Bowl of white chili garnished with cilantro and jalapeños for a spicy kick

White Chili with a Kick

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

White Chili with a Kick is a perfect dish for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine. It combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of spices that gives it a delightful kick. This chili is not only hearty and filling, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The use of rotisserie chicken saves time, and the richness of the pepper jack cheese brings everything together beautifully. It’s a dish that will warm you up and satisfy your taste buds!

how to make White Chili with a Kick

Ingredients :

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 6 tablespoons butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup half-and-half cream
  • 1 rotisserie chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (11 ounces) white corn, drained
  • 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Optional: Salsa and chopped green onions

Directions :

  1. In a Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion in the cubed butter over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent.
  2. Stir in the flour until well blended and cook for about 3 minutes until it turns golden brown.
  3. Gradually add the chicken broth and half-and-half cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  4. Add the cut rotisserie chicken, rinsed beans, drained corn, chopped green chiles, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, white pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Heat through until everything is warmed.
  5. Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until it melts into a creamy consistency.
  6. If desired, garnish each serving with salsa and chopped green onions for extra flavor.

how to serve White Chili with a Kick

Serve your White Chili with a Kick hot, in bowls. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also offer toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, or more chopped green onions. It pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping.

how to store White Chili with a Kick

Store leftover White Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick.

tips to make White Chili with a Kick

  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
  • Adjust the heat by adding more or less hot pepper sauce based on your spice preference.
  • Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
  • If you like a thicker chili, increase the flour slightly when making the base.

variation

If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the rotisserie chicken with extra beans or cooked quinoa, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes! You can use Monterey Jack cheese or any cheese you enjoy, though pepper jack adds a nice heat.

Q: Is this chili gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flour for thickening instead of all-purpose flour.

Q: How spicy is this chili?
A: The spiciness depends on the amount of hot pepper sauce you add. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!