White Christmas Chili, easy white chicken chili with cannellini beans, chicken broth and green chilis. Serve with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
I’ll say one thing about Minnesota ~ it’s unbelievably cold in the winter, but the people make the best of it and get outside as much as possible. I hated the bitter cold when we lived in St.Paul, really hated it, and the snow that NEVER melted.
But we lived on beautiful Summit Avenue (think F. Scott Fitzgerald) and in the winter they had a snow carving festival/contest that was pretty much in our front yard, on the boulevard. And my house was the “warming” house for our friends and family. I had two pots of chili on the stove ~ one red and one white ~ and my favorite was this White Christmas Chili.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- onion and garlic
- chicken broth, preferably homemade
- canned cannellini beans
- canned chopped green chiles
- dried spices — oregano, cumin, chili powder, ground cloves, cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper
This was around 2000, about 20 years ago. I made a Skater’s Chili, with beef, and I remember it had cinnamon in it. And I made a white chicken chili, called White Christmas Chili ~ love the name.
I have no idea where I got the recipe, it’s jotted down on a piece of scrap paper. I think I got it out of a magazine in a waiting room ~ not wanting to tear it out, I copied it down.
It is super easy and I love the flavor. And it makes a ton, perfect for a crowd or the freezer. Top a bowl with some fresh cilantro and sour cream, oh man, really good.
White Christmas chicken chili is perfect this time of year and a definite crowd pleaser. Change things up, try white chili instead of red ~ you’ll love this in your cold weather rotation. Kelly🍴🐦
Like chili? Two more favorite’s of mine:
- Classic beef chili served chili mac style, now that’s chili!
- Turkey chili a bit on the healthier side with ground turkey and chunky veggies with a good dose of spiciness!
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White Christmas Chili
Ingredients
- 8 skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cups chicken broth, preferably homemade
- 4 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained, rinsed and mashed
- 2 4½-ounce cans chopped green chilis
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Sauté chicken, onion and garlic in hot oil over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or until chicken is done.
- Stir in chicken broth and then remaining 10 ingredients. Bring to a boil and then cover, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh chopped cilantro and sour cream.
Recipe Notes
jen
Wednesday 2nd of December 2020
Thanks sooooo much for this recipe. I got it out of a magazine years ago and then lost it. I know this is the one I have been looking for!
Kelly
Saturday 5th of December 2020
Small world, I'm glad I jotted it down years ago, I really like this recipe for a change of chili pace.
Denise
Friday 15th of November 2019
This is a Southern Living recipe and it’s my fave!! I haven’t been able to find it online. Thank you so much for posting it! I can no longer find the issue it is in and i’ve been trying to make it by memory.
anne schmauss
Wednesday 21st of December 2016
Kelly, The white Christmas chili was a big hit last night. Everyone loved it. Very different but still solid comfort food and easy to make (essential for me). Thanks!
Kelly
Thursday 22nd of December 2016
??
anne schmauss
Thursday 15th of December 2016
I'm going to make this next week for a little dinner party. will let you know how it turns out. Anne
Kelly
Thursday 15th of December 2016
I hope you like it, it's been Mark's favorite this season.
Aly
Tuesday 29th of November 2016
Love it! One of my favorites...looks delicious!