Paula Deen White Chicken Chili Recipe
If you are looking for a warm and creamy meal, you have found it. The Paula Deen White Chicken Chili Recipe is a true Southern classic. It is perfect for chilly nights and busy families.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast shredded or chopped.
- 2 cans 15.5 oz each Great Northern beans, drained.
- 1 medium onion chopped finely.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 2 cloves garlic minced.
- 2 cans 4 oz each chopped green chilies.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat.
- 1 can 14.5 oz chicken broth.
- 1 cup sour cream.
- 1 cup heavy cream.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh cilantro and shredded Monterey Jack cheese for garnish.
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in your large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute more.
Add Spices and Chilies
- Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Add the canned green chilies with their juice. Cook for two minutes to let the spices become fragrant and toasted.
Mix in Beans and Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and the drained Great Northern beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about ten minutes.
Mash Some Beans
- Take a small portion of the beans out and mash them in a bowl. Stir them back into the pot. This is a secret trick to make the chili naturally thick.
Add the Chicken
- Fold in the shredded cooked chicken. Let the chicken heat through in the simmering broth. This takes about five minutes. Ensure the chicken is well coated in the spices.
Stir in the Cream
- Turn the heat to low so the soup does not boil. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream slowly. This creates the signature velvety texture that Paula Deen is known for.
Season and Serve
- Taste your chili and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot chili into deep bowls. Garnish with plenty of cheese, fresh cilantro, and maybe some jalapeños.
Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves so much time on a busy weeknight.
- Adjust the Spice: Leave out the cayenne if you prefer a very mild flavor.
- Make it Thicker: Add a bit more mashed beans or a splash more cream.
- Different Beans: Cannellini beans work just as well as Great Northern beans.
- Add Corn: A cup of frozen corn adds a nice sweetness and crunch.
- Topping Ideas: Try adding crushed tortilla chips or sliced avocado on top.