White Chili with Chicken

This recipe comes from FamilyFun.com. If you want to print it neatly go to the link at the bottom of the post. The website won't have freezing instructions though, I added those.

This chili has a bit more of a kick than I expected, but it's really good! I definitely recommend garnishing it with shredded cheese, and I've even added a handful of crushed tortilla chips to similar chilies with good results.

Photo from FamilyFun.com.

White Chili with Chicken

INGREDIENTS

• 3 TBS olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white kidney or navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 to 4 cups diced cooked chicken (or if you're really lazy try shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie bird)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilies
• 2 cups chicken, plus more for thinning, if desired (I like it thick like a chili, not thin like a soup)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 TBS butter, softened
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
• Pepper
• 3 to 4 tablespoons half-and-half or light cream (optional)
• Grated cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Warm the oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring often, for 7 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic and sauté for another minute. Stir in the white beans, chicken, corn, green chilies, chicken broth, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to continue simmering, partially covered, for 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, blend the butter and flour. Add the mixture to the chili and stir until it thickens, about a minute. Add more salt and pepper to taste. If you like, add more broth to thin the chili or 3 to 4 tablespoons of half-and-half or light cream to thicken it.

TO FREEZE

Divide the chili into labeled, gallon size freezer bags. When you're ready to eat, thaw and reheat on stove until chicken is warmed through. If you want to add some cream or half-and-half you can do it at this point, instead of the day you prepare the soup. Serve the chili hot, topped with cheese, if desired.

Printable version of White Chili with Chicken on FamilyFun.com.