Is white chicken chili healthy?

Our version is healthy! We've created a chili that's filled with high-quality protein and packed with veggies. It's relatively low in fat and carbs, too. If you're watching your salt intake, be sure to use low-sodium broth and "no salt" canned ingredients. Lastly, to kick up the nutritional value, add in some healthy toppings such as diced avocado, plain Greek yogurt, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, diced green or red onion, and fresh cilantro.

Is white chicken chili gluten-free?

Our version is because we use smashed beans to thicken the chili instead of flour. Our recipe is also dairy-free.

How do you thicken up white chicken chili?

In this recipe, we use smashed beans to help thicken the chili. The soup will thicken some as it sits, so give it some time after cooking. If you'd like it even thicker, you can make a cornstarch slurry to stir into the chili at the end. To do this, mix a 1:1 ratio of cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the soup. I'd suggest starting with 1 or 2 tablespoons of each. Slow cook the soup for 30 minutes after adding it.

Which white beans are best for chili?

You can use a few different types of white beans in white chicken chili--cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or even pinto beans work.

What to do with leftover white chicken chili?

Either refrigerate or freeze leftovers for later. The USDA says that most leftovers if refrigerated properly, are safe to eat within 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chili and it will be safe indefinitely, although it will taste best if eaten within about 3 months.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili (Easy & Healthy!)

Name: Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 (14.5-ounce) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans; 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil; 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced (sub: 1-1 1/2 cups frozen, diced onions); 2 medium green bell peppers, diced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 quart (4 cups) low-sodium chicken broth; 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilis (medium or mild), juices and all*; 1 1/2 pounds medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sub: boneless chicken thighs); 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (sub: fresh parsley); Juice of 2 limes, plus extra lime wedges, for serving; Optional toppings: diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Pepper Jack cheese

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Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

This easy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe is a little lighter than others yet packed with fresh, complex flavor. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, and freezer-friendly.

Yield: 6 servings (1 1/2 cups each) 1x

Prep: 15 minutesCook: 20 minutesTotal: 35 minutes

Scale:

Ingredients

2 (14.5-ounce) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans
1–2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
1 medium white or yellow onion, diced (sub: 1-1 1/2 cups frozen, diced onions)
2 medium green bell peppers, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 quart (4 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilis (medium or mild), juices and all*
1 1/2 pounds medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sub: boneless chicken thighs)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (sub: fresh parsley)
Juice of 2 limes, plus extra lime wedges, for serving
Optional toppings: diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Pepper Jack cheese

*Two 4-ounce cans will work fine, as well.

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Instructions

Make It Now:

Prep Beans: Drain and rinse the beans in a colander. Then mash half of them with a potato masher or fork. Set aside.
Saute Veggies & Spices: Turn on Saute function and heat the oil. Add onions and bell peppers, and saute just until softened, 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while they cook. Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, and chili powder during the last 30-60 seconds of cook time. Press Cancel. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
Pressure Cook Soup: Stir in the broth, green chilis, all of the beans, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and chicken breasts. Lock and seal the lid. Cook for 6 minutes at high pressure and quick release the pressure when done. (Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally or is no longer pink inside.)
Shred Chicken & Finish: Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. Add it back to the cooker, and stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper amounts.
Serve: Serve warm with lime wedges on the side and suggested toppings.

Freeze For Later:

Method 1 (Uncooked): Follow Steps 1-2. Add cooked, cooled veggie mixture, broth, chicken breasts, beans, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a gallon-sized freezer bag or round container. Seal and freeze. Tip: Place freezer bag in a bowl in the freezer until frozen to freeze in the shape of the Instant Pot.
Method 2 (Fully Cooked): Follow Steps 1-4. Let the fully-cooked soup cool completely. Freeze in a gallon-size freezer bag or in individual portions using SouperCubes or 2-cup Pyrex containers.

Prepare From Frozen:

Method 1 (Uncooked): Note: You will need fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and favorite optional toppings on hand to make this meal. Turn on the Saute function. Saute the frozen meal for 5 minutes to release some liquid. Press Cancel. Seal and lock the lid. Follow Steps 3-5, except cook for 17-22 minutes at high pressure with a quick release.
Method 2 (Fully Cooked): Thaw using one of these safe methods. Warm up over low heat using the stove, microwave, slow cooker, or Saute function on Instant Pot. Follow Step 5 to serve.

Notes/Tips

Slow Cooker Version: We also have a Crockpot White Chicken Chili that’s the same recipe but reworked for the slow cooker.
You can use a few different types of white beans in white chicken chili–cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or even pinto beans work.
Where We Get Our Chicken: We get our meat from ButcherBox. The chicken is organic and curated from small, trusted farms. We highly recommend this service to source healthy meat–like uncured bacon, wild salmon, and grass-fed beef–and have used it for years ourselves. Read my full review here.

Cuisine: Mexican Method: Instant Pot

Find it online: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/instant-pot-white-chicken-chili/