Effortless 7-Can White Chicken Chili: Your Ultimate Pantry-Friendly Weeknight Meal
Discover the magic of a truly effortless and incredibly delicious meal with our 7-Can White Chicken Chili! This recipe is a genuine game-changer for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or those moments when you need a comforting, hearty dish without the fuss. Imagine a bowl of rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful chili that comes together with minimal effort, using only ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Forget about extensive grocery lists or hours of cooking; with just a few minutes of simple preparation, you’ll have a simmering pot of this satisfying white chicken chili ready to warm your soul. The hardest part, as you’ll soon find out, is simply opening the cans!
As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chili to make everything feel right. This time of year truly ushers in “chili season,” and this particular white chicken chili recipe is designed to be your steadfast companion throughout the fall and winter months. It’s the perfect solution for those cold nights when you crave something wholesome and savory but lack the energy for a complex culinary endeavor. Having a few reliable, easy meals stocked in your pantry is a lifesaver, especially when unexpected snowstorms or busy schedules make a trip to the grocery store feel impossible. This 7-Can White Chicken Chili is precisely that kind of reliable, delicious, and convenient option.
This recipe for 7-Can White Chicken Chili is not just easy; it’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying, destined to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, making it a hearty and wholesome choice. The blend of savory ingredients creates a unique depth of flavor that belies its simple preparation. It’s one of the best low-prep meals you can make, freeing up your precious time for other activities. To complete this delightful meal, I love serving it alongside my Mexican Spoon Bread, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. A simple side of crispy tortilla chips, a scattering of fresh jalapeños for a kick, and a sprinkle of vibrant cilantro further elevate the experience, transforming a simple canned-ingredient dish into a culinary triumph.
Key Ingredient Tip: The Importance of Low Sodium for Perfect Chili
When preparing this delicious 7-Can White Chicken Chili, there’s one crucial detail that can make all the difference: paying close attention to the sodium content of your canned goods. Canned foods, while incredibly convenient and shelf-stable, are often high in sodium. To ensure your chili is perfectly balanced and not overly salty, it’s highly recommended to stick to the low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of the ingredients specified in this recipe. Particularly, prioritize low-sodium chicken broth and rinse your canned beans thoroughly. If you opt for regular high-sodium ingredients, you risk ending up with a chicken chili that is overwhelmingly salty, overshadowing the beautiful blend of flavors that makes this dish so appealing. A little mindfulness in ingredient selection ensures a truly enjoyable and perfectly seasoned meal.
Looking for More Quick & Easy Soup Recipes?
If you’re a fan of simple, hearty, and quick-to-prepare meals, then you’re in luck! This 7-Can White Chicken Chili is just one of many fantastic options I have for you. Explore these other family-friendly recipes that promise big flavor with minimal fuss:
- Cajun Sausage Spaghetti – A spicy and savory pasta dish that’s incredibly satisfying.
- 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup – Another fantastic 7-can wonder, bringing all the flavors of taco night to a cozy soup.
- Wendy’s Copycat Chili – Recreate a classic fast-food favorite right in your own kitchen.
- Hamburger Macaroni Soup – A comforting and budget-friendly soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
What Do I Need to Make This Amazing 7-Can White Chicken Chili?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of readily available pantry staples. Each “can” contributes essential flavor and texture, building a complex dish from basic components. Here’s a detailed look at the core ingredients that make this chili so special:
- 1 (12.5 ounce) canned chicken, drained: This is your primary protein source, offering tender, pre-cooked chicken that’s ready to go. Draining it removes excess liquid and ensures the chili isn’t watered down.
- 3 (15.5 ounce) cans white beans (northern, navy, or cannellini): These beans provide a creamy texture and robust body to the chili. Any variety of white beans works beautifully, so use what you have on hand or what’s most accessible. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- 1 (10 ounce) can green enchilada sauce: This ingredient is a flavor powerhouse, infusing the chili with a delightful Tex-Mex tang and a subtle spice. It’s what gives the “white” chili its distinctive character.
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles: These add a mild, earthy heat and essential Southwestern flavor without being overly spicy. They contribute a nice background note that rounds out the chili.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can low sodium chicken broth: The base liquid for your chili. Opting for low-sodium broth is crucial, as mentioned, to control the overall saltiness of the dish and allow the other flavors to shine.
- 1 (1.25 ounce) packet white chili seasoning or 1 ½ tsp cumin, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp black pepper: This seasoning blend is where the magic happens! A pre-made packet is convenient, but you can easily create your own with common spices. Cumin provides a warm, earthy depth, onion powder adds savory notes, and black pepper offers a subtle kick. You can adjust these to your taste.
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your 7-Can White Chicken Chili
Getting this hearty chili on your table couldn’t be easier. Whether you prefer the quick stovetop method or a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker approach, these steps will guide you to a perfect bowl every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Beans. Begin by thoroughly draining and rinsing your canned white beans. This crucial step not only helps reduce excess sodium but also removes any starchy liquid, resulting in a cleaner flavor and better chili consistency. Place a colander in your sink, pour in the beans, and rinse them under cool running water until no more foam or cloudy liquid appears. Shake off excess water.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken. Next, drain the canned chicken breast, removing any packing water or broth. Once drained, transfer the chicken to a bowl or directly into your pot. Using a fork, gently break up the chicken chunks into smaller, shred-like pieces. This ensures the chicken is well distributed throughout the chili, providing a tender bite in every spoonful.
