Easy White Chicken Chili with Rotisserie Chicken and Rotel
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional, for mild heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (choose mild, original, or hot, depending on your spice preference)
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed (like cannellini or Great Northern beans)
1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2-3 ears of corn)
3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 1 whole chicken)
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese (for garnish)
Sliced avocado (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Build the Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Bring to a simmer.
Add Beans and Fresh Corn: Add the white beans and fresh corn kernels, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and let it heat through, about 5 minutes.
Add Creaminess: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt to make the chili creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and sliced avocado if desired.
Tips and Optional Additions
Make it Extra Creamy: For added creaminess, you can stir in 4 oz of softened cream cheese along with the sour cream.
Spice Levels: Adjust the heat to your preference by choosing the mild, original, or hot Rotel, or by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeño.
Toppings: Customize with toppings like crushed tortilla chips, diced red onion, or cotija cheese.