Quick Paula Deen White Chicken Chili Recipe

Nestled in the culinary comfort zone, white chicken chili represents a hearty southwestern-inspired favorite for many home cooks.

Creamy and robust, this soup blends protein-rich ingredients with complex flavor profiles that tantalize taste buds.

Its mild yet distinctive character transforms ordinary weeknight meals into something extraordinary.

Soft white beans mingle with succulent chicken, creating a harmonious texture that feels simultaneously rustic and refined.

Home chefs appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing depth or satisfaction.

Each spoonful offers warmth and nourishment, making it an ideal choice for cool evenings or when craving something substantive.

The magic lies in balancing spices and creating a soul-satisfying meal that feels both familiar and exciting: dive in and savor every bite.

Why Paula Deen’s White Chicken Chili Is a Comfort Food Essential

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This white chicken chili delivers deep, satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave a bowl of pure comfort.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: The recipe teaches easy sautéing and simmering methods, allowing home cooks to build complex flavors through straightforward steps that anyone can follow successfully.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: With a blend of white and red pepper flakes, ground cumin, and fresh chilies, this dish lets you control the heat level and create a personalized flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s White Chicken Chili

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides protein and bulk to the chili, preferably boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
• Navy Beans: Classic white bean that adds hearty texture and extra protein, dried beans work best for authentic flavor.

• Garlic, Onion: Foundational flavor builders that create a deep and rich base for the chili.
• Chilies: Adds heat and complexity to the dish, fresh varieties provide more vibrant flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings brightness and traditional Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano: Warm spices that provide authentic southwestern taste profile.

• Black Pepper, White Pepper: Adds subtle heat and layered pepper complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides additional spicy kick to the chili.

• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and deepens the overall flavor of the chili.
• Butter: Used for sautéing aromatics and adding richness to the dish.

How to Make Paula Deen’s White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Soak Dried Navy Beans

Carefully rinse dried navy beans and submerge in cold water. Let beans rest for 2 hours, then drain completely. Transfer beans to a large cooking pot and pour in chicken stock. Bring liquid to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Base

• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 diced yellow onion
• 2 chopped green chilies

Sauté ingredients for 5 minutes until fragrant and onions turn translucent.

Step 3: Combine Chili Ingredients

• Chopped cooked chicken
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Black pepper
• White pepper
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Red pepper flakes

Step 4: Slow Simmer Chili

Reduce heat to medium-low. Allow chili to gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1.5 hours. Ensure chicken becomes tender and flavors thoroughly blend.

Step 5: Serve Warm Chili

Ladle hot chili into serving bowls. Pair with warm cornbread or preferred side dish. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s White Chicken Chili

• Customize Chili's Heat: Gradually add red and black pepper, letting your taste buds guide the spice level for a personalized kick.
• Prevent Burning Brilliance: Stir chili frequently while simmering, creating even heat distribution and protecting those delicious ingredients from sticking.
• Elevate Chicken Selection: Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopping finely to ensure tender, flavorful meat throughout the dish.
• Boost Flavor Foundation: Gently sauté garlic, onions, and chilies until they release their aromatic oils, transforming the chili's taste profile.
• Master Bean Preparation: Submerge navy beans in water for several hours or overnight, softening them for quicker cooking and creating a luxuriously creamy texture.

How to Store Paula Deen’s White Chicken Chili

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for white chicken chili. Extract all air to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor intensity for up to 4 months. Perfect for meal preppers wanting restaurant-quality taste weeks later.
• Portion Control Freeze: Divide chili into individual serving sizes using freezer-safe silicone molds or small containers. Each compact portion thaws quickly and maintains optimal texture when reheated. Grab-and-go meals become effortless with this smart storage strategy.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled chili to thick-walled glass containers with tight-sealing lids. Glass prevents flavor absorption, maintains ingredient integrity, and allows easy microwave reheating. Transparent containers help track quantity and prevent forgotten leftovers from hiding in refrigerator depths.

Creative Variations on Paula Deen’s White Chicken Chili

• Spicy Southwest Kick: Elevate the heat by adding diced jalapeños and a splash of tequila for a bold, southwestern-inspired flavor profile. Garnish with pepper jack cheese for extra zinginess.
• Green Chile Chicken Version: Replace standard chilies with roasted Hatch green chiles from New Mexico. Include a dollop of sour cream and fresh green onions to enhance the green chile complexity.
• Creamy Poblano Approach: Incorporate roasted poblano peppers and blend in some heavy cream during the final cooking stage. Top with crispy tortilla strips and additional fresh cilantro for textural contrast.
• Hearty Mountain Style: Add diced sweet potatoes and quinoa to increase protein and nutritional value. Include smoked paprika for a deeper, rustic flavor that complements the chicken and beans.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s White Chicken Chili

Comforting southern charm fills each spoonful of Paula Deen’s white chicken chili, blending traditional flavors with hearty ingredients.

Rich aromatic spices dance through tender chicken and creamy navy beans, creating a memorable meal.

Regional culinary traditions shine in this classic recipe, offering warmth and satisfaction.

Balanced seasonings elevate simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful dish with straightforward preparation steps.

Sharing makes memories sweeter, so snap a photo, post your culinary creation, spark conversation, and invite friends to savor this remarkable chili together.

Paula Deen White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s white chicken chili delivers comforting southwestern flavors in a hearty bowl. Creamy white beans, tender chicken, and a zesty blend of spices create a warmly satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) dried navy beans
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) finely chopped skinless boneless chicken breast
• 5 cups (1.2 liters) chicken stock

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ¾ cup (180 ml) diced onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 ½ can chopped or whole green chilies/jalapeño peppers
• ½ bunch chopped cilantro

Spices and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 to 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• red pepper flakes (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse navy beans under cool running water, ensuring no debris remains. Submerge beans in a large bowl with 4 cups (960 milliliters) of water, allowing them to hydrate for 120 minutes at room temperature.
2. Drain soaked beans completely and transfer to a substantial stockpot. Pour 6 cups (1.4 liters) of chicken stock over beans, positioning the pot on high heat to initiate a rolling boil.
3. Meanwhile, select a heavy-bottomed skillet and melt 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of unsalted butter over medium-high temperature. Introduce finely minced garlic, precisely diced onions, and thinly sliced chilies into the melted butter.
4. Sauté the aromatic vegetables for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
5. Gently transfer the caramelized vegetable mixture into the boiling bean and stock combination. Incorporate bite-sized chicken pieces, ground cumin, dried oregano, freshly cracked black pepper, white pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
6. Reduce flame to medium-low, allowing the chili to simmer uncovered. Stir intermittently and monitor liquid reduction for roughly 90-100 minutes until chicken becomes extraordinarily tender and flavors meld harmoniously.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if necessary. Ladle the piping hot white chicken chili into serving bowls, accompanying with warm cornbread or preferred side dish.

Notes

• Cut chicken into tiny, uniform pieces to help it cook evenly and absorb more flavor from spices and seasonings.
• Rinse navy beans thoroughly before soaking to remove any dirt or debris that might affect the final taste of your chili.
• Bloom spices by heating them briefly in oil before adding other ingredients, which releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavor profile.
• Keep heat low and steady while simmering to prevent burning and allow ingredients to meld together naturally.
• Taste and adjust seasonings near the end of cooking, giving flavors time to develop and blend completely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0.1g
• Sodium: 589mg
• Fat: 2.5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Protein: 20.5g
• Cholesterol: 31mg