Savor the delightful flavors of Poblano White Chicken Chili. This recipe combines the creamy, rich taste of white beans and chicken with the smoky kick of poblano peppers. It's the perfect comfort food for those chilly days or whenever you're craving something heart-warming and delicious.
The key ingredient in this recipe, the poblano pepper, may not be a regular in your pantry. Also known as ancho chilies when dried, poblano peppers are mild chili peppers from Mexico. They're slightly more spicy than a bell pepper but not as hot as a jalapeno. When shopping for this ingredient, look for dark, shiny peppers that feel heavy for their size.
Ingredients for Poblano White Chicken Chili Recipe
Olive oil: A healthy cooking oil that adds a subtle flavor.
White onion: Adds a mild and sweet flavor.
Poblano peppers: Provides a mild heat and smoky flavor.
Garlic: Gives a savory flavor.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and richness.
Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor.
Chili powder: Adds heat and smoky flavor.
White or pinto beans: Adds creaminess and makes the chili hearty.
Cooked chicken: The main protein source.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
One reader, Abbe Gearhart says:
This poblano white chicken chili recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the poblano peppers add a delightful kick. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in. I love how versatile it is, and the toppings take it to the next level. A definite crowd-pleaser!
Essential Techniques for Making Poblano White Chicken Chili Recipe
How to sauté the onion and poblano peppers: Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and poblano peppers and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
How to blend the soup: Ladle out about 1 cup of the soup and transfer it to a blender. Add one rinsed and drained can of beans to the blender, then purée until smooth.
How to season the soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
How to serve the chili: Serve warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as fresh cilantro, avocado, onions, fresh lime wedges, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and tortilla strips.
How To Make Poblano White Chicken Chili
Enjoy delectable bites of tender pinto beans and chicken simmered in a flavorful broth in one bowl with this rich white chicken chili dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1small white onion,peeled and diced
- 2large poblano peppers,cored and diced
- 4garlic cloves,minced
- 8cupschicken stock
- 1tbspground cumin
- 1tspchili powder
- 45ozwhite beans,(3 cans), or pinto, rinsed and drained
- 1lbchicken,(3 cups), cooked, diced or shredded
- fine sea salt
- freshly-cracked black pepper
For Toppings:
- fresh cilantro,chopped
- avocado,diced
- onions,(red or green), diced
- fresh lime wedges
- cheese,grated or crumbled
- jalapeños,sliced
- sour cream
- tortilla strips
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and poblano peppers and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
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Add the chicken stock, ground cumin, chili powder and stir to combine.
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While the soup is heating, ladle out about 1 cup of the soup and transfer it to a blender. Add one (rinsed and drained) can of beans to the blender too, then purée until smooth.
-
Add the purée, chicken, and the remaining 2 cans of beans to the soup and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the soup reaches a simmer.
-
Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain the simmer and cook for 5 more minutes.
-
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with lots of any favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1550.83kcal
- Fat: 29.61g
- Saturated Fat: 7.69g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.86g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.38g
- Carbohydrates: 218.56g
- Fiber: 50.90g
- Sugar: 16.85g
- Protein: 109.56g
- Cholesterol: 99.45mg
- Sodium: 2296.54mg
- Calcium: 846.20mg
- Potassium: 6714.88mg
- Iron: 37.40mg
- Vitamin A: 112.67µg
- Vitamin C: 78.40mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Poblano White Chicken Chili
When roasting the poblano peppers, you can add an extra layer of flavor by charring them on an open flame or under a broiler until the skin is blackened and blistered. Once charred, place the peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam. After about 15 minutes, the skin will peel off easily. This process not only makes the peppers easier to digest, but it also gives them a smoky flavor that enhances the depth of your white chicken chili.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chili Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and store the onions, peppers, and garlic in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to cut down on prep time.
Canned beans: Opt for canned beans instead of dried beans to skip the soaking and cooking process.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a slow cooker or instant pot for a hands-off approach to making the chili.
Freeze leftovers: Make a double batch and freeze the extra portions for a quick and convenient meal in the future.
Substitute Ingredients For Poblano White Chicken Chili Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a great substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for white onions, as they have a slightly stronger flavor but will work well in this recipe.
poblano peppers - Substitute with anaheim peppers: Anaheim peppers have a similar mild heat and flavor profile to poblano peppers, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but use it sparingly as it is more concentrated in flavor.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock to make a vegetarian version of the chili.
ground cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a slightly different but complementary flavor to the chili.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for chili powder, providing a mild, smoky flavor to the chili.
white or pinto beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can be used as a substitute for white or pinto beans, as they have a creamy texture and mild flavor that works well in chili.
cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Cooked turkey can be used as a substitute for chicken in this recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for fine sea salt, but adjust the quantity as it is less dense than fine sea salt.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a similar fresh, herbaceous flavor to the chili.
avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole can be used as a topping instead of sliced avocado, adding extra flavor and creaminess to the chili.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions, providing a milder, sweeter flavor to the chili.
lime wedges - Substitute with lemon wedges: Lemon wedges can be used as a substitute for lime wedges, providing a similar citrusy acidity to the chili.
cheese - Substitute with queso fresco: Queso fresco can be used as a substitute for cheese, adding a mild, crumbly texture and flavor to the chili.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, providing a similar tangy creaminess to the chili.
tortilla strips - Substitute with corn chips: Corn chips can be used as a substitute for tortilla strips, providing a crunchy topping for the chili.
