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Ghostly White Chicken Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

Ghostly White Chicken Chili is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful chili perfect for crisp autumn nights or festive Halloween gatherings. This recipe features tender seared chicken simmered with smoky fire roasted green chiles, white beans, and sweet corn, all enriched with melted cheese and sour cream for a luscious texture. Naturally gluten free and customizable in spice level, it’s a cozy meal that warms the kitchen and brings everyone together.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, skinless and boneless
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, fire roasted if possible
  • 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)

Liquids and Dairy

  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (Spanish style preferred)
  • 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
  • Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Extra sour cream and shredded cheese for serving
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure it browns properly. Lightly sprinkle all sides with salt and pepper to maximize flavor and set aside.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the surface is golden brown. Do not cook through; this step locks in juices and develops flavor.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing sweetness. Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for one minute more until fragrant and aromatic.
  4. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the diced green chiles, cumin, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, white pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Toast the spices and chiles for about one minute, allowing their flavors to meld and infuse the oil.
  5. Simmer the Chili: Nestle the seared chicken back into the pot. Add white beans, corn, and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine, then raise heat just until bubbling. Reduce to low heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Shred and Return the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot onto a plate, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the chili pot, stirring to incorporate evenly.
  7. Make It Creamy: Stir in sour cream and shredded Monterey or pepper jack cheese over low heat just until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed to balance flavors.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Top with chopped fresh cilantro, and offer extra sour cream and shredded cheese on the side for added richness. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

  • Browning the chicken before simmering adds depth of flavor and locks in moisture.
  • Blooming spices in oil develops a rich, layered complexity critical to this chili’s signature taste.
  • Use full-fat sour cream to avoid curdling and achieve creamy texture.
  • You can prep veggies ahead to save time on busy days.
  • Adjust cayenne and jalapeño quantities to make the chili mild or spicy according to preference.
  • White beans can be blended partially with broth for extra creaminess without dairy.
  • This chili freezes well for up to three months; thaw and gently reheat before serving.

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, ghostly white chili, autumn chili recipe, gluten free chili, spicy chicken chili, Halloween chili, smoky chili

Find it online: https://topreci.com/ghostly-white-chicken-chili-recipe/