white bean chicken chili

This is my go-to large group dinner party recipe. I’ve now made it four times (doubling the recipe each time), and it never fails. It may taste slightly different in each incarnation, but it is always delicious, and I’m usually getting ‘thank you’ messages from friends for several days afterward. It’s also absolutely perfect for fall weather, with its heat, stew-like consistency, and (you may not believe this) fairly healthy ingredients. As all chilis do, it tastes even better the day after, so be sure to make extra!

finished product - photo courtesy of greta (thanks, greta!)

White Bean Chicken Chili (from Paula Deen’s Food Network recipe)

INGREDIENTS

1 pound dried navy beans

5 cups chicken stock – I usually add an extra cup just ‘cause

4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter

1 Tablespoon minced garlic – I double this

3/4 cup diced onion – Also doubled…why skimp on flavor?

1 1/2 cups chopped green chiles (fresh or canned. but go with canned. way easier!)

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely chopped

1 Tablespoon ground cumin – double!

1 Tablespoon dried oregano

1 to 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Pinch red pepper flakes

1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped

the green chiles, onions and garlic in a saute pan on the cooktop

DIRECTIONS

Rinse beans well, cover with cool water, and soak for 2 hours. Feel free to soak for longer – just make you soak for at least 2 hours. Drain. Put the beans in large pot with the chicken stock and bring to a boil over high heat.

In a saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and chiles and saute for 5-10 minutes. Add chile mixture to pot with beans. Add the chicken, cumin, oregano, pepper, white pepper, red pepper flakes, and cilantro. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Serve with cornbread, if desired.

everything just after i've added it to the pot for the final step

As you can see, apart from the time commitment, this is a very simple recipe. It takes little effort for maximum flavor, and that’s part of why I love it so much. As I said – always a hit. Go ahead and check it out (and marvel at the fact that Ms. Deen has restrained herself – only half a stick of butter!). NOTE: you could substitute turkey for chicken in this recipe and get rid of your Thanksgiving leftovers in a hot minute!

Recommended for: impressing your friends with a truly delicious meal, stocking up for future lazy winter days, and a hearty main course for your holiday celebration.