Presentation Ideas for Poblano White Chicken Chili
Elevate the plating: Arrange the chili in a shallow, wide bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. Ensure that each ingredient is visible and well-distributed, creating an inviting presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chili for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Thinly slice ripe avocado and delicately place it on top, adding a creamy and luxurious touch to the dish.
Artful drizzle: Drizzle a swirl of sour cream over the chili, using a squeeze bottle or a small spoon to create an elegant pattern. This adds a touch of richness and balances the flavors.
Crunchy texture: Sprinkle a handful of crispy tortilla strips over the chili, adding a delightful crunch and visual interest to the dish.
Lime wedge accents: Place a small lime wedge on the side of the bowl, adding a pop of color and a zesty, citrusy element that can be squeezed over the chili before enjoying.
Cheese shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to create delicate shavings of cheese and scatter them over the chili, adding a savory and visually appealing element to the presentation.
Jalapeno slices: Thinly slice fresh jalapenos and artfully arrange them on top of the chili for a touch of heat and a visually striking component.
Attention to detail: Wipe the edges of the bowl to ensure a clean presentation, paying attention to every detail to present a visually stunning and appetizing dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Poblano White Chicken Chili
- Large stockpot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot used for cooking soups, stews, and stocks.
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soups and stews.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Can opener: A tool used to open cans and tins.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Measuring cups: Containers used to measure liquid or dry ingredients.
- Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Tongs: Kitchen utensils used for gripping and lifting foods.
- Serving bowls: Bowls used for serving the finished dish.
- Soup ladle: A large, deep-bowled spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Poblano White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Let the poblano white chicken chili cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled chili to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the chili, consider the following tips:
- Divide the chili into smaller, portion-sized containers or freezer bags. This allows you to thaw only what you need for future meals.
- Leave some space at the top of the containers or bags to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for efficient storage.
- Frozen poblano white chicken chili can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the chili, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
- Once thawed, reheat the chili in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the chili appears too thick after thawing, you can add a little chicken stock or water to adjust the consistency.
- Taste the reheated chili and adjust the seasonings if needed, as flavors may mellow during storage.
- Serve the reheated chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, avocado, onions, lime wedges, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, or tortilla strips.
The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Chili
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover chili to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating without overcooking the chicken or making the beans mushy.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover chili in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chili is heated through. This method is quick and convenient, but be careful not to overheat the chili, as it may affect the texture of the chicken and beans.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover chili to a slow cooker and reheat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal if you have a large amount of leftover chili and want to keep it warm for an extended period, such as for a party or gathering.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chili to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili is heated through. This method is suitable if you want to reheat a large batch of chili and have other dishes to prepare in the oven simultaneously.
Freezer method: if you have frozen leftover chili, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, use any of the above methods to reheat the chili to the desired temperature. Freezing and reheating may slightly affect the texture of the chicken and beans, but the flavor should remain delicious.
Interesting Trivia About Poblano White Chicken Chili
Poblano white chicken chili is a delicious and hearty dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Chili Recipe Economical?
This poblano white chicken chili recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Poblano peppers and white beans are affordable and nutritious. The addition of chicken makes it a hearty and satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 out of 10 for its affordability, flavor, and nutritional value.
Is This Chili Recipe Healthy or Not?
The poblano white chicken chili recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables. The use of lean chicken breast and beans provides a good source of protein, while the poblano peppers and onions add fiber and nutrients. The recipe also uses minimal added fat, with just 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to boost its nutritional value:
- The sodium content may be high due to the chicken stock and added salt. Opting for low-sodium or homemade chicken stock and adjusting the salt to taste can help reduce the overall sodium content.
- Some of the toppings, such as cheese and sour cream, can add significant amounts of saturated fat and calories. Using these toppings sparingly or opting for lower-fat alternatives can help keep the dish healthier.
To further enhance the nutritional profile of this chili:
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the sauté step. This will boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the dish.
- Incorporate additional spices and herbs, such as oregano, smoked paprika, or thyme, to add depth of flavor without relying on salt.
- Serve the chili over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to add complex carbohydrates and extra fiber to the meal.
- Offer a variety of healthy toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced radishes, or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, to provide added nutrients and texture.
Editor's Opinion on the Poblano White Chicken Chili Recipe
This poblano white chicken chili recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of tender chicken, creamy white beans, and the smoky heat of poblano peppers creates a harmonious and satisfying flavor profile. The addition of fresh toppings such as cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges adds a burst of freshness and brightness to each spoonful. The recipe's method of blending a portion of the soup with beans creates a rich and velvety texture, elevating the overall dining experience. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests and warm their hearts.
Enhance Your Poblano White Chicken Chili Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Chili Recipe
Why trust this Poblano White Chicken Chili Recipe:
This poblano white chicken chili recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. The combination of poblano peppers and chicken stock creates a rich and savory base, while the addition of cumin and chili powder infuses the chili with warm and aromatic notes. The use of white beans and cooked chicken adds heartiness and protein, making it a well-rounded meal. Topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, and other garnishes, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience.
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