Step 3: Combine and Cook. Now, it’s time to bring all the ingredients together! Add the drained and rinsed beans, the shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, chopped green chiles, low-sodium chicken broth, and your chosen white chili seasoning (or individual spices) to a large stock pot. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook for at least 20 minutes. This simmering time is essential for the flavors to fully meld and deepen, creating a truly rich and harmonious chili. Alternatively, for an even more hands-off approach, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for 4-6 hours. This method is perfect for developing deeper flavors throughout the day with minimal supervision.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish. Once your white chicken chili has simmered to perfection and the flavors are fully developed, it’s time to serve! Ladle generous portions into bowls and get creative with your garnishes. Popular options include a sprinkle of shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar work wonderfully), a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for textural contrast, fresh cilantro for brightness, a dollop of cooling sour cream, a squeeze of fresh lime wedges for a zesty lift, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Each topping adds another layer of flavor and makes the dish uniquely yours!
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7 Can Chicken Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 12.5 ounce can chicken, drained
- 3 15.5 ounce cans white beans, northern, navy or cannellini
- 1 10 ounce can green enchilada sauce
- 1 4 ounce can chopped green chiles
- 1 14.5 ounce can low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1.25 ounce packet white chili seasoning or 1 ½ tsp cumin, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Drain and rinse the canned beans.
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Drain the excess water from the chicken and break up the chicken chunks into shreds with a fork.
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Add all the ingredients to a stock pot and simmer for 20 minutes. Or, optionally, add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on low for 4-6 hours.
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Serve your white chicken chili with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, or jalapenos to garnish!
Notes
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This 7-Can White Chicken Chili
This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. You’ll love this easy white chicken chili for countless reasons, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion. Its unmatched convenience means you can whip up a batch even on your busiest days, turning pantry staples into a gourmet-tasting meal in under 30 minutes. The rich, creamy texture and savory, mildly spicy flavor profile are incredibly satisfying and appeal to a wide range of palates, even those who might typically shy away from traditional red chili. It’s a comforting, wholesome dish that provides substantial protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for your family. Furthermore, its versatility allows for endless customization with various toppings and side dishes, ensuring every serving can feel like a new experience. This chili is also fantastic for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.
Tips for Perfecting Your White Chicken Chili
While the recipe is straightforward, a few extra tips can elevate your 7-Can White Chicken Chili from great to absolutely exceptional:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer more spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a few extra diced jalapeños (fresh or canned) to the pot. For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of green chiles or opt for a “mild” variety.
- Enhance Creaminess: For an even richer, creamier chili, stir in a quarter cup of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the last few minutes of simmering. This adds a luxurious texture without altering the core flavor significantly.
- Boost Flavor with Aromatics: While the recipe is designed for speed, a quick sauté of diced onion and garlic in a little olive oil before adding the canned ingredients can add another layer of fresh aromatic flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on Rinsing Beans: Reiterate the importance of rinsing the beans. This not only removes excess sodium but also improves the chili’s overall taste and prevents it from becoming too “beany” or starchy.
- Slow Cooker Benefits: If you have the time, utilizing a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low heat allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, resulting in an even more robust chili.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Toppings
The beauty of chili lies not just in the base recipe but also in the endless possibilities for customization through toppings. Here are some ideas to make your 7-Can White Chicken Chili truly unforgettable:
- Classic Toppings: Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chopped cilantro, and crispy tortilla chips are always a hit.
- Avocado Power: Sliced or diced avocado adds a creamy, healthy fat that complements the chili’s flavors wonderfully.
- Citrus Zest: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors and adds a tangy contrast.
- Extra Kick: Thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide an extra layer of heat.
- Crunchy Elements: Beyond tortilla chips, consider toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or even a sprinkle of crumbled cornbread for added texture.
- Fresh Vegetables: Diced red onion or green onions offer a fresh bite and aromatic crunch.
- Homemade Salsa: A spoonful of your favorite salsa (verde or a fresh pico de gallo) can add a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Frequently Asked Questions about 7-Can White Chicken Chili
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about this easy and delicious chili:
- Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
- Absolutely! If you prefer fresh chicken, simply cook about 1 to 1.5 cups of shredded or diced chicken breast or thighs before adding it to the chili. You can poach, bake, or sauté it. Ensure it’s fully cooked before adding to the pot.
- Can I make this chili vegetarian?
- Yes, you can adapt it! Replace the canned chicken with an extra can of white beans or a can of drained, rinsed chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still be a delicious vegetarian white bean chili.
- How long does 7-Can White Chicken Chili last in the refrigerator?
- Stored in an airtight container, this chili will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
- Can I freeze this chili?
- Yes, this chili freezes exceptionally well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- What if I don’t have white chili seasoning?
- No problem! The recipe provides an alternative: use 1 ½ tsp cumin, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp black pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like a pinch of dried oregano, garlic powder, or a touch of smoked paprika for added depth.
- Is this chili spicy?
- The recipe, as written, offers a mild warmth from the green chiles and seasoning. It’s generally not considered spicy. However, you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more chiles, a dash of cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight solution, a comforting meal on a chilly evening, or a reliable recipe for unexpected guests, this 7-Can White Chicken Chili truly delivers. Its ease of preparation, combined with its rich and satisfying flavor, makes it a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So grab your can opener, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure, pantry-friendly comfort. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings and share your experience!