Mediterranean White Chicken Chili
Mediterranean White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on the traditional chili recipe. Packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, this dish brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine into a cozy warm bowl. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a nutritious dinner for the entire family, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for many reasons. First, it’s simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Second, it uses wholesome ingredients like chicken, beans, and spinach, which are nutritious and filling. Finally, the unique Mediterranean flavors, combined with the warmth of chili, create a dish that is both comforting and exciting to eat. You will love how easy it is to prepare this delicious chili that the whole family will enjoy.
How to Make Mediterranean White Chicken Chili
Making Mediterranean White Chicken Chili is straightforward and doesn’t require complicated techniques. Just follow these simple steps:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Feta cheese and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot along with the spinach. Simmer until the spinach is wilted.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir. Serve hot, topped with feta cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Mediterranean White Chicken Chili
Serve your chili hot in bowls. You can top each serving with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor. You might also consider offering some crusty bread or a side salad to make the meal feel complete.
How to Store Mediterranean White Chicken Chili
To store the chili, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chili for up to three months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Mediterranean White Chicken Chili
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can use leftover chicken instead of raw chicken to save time.
- Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- If you want a creamier texture, stir in some cream or coconut milk just before serving.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by replacing chicken with additional beans or cooked lentils. You may also want to adjust the broth or add vegetable broth to enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just sauté the onion and garlic in a pan before transferring them to the slow cooker. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! You can use any type of white beans such as great northern beans or navy beans if you can’t find cannellini beans.
Is there a recommended way to reheat the chili?
You can reheat the chili on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to prevent splatters.
Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean White Chicken Chili, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Print
Mediterranean White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful twist on traditional chili, packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Feta cheese and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return it along with the spinach. Simmer until the spinach is wilted.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir. Serve hot, topped with feta cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider offering crusty bread or a side salad with the chili.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chili, Mediterranean, chicken, healthy, easy recipe