Mouthwatering Mediterranean White Chicken Chili Recipe

Introduction

This Mouthwatering Mediterranean White Chicken Chili is a vibrant twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, it offers a creamy, hearty bowl perfect for any night of the week. Quick to prepare, it’s both flavorful and satisfying.

A white bowl sits on a wooden table with a patterned cloth and silver spoon beside it, filled with a creamy white chicken chili featuring shredded light beige chicken pieces on top. The chili has four main visible layers: a base of creamy, light yellow broth with a slightly thick texture, scattered pale beige beans, small bright yellow corn kernels, and bits of green vegetables, likely diced peppers and herbs, adding specks of color throughout. The scene includes spice jars and a cup in the blurry background, all resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2.5 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin)
  • 1 large onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.25 lb chicken breasts
  • 6 cups water
  • 1.25 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 tsp chili powder (McCormick recommended)
  • 1.25 tsp cumin
  • 1.25 tsp paprika
  • 1.25 tsp aleppo pepper
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 1.5 cups corn
  • 1 large lime, juiced
  • 2 jalapeños, finely diced
  • 1 cup chermoula

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts, water, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Step 3: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, aleppo pepper, and oregano to the simmering broth. Let the spices bloom for about 1 minute. Drain and rinse cannellini beans, then add them to the pot.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to blend about one-third to one-half of the soup in the pot for 20-30 seconds, creating a creamy texture while keeping some beans whole. Add corn and shredded chicken back into the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in lime juice, then fold in diced jalapeños and chermoula. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • For a smokier flavor, substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the jalapeños or remove the seeds before dicing.
  • Use fresh herbs in the chermoula for the most vibrant taste.
  • If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender and blend carefully in batches.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The chili may thicken after refrigeration; add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency when reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with Mediterranean white chicken chili sits on a wooden table with a white marbled texture in the background. The chili has several visible layers: a creamy light yellow broth base, scattered with light beige white beans, bright yellow corn kernels, small chunks of green vegetables, tender shredded white chicken pieces on top, and small bits of chopped green herbs sprinkled throughout. The bowl is accompanied by a silver spoon resting on a black and white patterned cloth napkin to the right. In the background, there is a white mug with dark coffee and some spice jars slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or additional beans for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure ingredients are heated through.

What if I don’t have chermoula?

If you don’t have chermoula, you can substitute with a mix of chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to capture similar fresh and zesty flavors.

Print
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Mouthwatering Mediterranean White Chicken Chili Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Mouthwatering Mediterranean White Chicken Chili combines tender shredded chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy cannellini beans in a flavorful broth enriched with fresh lime juice, jalapeños, and chermoula sauce. A healthy and vibrant twist on classic chili, it’s perfect for a quick yet comforting dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2.5 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin)
  • 1 large onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.25 lb chicken breasts
  • 6 cups water
  • 1.25 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Spices

  • 1.5 tsp chili powder (McCormick recommended)
  • 1.25 tsp cumin
  • 1.25 tsp paprika
  • 1.25 tsp aleppo pepper
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano

Add-ins and Finishing Touches

  • 1.5 cups corn
  • 1 large lime, juiced
  • 2 jalapeños, finely diced
  • 1 cup chermoula sauce
  • 1 can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and starting to become translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant to build the flavor base.
  2. Cook Chicken: Add chicken breasts, water, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and gently simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken with tongs to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
  3. Add Spices and Beans: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, aleppo pepper, and dried oregano into the simmering broth, allowing spices to bloom for 1 minute. Drain and rinse cannellini beans and add them to the pot, letting them absorb the spiced broth.
  4. Blend and Combine: Use an immersion blender to blend about one-third to one-half of the chili directly in the pot for 20-30 seconds, creating a thicker, creamier texture while retaining some whole beans. Add corn and shredded chicken back to the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove chili from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice, then fold in finely diced jalapeños and chermoula sauce to maintain their fresh flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using the immersion blender to partially blend the chili creates a balance of creamy and chunky textures.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity according to your preferred spice level.
  • Chermoula adds authentic Mediterranean flavor; if unavailable, a mix of fresh herbs with garlic, lemon, and olive oil can be substituted.
  • For a thicker chili, blend a larger portion or reduce simmering liquid slightly.
  • Make sure to add lime juice and fresh ingredients off the heat to preserve their brightness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken chili, white chicken chili, healthy chili recipe, chermoula chicken soup, easy stovetop chili

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