Bowl of Christmas White Chili topped with cheese and herbs

Christmas White Chili

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Christmas White Chili is a comforting dish perfect for chilly winter evenings and festive gatherings. It’s not just tasty; it’s also easy to make and can feed a crowd. This hearty chili combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and rich flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a cozy dinner, this recipe fits the bill.

How to Make Christmas White Chili

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cans (15.5 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) chicken broth
  • 4 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
  • 2 jars (8 ounces each) roasted sweet red peppers, drained and finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Optional: Chopped roasted sweet red peppers, ripe avocado, and green onions

Directions

  1. In a 6 qt. stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken and onions in batches. Cook and stir for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and the onions are tender.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
  4. Stir in the beans, chicken broth, green chiles, roasted red peppers, seasonings, and hot pepper sauce.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until thickened.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and heavy whipping cream.
  8. If desired, serve with toppings like chopped roasted sweet red peppers, avocado, and green onions.

How to Serve Christmas White Chili

Serve Christmas White Chili hot, ideally with some cozy bread or tortilla chips on the side. Toppings add a fun touch, so let everyone choose their favorites. You can offer chopped roasted sweet red peppers, slices of ripe avocado, and chopped green onions to make it even better.

How to Store Christmas White Chili

To store leftover Christmas White Chili, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Christmas White Chili

  • Use freshly cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for added flavor and ease.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot pepper sauce based on your taste.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer or add more beans.
  • Experiment with toppings to customize each bowl.

Variation

If you want to change things up, you can add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers. You can also make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and more beans instead of chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of beans?
Yes! You can use any type of white beans or even mixed beans if you prefer.

2. Can I make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it before serving. The flavors will be even better the next day.

3. Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in Christmas White Chili are gluten-free. Just check the labels of store-bought items to be sure.