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White Chicken Chili

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 390 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces dry cannellini beans; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 large onion (finely chopped); 8 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped); 2 jalapeños (stems and seeds removed, finely chopped (see recipe note #1)); 2 large bone-in, skin-on chicken half-breasts (about 2 pounds); salt and freshly ground black pepper; 8 Anaheim Chiles (roasted and diced - see recipe below (or 1 cup chopped canned green chiles, drained)); shredded cheddar or jack cheese; sour cream; fresh cilantro leaves; chopped green onions

Published: Jan 8, 2019 · Modified: Jan 11, 2021 by Marissa Stevens · 38 Comments

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It took several failed attempts to come up with a go-to recipe for White Chicken Chili, but I do believe I've done it. I felt like Goldilocks the first few tries: too watery, too many beans, boring. But it's more than the flavor of this chili that I'm excited to share with you, it's the method.

White Chicken Chili served in a white bowl

Bait and switch slow cooker recipes can be frustrating - where you end up with a bunch of dirty pans because you have to sear this and sauté that before you load up the slow cooker (though sometimes it's worth dirtying an extra pan, like with this Slow Cooker Jambalaya). This White Chicken Chili is just a slight bait and switch.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Soak cannellini beans overnight in a slow cooker in salted water; drain and rinse. (If you're under the impression that soaking beans in salt water makes them tough, it's a myth - I pinky promise. See what Cook's Illustrated has to say about it if you're interested.)

Step 2: Stir minced garlic, onion, jalapeños, spices and olive oil into the beans then cover with water and arrange uncooked, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts in a single layer on top. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook on high 4 hours.

assembling white chicken chili in slow cooker

Step 3: Remove, shred and chop chicken; continue to cook beans until tender. Stir chicken and chopped, roasted chiles into the chili. Voilà! You'll have some of the best chili you've ever tasted. Especially when topped with shredded cheese, sour cream and fresh cilantro.

combining white chicken chili ingredients

So that's the bait.

Here's the switch: If you don't mind the flavor of canned green chiles, then you can make this chili entirely in the slow cooker. I'm not a fan of the flavor or texture of canned green chiles so I roast my own. Your choice.

If you do decide to roast your own chiles, here's an easy method: preheat your broiler, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and arrange 8 Anaheim chiles in a single layer. Broil chiles for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them half-way through. After resting in a covered container for about 15 minutes, it's a cinch to remove their skin, stems and seeds.

I can't wait for you try this, the texture of the chicken will knock you out! It comes out ultra tender, flavorful and moist. Combine that with how all of the flavors dance and meld as they cook together and I predict that this will become your go-to White Chicken Chili recipe too.

Don't Miss These Other Delicious Recipes

Mexican Cornbread (A perfect side for this chili!)
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas (This one is a house favorite - made with Shredded Chicken and Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce.)
Shrimp Tacos (Always a crowd pleaser!)
Carne Asada (We make this all summer long. Super versatile!)
Chorizo Chili (So thick, your spoon will stand up in it!)
White Bean Turkey Chili (Hearty, delicious and weeknight easy.)