Healthy High Protein White Chicken Chili

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh? Same. This Healthy High Protein White Chicken Chili gives you big flavor with almost no drama. It uses leftover chicken, pantry-friendly beans, a few spices, and creamy yogurt or cream to make something cozy and satisfying. If you are into quick protein wins, you might also like this high protein egg white bites that save breakfast and your dignity on busy mornings.

This recipe cooks up fast, cleans up faster, and makes excellent leftovers. Ready to impress your friends or just yourself with minimal effort and maximum yum.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

• It is idiot proof. Seriously, even if you forget a step you will still end up with great chili.
• It is high in protein so you feel full and not snacky an hour after dinner.
• It is flexible. Use what you have, and it will still behave like a champ.
• It doubles and freezes beautifully. Meal prep for the win.
• The creamy finish with Greek yogurt or cream gives it comfort food vibes without turning into a heavy guilt trip.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb cooked leftover chicken, shredded. Use rotisserie, baked, or poached. No judgment.
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed. Cannellini or great northern work great.
• 1 cup chicken broth. Use low sodium if you want to stay in control.
• 1 cup cream or Greek yogurt. Choose yogurt for lighter vibes, cream if you want to splurge.
• 1 medium onion, diced. Yellow or white, your call.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. More garlic equals more happiness.
• 1 can diced green chilies. Mild or hot depending on your courage level.
• 1 tsp cumin. Earthy and comforting.
• 1 tsp chili powder. Adds warmth and a little sass.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Remember salt is your friend in small doses.
• Toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime juice. These lift the whole bowl instantly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent. Keep an eye on the garlic so it does not burn.

2. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and give it a quick stir. Toss in the drained white beans and the can of diced green chilies. Make everything cozy together for a moment.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the chili to a gentle simmer.

4. Lower the heat and simmer on the stovetop for 20 to 30 minutes or until everything heats through and the flavors become pals. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cream or Greek yogurt until the chili becomes luscious and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve hot in bowls and top with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Add extra chili powder or hot sauce if you are feeling spicy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the yogurt. If you add yogurt back into a roaring boil you might get clumps. Turn off the heat and stir it in gently. Cooler is kinder to dairy.
• Using raw chicken. This recipe assumes cooked shredded chicken. If you start with raw chicken you need to adjust cooking time and liquid.
• Skipping the salt. Salting as you go builds flavor. Waiting until the end usually means you underseason.
• Burning the garlic. Garlic goes from golden to bitter fast. Sauté it briefly and keep it moving.
• Forgetting toppings. Avocado and lime are not optional in my book. They transform the bowl into a full meal.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No Greek yogurt? Use low fat sour cream or light cream. I prefer yogurt for texture and protein but I will not shame cream lovers.
• No leftover chicken? Use canned chicken, rotisserie from the store, or quickly poach boneless chicken breasts in broth for 15 minutes and shred.
• Want more veg? Toss in chopped zucchini or corn during the simmer step. They add color and texture with zero drama.
• Bean free? Swap beans for more shredded chicken and a splash more broth. It becomes more stew like but still delicious.
• Spice it up? Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions or a pinch of cayenne. Keep a lime nearby in case the spice level surprises you.
• Vegan twist? Use jackfruit or chickpeas instead of chicken and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Use coconut cream for richness.

FAQ

Q Is this freezer friendly?
A Yes. Let the chili cool completely then freeze in labeled containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Q Can I use plain yogurt straight from the fridge?
A You can but let it sit for a few minutes to warm slightly or add it off heat. Cold yogurt in a hot pot can look sad and curdled. Warm it a touch and stir it in.

Q How do I make it creamier without using cream?
A Use full fat Greek yogurt or a splash of milk plus a small knob of butter. The butter melts in and rounds the texture nicely.

Q Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A Absolutely. Combine everything except the cream or yogurt and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir in the yogurt at the end.

Q Is canned green chilies necessary?
A Not necessary but highly recommended. They add little pops of tang and heat and make the chili taste like it tried.

Q Can I make it spicy for the crew?
A Yes. Add crushed red pepper or chopped fresh chiles. Offer lime and avocado so folks can tame the heat.

Q Any tips for leftovers?
A Leftovers often taste better the next day. When reheating, add a splash of broth to freshen the texture and stir over low heat until warm.

Final Thoughts

You just made cozy, healthy, high protein white chicken chili without losing your cool. This is the kind of meal that feels fancy but behaves like a homebody. It feeds a crowd, packs well for lunches, and still manages to be comforting on rainy nights or tired weekdays. Remember taste as you go and adjust salt and spice to your mood. Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You have earned it. FYI this will make your kitchen smell like success.

Conclusion

For a similar high protein take on white chicken chili check out this version with extra nutrition ideas at High Protein White Chicken Chili. If you want a slow cooker or stove top variation with more step by step photos visit Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe. For another tested weeknight high protein option and serving suggestions see WHITE CHICKEN CHILI high protein weeknight dinner solution.

Healthy High Protein White Chicken Chili

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A cozy, healthy, high protein white chicken chili made with leftover chicken and creamy yogurt or cream.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb cooked leftover chicken, shredded
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime juice

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent.
2. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir. Toss in the drained white beans and diced green chilies.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Lower the heat and simmer on the stovetop for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cream or Greek yogurt until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, topped with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.

Notes

Make sure to avoid overcooking the yogurt and remember to season as you go. Leftovers taste even better!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chili, high protein, chicken, healthy, quick meal