White Chili

Rating: 4.06 stars
31 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 4
  • 4 star values: 26
  • 3 star values: 0
  • 2 star values: 1
  • 1 star values: 0

This fragrant white chili is an unusual, delicious alternative to traditional tomato-based chilis. Serve with lime wedges and a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of cheese.

EatingWell Test Kitchen
Source: EatingWell Magazine, Fall 2004

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Recipe Summary

total:
45 mins
Servings:
6
Nutrition Profile:
Low-Calorie
High Fiber
Dairy-Free
Gluten-Free
Healthy Aging
Healthy Immunity
Healthy Pregnancy
Low Added Sugars
Nutrition Info
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Ingredients

Directions

  • Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in chiles, oregano, cumin and cayenne. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in beans and broth; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add turkey (or chicken) and vinegar; cook for 5 minutes more. Serve.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 1/3 cups
Per Serving:
437 calories; protein 46.5g 93% DV; carbohydrates 50.9g 16% DV; exchange other carbs 3.5; dietary fiber 11.3g 45% DV; sugars 5.1g; fat 5.2g 8% DV; saturated fat 1g 5% DV; cholesterol 74.7mg 25% DV; vitamin a iu 328.4IU 7% DV; vitamin c 19.6mg 33% DV; folate 194.7mcg 49% DV; calcium 137.7mg 14% DV; iron 4.5mg 25% DV; magnesium 145mg 52% DV; potassium 1181.3mg 33% DV; sodium 1302.5mg 52% DV; thiamin 0.4mg 36% DV.
Exchanges:

3 starch, 1 vegetable, 5 lean meat

Reviews (31)

Read More Reviews
31 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 4
  • 4 star values: 26
  • 3 star values: 0
  • 2 star values: 1
  • 1 star values: 0
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
ebayot
Rating: 4 stars
12/08/2017
I made the recipe exactly as is. It was very easy to make. My husband I ate ours over rice to make the meal go further (We eat leftovers for lunch). He said it was delicious. I still prefer tomato based chili but it was good nonetheless. I think I will add garlic with the onions next time. Definitely a keeper especially for cold nights. Read More
rublem
Rating: 4 stars
02/10/2017
This is a good recipe as written but I make just a couple modifications as I like smoky spice and citrus. When I cook the chicken I do so with a dash of salt and ground chipotle pepper. When adding the spices I swap out the oregano and add a tsp of chipotle pepper at that stage. Finally at the end I reduce the cider vinegar to 1 tbsp and also add 2 tbsp of lime juice. Sometimes I add a little cilantro at the end as well and serve with a little Mexican cheese and sour cream. It's one of my favorite winter recipes this way! Read More
carolyn_pugh@rocketmail.com
Rating: 4 stars
03/17/2014
Great white chili recipe I really loved this recipe! It is one of those that was even better on the second day maybe when more of the seasonings had set in. I went on the high end of the cayenne pepper and it was just spicy enough for my tastes. I ate it with a fake sour cream recipe I found on the internet (cottage cheese and vinegar - it really does mimic sour cream) and it was delicious! This is definitely a keeper. Pros: Easy Uses common ingredients Read More
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EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
02/27/2014
Loved it I added a can of corn and made it in the crock pot with raw chicken. Cooked it on low for 6.5 hours. Perfect and delicious! It could use a little thickening but I think I will just mash the beans a little as others have said. Next time I think I will add a little crushed garlic. Served with plain greek yogurt cheese and corn chips for crunch. Love this easy recipe! Pros: Quick Easy Read More
vcrocker@nc.rr.com
Rating: 5 stars
01/25/2014
Wonderful winter soup! I added more red pepper - we like spicy! The recipe is so quick and easy. The first time I made it was with leftover Thanksgiving turkey. But it was so easy and delicious it has become a recurring item on my 'what to have to dinner tonight??' menu. I also diced fresh avocado on top of the soup and my husband loved it! Pros: So easy Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 5 stars
11/15/2013
Made as written I make this frequently AS WRITTEN. I also use leftover chicken and turkey usually because I made extra just for this recipe. It is one of my favorites. No need to add starch just mash some of the beans to thicken if that is desired. I also enjoy it with lime (glad I tried that!) and cheddar cheese. I wish people would not make their own adjustments and then criticize the results as if the recipe is not a good one. Pros: great flavor good use of leftovers freezes well Cons: never enough! Read More
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EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/17/2013
Easy to make alternative to spicy tomato based chili I'm a huge chili fan regularly stocking my freezer with a tomato based one with beans and ground turkey and fell in love with this alternative. It's a great dish to make and save in lunch ready portions in the freezer. I made the recipe as is with the addition of a tablespoon of smoked paprika which I love. It doesn't add spice but it gave a nice smokey flavor. If you keep your pot covered while this simmers you won't lose as much moisture. Adding an extra cup of water towards the end if you want will not dilute the amazing flavor this has. Pros: easy to make adaptable hearty Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
01/23/2013
Easy Wonderful Flavor! This is the second time I've made this soup. It was too watery the first time. I made the recipe exactly as printed but once I was ready to serve I used my emersion blender to make the soup into a wonderful lumpy puree. You can adjust the amount of blending to your taste. Amazing day 2 and 3. Pros: Quick Cons: Need to be thicker Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
11/24/2012
Excellent chili! Hubby (!) made almost exactly as written. Sauteed garlic with the onions and added chopped parsley at the end for a little color. Extremely satisfying healthy chili! Thank you! Pros: Easy way to use leftover T'giving turkey! No mess! Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
11/19/2012
I made mine more of a soup by eliminating one can of the beans. I only had one can of chilies and I grilled the chicken because chopping. It was super easy and the whole family loved it (which doesn't happen often)! Pros: Easy and delicious Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 2 stars
06/18/2012
A Source of Delicious Irritation!!! As a sixteen year old just trying to cook a meal for my parents....I found this recipe to be a little disappointing. It's fantastic but also needs doctoring with corn starch? Not one for beginner cooks. Pros: taste Cons: thickness time effort Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
02/01/2012
Quick Easy and Nom! My husband and I really enjoy this dish. After following the recipe for the first time I added my twist the 2nd time around. I cook chicken instead of using pre-cooked because I think the chicken juices add to the flavor of the chili. I use about a quart of homemade chicken stock added white corn used only a single can of green chili's and to thicken it some I added 2 cups of ready to eat Minute Rice (I used multi-grain or brown and wild rice) and just let it simmer for 5 minutes. It makes it thick and creamy! Pros: Healthy Easy Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 5 stars
12/06/2011
GOOD LORD THIS IS GOOD! I loved it! I did follow some of the advice and i didn't put quite 4 cups of broth in i added extra oregano and cumin... I also added crushed black pepper and more chicken... i cooked the chicken then kind-of shredded it... I LOVE IT!!! Pros: Healhy Alternative Cons: nothing.... Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/31/2011
Very easy to make for a quick weeknight dinner. The lime definitely brings out the flavor of the chili. I thickened the sauce a bit after reading the previous comments that it was like a soup but it was not really necessary. I served it over rice and everyone enjoyed it. Lia Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/31/2011
This tasted great I used my left-over turkey from thanksgiving. It freezes well too for taking to lunch at work! Danielle Traverse City MI Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/31/2011
Just didn't do it for me. More like a chicken soup than a chili. Guess I just like a bowl of red more! troy WA Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/31/2011
This is a major weeknight staple at our house. I often double the recipe as it reheats really well for lunch the next day. Lime really sets off the flavors; I often serve it with whole grain tortilla chips and avocado with a green salad. Kim Austin TX Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/31/2011
This is a keeper. Adding the lime to your own taste really tops it off. I didn't think the lime would work but it does. I also added some red pepper flakes for a little extra punch. Sherry Kendallville IN Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/31/2011
I threw all the ingredients into a crockpot and let the chili cook on low for about 4-5 hours. It was delicious definitely needs the lime to perk up the flavors. Julie Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
This was definitely a very good and easy fall meal. I used cannellini beans because they didn't have great northern beans at the store and they worked fine. I also chose to use ground turkey instead of cubed meat for more of a chili feel (rather than soup) after reading the previous comments. I also agree with the comments on the lime. I added some grated sharp cheddar when serving and everyone including my toddler was happy! Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
This was so good that the only thing I regret is not doubling the recipe! After reading comments I added some garlic powder just before the beans and broth for a flavor punch. Didn't need more salt but it's still mild enough that I added hot sauce sharp cheddar and sour cream just for fun. Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
Very easy good and warming on a cold rainy day. I used rotisserie chicken to save a step & add extra flavor. I cooked the onion in the oil and added the spices. Combined in the crockpot and let cook on high for 3 hours. I served it over cooked brown and wild rice. I bumped up the seasonings with a little Emeril's Essence garlic salt lawrey's seasoning salt & onion powder. Would be great with cornbread crumbled in it. My husband turned up in the den with a second bowl later in the evening. =) Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
This was so good! I added Kale and garlic to it too I will definitely make it again! Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
Instead of cubed chicken or turkey I use ground turkey (as suggested in my favorite cookbook EatingWell Serves Two). I like to substitute a 1 can of garbanzo beans for a can of the great northerns. Canellinis are great too. I prefer using lime juice to the vinegar. This recipe freezes very well so try doubling the recipe and freezing it in a few smaller containers. My fiance & I defrost it for those busy days when we don't have time to cook. We both love this recipe and usually have these ingredients on hand. Rita CA Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
Maybe it's me? This was really bland and too spicy for my taste. I had to use a thickener becuase it was so liquidy even after simmering forever. I ended up throwing it out. Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
I really liked it but I made a couple of additions to mine. After reading the ingredients I was afraid it would be a little bland as the previous reviewer stated. I used ground turkey and put it in to "brown" after I started the onions. I added a chopped up clove of garlic along w/ the turkey. I also used poultry seasoning (which does add salt). I also used chicken stock instead of broth. After it simmered for a while I still thought it looked too thin for chili so I added a a palmful of flour & let it simmer for 45 min. It was perfect. Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
It was more like a soup instead of a chili. Even after thickening it. Much less broth is going to be needed next time. Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
I love this soup have made it several times. I added garlic and chopped fresh cilantro. And served it with avacado slices and sour cream... excellent! Read More
ljanney
Rating: 4 stars
10/29/2011
Delicious! I added flour to thicken the sauce but next time would use less broth. I also added garlic and salt (I used low sodium broth). Definitely add lime juice as it really gives it that extra kick. I served with sour cream and cheese. I froze a bunch and will definitely make again. Read More
Lady C
Rating: 5 stars
10/29/2011
A Recipe to Keep! Fabulous! This is my go to recipe! I just either mash some beans in the pot with my potato masher or puree one can of beans in my food processor to add thickness to my chili. It is truly a great tasting dish. I hope you try it and think about using the beans to thicken the soup instead of adding flour. Read More
GLORYBEES7
Rating: 4 stars
10/29/2011
Delicious but needs doctoring This is really not a thick chili but a soup. I did use a lot of corn starch and added extra cumin garlic and West African Hot Pepper. With these changes it was delicious and chili-like. Can it be called the same recipe I don't know but it's a good start and is a great use for holiday leftovers. Pros: Tastes great good use of leftovers Cons: Too thin needs help Read More
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