Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Chicken Chili, White Chili... Whatever you call it.

Chicken Chili ButterYumThis chili post was requested by a friend (hi Janet!). It's a wonderful week night meal relying on dried herbs, leftover chicken, canned beans, and prepackaged chicken stock. Of course you can spiff it up by using homemade chicken stock and dried beans that you've cooked yourself. So, without further adieu, let's get started.


Making white chicken chili ButterYumFor this batch, I used cooked chicken thighs that I purchased at Costco for less than $2 per pound. Leftover chicken works equally well, doesn't matter if it's light or dark meat.


Making white chicken chili ButterYumNext we saute the onions. Mmmm... the aroma of onions cooking drives me crazy!


Making white chicken chili ButterYumTime to add the flavor - black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, cumin, Kosher salt, and oregano.


Making white chicken chili ButterYumSauteing the herbs with the onions gives them a flavor boost.


Making white chicken chili ButterYumDon't be alarmed when you see browned bits form on the bottom of your pan, just don't let them burn.


Making white chicken chili ButterYumTime to add the chicken stock and reserved chicken...


Making white chicken chili ButterYum...and the beans (and optional green chilies). Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.


Making white chicken chili ButterYumRemove from heat and stir in dried parsley.


Making white chicken chili ButterYumJust before serving, stir in sour cream and heavy cream.


white chili ButterYumGarnish and serve. Enjoy!



Chicken Chili
Printable Recipe
Serves 6-8

2 pounds diced chicken, about 3 cups (white or dark, cooked or not, whatever you have)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder - not garlic salt)
2 (two) 15.5-ounce cans Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (or any light colored bean - great northern, pinto, black eyed peas)
4 cups homemade chicken stock (low sodium if using canned)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (more if you like it hot)
8 ounces sour cream (low fat is fine. Plain yogurt can also be used)
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons dried parsley
Optional:  if you like it spicy, add a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies

Garnish:
sour cream
shredded cheese (pepper jack, cheddar, etc)
chopped scallions
chopped cilantro

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed soup pot over med-high heat. If using leftover chicken, skip this first step. If using uncooked chicken, lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper and saute in the heated oil until browned (no need to cook completely at this stage). Remove chicken; reserve. In the same pan, saute onions until slightly browned; add salt, pepper, garlic, cayenne, oregano, and cumin. Continue to cook for a few minutes to "bloom" the flavor of the herbs. Add chicken stock, chicken, beans, and optional green chilies to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and parsley. Garnish and serve.

Note - 1 pound cooked dried beans is equal to 2 cans.