, which enhances the foundational flavor profile of the chili.
• Simmer Strategically: Low and slow cooking allows chicken to become incredibly tender while developing deep, complex taste dimensions.
• Spice with Precision: Balance heat and flavor by gradually adding red pepper flakes and ground cumin, tasting and adjusting throughout the cooking process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg