If you’re looking for a warm, delectable meal that’s both comforting and nutritious, then Dairy Free White Chicken Chili is just the dish for you! This delightful chili is packed with flavors and boasts a creamy texture thanks to the inclusion of coconut milk, making it a fantastic option for those avoiding dairy. With tender chicken, hearty beans, and a blend of spices, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s explore why you’ll love making this dish, what goes into it, and how to create this delicious chili that everyone will rave about.
Why We Love This Dairy Free White Chicken Chili Recipe
The allure of this Dairy Free White Chicken Chili lies in its simplicity and versatility. Unlike traditional chili recipes, this one embraces a lighter, more refreshing approach without sacrificing flavor. The creamy base of coconut milk combined with zesty green chiles brings a unique twist that tantalizes your taste buds. Plus, the use of ghee or oils like olive or avocado keeps things healthy and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal during cold weather, this chili hits the spot every time!
Ingredients about Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
Gathering the right ingredients sets the foundation for a fantastic Dairy Free White Chicken Chili. Here’s what you’ll need:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tablespoon ghee (or olive oil, avocado oil)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups chicken bone broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles
- 1/2 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
- 2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeños, sliced
- Sliced avocado
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make Dairy Free White Chicken Chili Directions
Creating your Dairy Free White Chicken Chili is a straightforward process that involves a few steps. Here’s how you can bring this mouthwatering recipe to life:
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker
- Begin by gathering your slow cooker, ideally a 6-quart model, as it has sufficient capacity to accommodate all the ingredients.
- Add the Ingredients
- In your slow cooker, combine the ghee (or your choice of oil), boneless chicken breasts, chicken bone broth, freshly squeezed lime juice, diced green chiles, unsweetened coconut milk, great northern beans, diced onion, minced garlic, and your seasonings: oregano, cumin, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Stir and Combine
- Use a large spoon to stir all the ingredients together, ensuring everything is well combined and the chicken is submerged in the flavorful mixture.
- Set the Cooking Time
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours, depending on your schedule. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred the Chicken
- Once your cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts using tongs and place them on a plate. With two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to mix back into the chili.
- Mix Back Into the Chili
- Pour the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and give everything a good stir to incorporate the chicken with the chili.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop out the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and avocado. Serve warm, and enjoy the burst of flavors!
How to Serve Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
Serving your Dairy Free White Chicken Chili can be just as fun as making it! This dish can stand alone as a hearty meal, but you can elevate your dining experience with some thoughtful serving options.
Start by ladling the chili into individual bowls. Garnishing each bowl with fresh toppings such as chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbal flavor. Sliced jalapeños introduce a spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Sliced avocado not only provides a creamy texture but also enhances the nutritional profile of the dish with its healthy fats.
For a complete meal, consider pairing your chili with a side of crunchy tortilla chips or a fresh avocado salad. If you’re looking for something heartier, serve it alongside gluten-free cornbread or over a bed of rice. Don’t forget to have extra lime wedges at the table for a splash of tangy brightness!
Expert Tips: Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
Creating the perfect Dairy Free White Chicken Chili doesn’t require chef-level skills, but there are some expert tips you can follow to enhance your dish:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Selecting fresh, high-quality chicken breast will make a difference in flavor and tenderness. If possible, opt for organic chicken for added assurance.
- Adjust Spice Levels: The beauty of chili lies in its ability to cater to different taste preferences. Feel free to add more cumin or paprika for a deeper flavor. You can also increase the quantity of jalapeños for extra heat.
- Customization: Don’t hesitate to personalize your chili! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini to make it heartier and more nutritious.
- Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker chili, consider mashing some of the beans before adding them to the mixture. This will give a creamier texture without using additional dairy.
- Slow Cooker Variations: If you’re in a time crunch, you can also prepare this recipe on the stovetop. Just bring the ingredients to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
How to Store Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
Storing your Dairy Free White Chicken Chili properly ensures that you can enjoy leftovers at a later date without losing any flavor or quality. After you’ve made this delightful chili, follow these steps for effective storage:
- Allow it to Cool: Once your chili has finished cooking, let it cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the chili into airtight containers. You can opt for glass containers for longevity or BPA-free plastic ones.
- Refrigeration: Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.
- Freezing: If you’d like to keep it longer, your chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container as liquids expand when frozen.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen leftovers, let the chili thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a pot on the stove, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed all the way through.
Variations of Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
Getting creative in the kitchen can lead to spectacular variations of your Dairy Free White Chicken Chili. Here are some ideas to spark your culinary imagination:
- Vegetable Jazz-Up: Add seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn to the chili for more texture and nutrients.
- Spicy Version: If you love heat, add chopped fresh chilies or a splash of your favorite hot sauce! You could also swap the green chiles for diced habaneros for an extra kick.
- Herbed Goodness: Experiment with different herbs. Try adding fresh thyme or parsley for a different flavor profile that complements the earthy chili spices.
- Fish Option: Swap out chicken with white fish like cod or tilapia for a lighter seafood chili. The cooking times will vary, so check the fish for doneness before serving.
- Bean Variety: Instead of great northern beans, use black beans or chickpeas for a different taste and texture.
FAQ
What is Dairy Free White Chicken Chili?
Dairy Free White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful soup that is made with chicken, beans, coconut milk, and spices without any dairy products. It’s a great option for anyone with dairy intolerance.
How can I thicken my Dairy Free White Chicken Chili?
If you want a thicker chili, consider mashing a portion of the beans or adding in some diced potatoes. Simmering it longer can also help reduce excess liquid, making for a heartier dish.
Can I freeze Dairy Free White Chicken Chili?
Yes, you can freeze Dairy Free White Chicken Chili for up to 3 months. Store it in airtight containers and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with Dairy Free White Chicken Chili?
This chili can be enjoyed on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a fresh salad. Avocado slices and cilantro are also great garnishes.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a traditional pot instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can make Dairy Free White Chicken Chili on the stovetop. Just combine all the ingredients and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked and flavors meld together.
Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ghee (or olive oil, avocado oil) Fats for cooking
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast High-quality chicken recommended
- 2 cups chicken bone broth Bone broth enhances flavor
- 1 juice juice of 1 lime Adds freshness
- 2 cans 4-ounce cans diced green chiles For a zesty flavor
- 0.5 can 13.5-ounce can unsweetened full-fat coconut milk Provides creaminess
- 2 cans 15-ounce cans great northern beans Hearty and filling
- 0.5 large yellow onion, diced For added sweetness
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced Enhances flavor profile
- 1 tablespoon oregano Adds herbal notes
- 1 tablespoon cumin For warmth and depth
- 0.5 tablespoon paprika For flavor and color
- 1 teaspoon sea salt To taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper To taste
Toppings
- Fresh cilantro For garnish
- Jalapeños, sliced For a kick of heat
- Sliced avocado For creaminess
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by gathering your slow cooker, ideally a 6-quart model.
- In your slow cooker, combine the ghee (or your choice of oil), boneless chicken breasts, chicken bone broth, lime juice, diced green chiles, coconut milk, great northern beans, diced onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Use a large spoon to stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and mix the shredded chicken back into the chili.
Serving
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and avocado slices. Serve warm.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!