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Cozy Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

Chili Aromatics & Spices
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • 2 cans (4.5 oz each) diced mild green chiles undrained, provides authentic smoky flavor
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin warm earthy aroma
  • 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano crushed between palms
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder mild
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander citrusy herbal note
  • 1 tsp kosher salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
Broth, Chicken & Hearty Additions
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth rich and collagen-packed
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast rotisserie chicken or poached shredded breasts
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained (reserve 1/2 cup for pureeing)
  • 1 1/2 cups sweet yellow corn frozen, thawed or canned drained
Rich Creamy Finish & Garnishes
  • 8 oz cream cheese full-fat, softened to room temperature and cubed
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese freshly shredded (or Pepper Jack for subtle heat)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice adds a bright citrus pop at the end
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped, plus extra for serving

Method
 

Sauté Aromatics & Bloom Spices
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, Mexican oregano, mild chili powder, ground coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 60 seconds until delightfully fragrant and the spices bloom into the warm oil.
Simmer Chicken, Beans & Broth
  1. Pour in the low-sodium chicken bone broth, undrained canned green chiles, and sweet yellow corn. Add the rinsed white beans, setting aside 1/2 cup of beans in a small bowl.
  2. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the reserved 1/2 cup of white beans with a few spoonfuls of warm broth into a smooth paste, then stir it back into the pot. (This naturally thickens the chili broth with hearty bean starch).
  3. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Bring the chili to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
Melt Cream Cheese & Finish
  1. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cubed cream cheese and freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Whisk or stir steadily for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheeses melt completely into a silky, luscious, creamy broth.
  2. Remove the pot from the heat. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice and stir in the freshly chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or black pepper if desired.
  3. Ladle hot chili into deep ceramic bowls. Garnish with ripe avocado cubes, extra shredded cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, and serve with crispy corn tortilla chips and lime wedges!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 38gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 34000IUVitamin C: 18.2mgCalcium: 2600mgIron: 0.7mg

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