Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This tangy, mildly spicy white-bean chili is as warming and comforting as a traditional chili, but in a lighter, brighter form. Plenty of green chiles — fresh and canned — provide kick while creamy white beans mellow it all out. To decrease the heat level, remove and discard the seeds from the jalapeño before you mince it. A large handful of chopped cilantro added at the end brings freshness, but if you don’t care for cilantro, pass it at the table along with the other toppings or omit it entirely. Continuing the spirit of customizing your chili, you can make this in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. Use 3 cups chicken stock in the slow cooker and 4 cups on the stovetop, where liquid is more likely to evaporate.
- Total:
- Serves: 6 persons
Ingredients
- 3tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1large yellow or red onion, finely chopped
- Kosher salt
- 10garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1jalapeño, minced
- 3(4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles, hot, mild or a combination
- 2teaspoons ground cumin
- 2teaspoons onion powder
- 1teaspoon dried oregano
- ½teaspoon ground cayenne
- 2pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3cups chicken stock
- 2(14-ounce) cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½cups frozen corn
- 1cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (about 1 small bunch), optional
- 1lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- Pickled jalapeño slices, sliced scallion, cubed avocado and sour cream, for serving
Instructions
Step 1
In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeño and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped green chiles, cumin, onion powder, oregano and cayenne and stir until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.Step 2
Transfer the mixture into a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and add them to the pot. Stir in 3 cups chicken stock and the beans. Cover and cook on low until the chicken is tender, 4 to 6 hours.Step 3
Shred the chicken using two forks. (You can do this directly in the pot, or remove the chicken to a bowl, shred it, then return it to the pot.) Stir in the frozen corn, cover and cook until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Stir in the cilantro, if using, and lime juice. Season to taste with salt. Serve in bowls and pass the toppings at the table.