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Smoky White Bean Chicken Chili
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Smoky White Bean Chicken Chili

This is the BEST chicken chili and it is so easy to make. Start with a rotisserie chicken and some cannelini beans, then pump up the smoky flavor with bacon, chipotle chile powder, smoked paprika and cumin. Top it all off with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and some fresh cilantro and this chili will be nigh unto perfect.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr 15 mins
Total Time1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 322kcal
Author: Terri @ that's some good cookin'

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 whole prepared rotisserie chicken (from the deli), shredded or diced (about 2-3 cups)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced, roasted tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 4 cans (14.5 ounces) white beans – cannelini or great Northern, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • cotija cheese, grated (optional) Monterey Jack would also work well
  • cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat an 8-quart dutch oven over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook for about 3 minutes to render fat.
  • Add the onion and garlic to the bacon. Lower the heat to medium low and cover pot. Cook, stirring as needed until the onions are translucent and just starting to caramelize. This takes up to 30 minutes.
  • Add the chicken, smoked paprika, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and chipotle to the pot and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes (covered) so that the chicken gets infused with the aromatics and the spices.
  • Stir in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, white beans, and green chiles. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a low boil and cook, uncovered, stirring as needed until the liquid has reduced to your level of preference.
  • Individual servings may be topped with cotija cheese and cilantro, as desired.

Notes

  • Option to Thicken Chili: A can of the white beans can be reserved, pureed, and then added to chili for thickening.
  • For serving: Top with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. This is great with cornbread and a salad. I served it with whole wheat bread and a side salad.
This is a recipe original by Terri @ that's some good cookin'

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 496mg | Potassium: 1004mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 497IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 6mg