Many years ago we used to participate in an annual Valentine's Day Chocolate/Chili Cook-off at church. The men were supposed to make the chili and the women the chocolate. Not wishing to be confined to chocolate, I set about to create a chili recipe that could win. Also knowing that red chili dishes would all meld together in the judges mouths, I figured that a different sort of chili would stand out. I was right and this one took home the blue ribbon (really it was a gift card to McDonald's - but still...). Technically, Scott won, because even though I developed the recipe, he actually cooked it. If memory serves correctly, I stood behind him (literally) and coached him through the entire process.
White Chicken Chili
2 cans navy beans, drained with liquid reserved
1 large onion, diced
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon Tabasco, if you like a bit of kick
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon white pepper, or to taste
two 4-oz. cans whole mild green chilies, drained and chopped
1 cup of cubed and cooked chicken breast
In a 6- to 8- quart dutch oven melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened and just lightly browned, about 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk in flour, cumin and chili powder. Cook, whisking constantly, 3 minutes. Gradually add broth, half-and-half and reserved bean liquid, whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in Tabasco, salt and pepper. Add beans, chilies and cubed chicken and cook mixture over moderately low heat, stirring gently, about 20 minutes.
If desired, garnish with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and salsa. Crumbled up tortilla chips are good too.
Serves 4 to 6
If you are out of half-and-half use 1/4 cup heavy cream and increase the chicken broth to 1 3/4 cups.
p.s. I had a bit of a heavy hand when I added the chili powder for the batch in the photo. Okay, so maybe I even doubled the amount, but it was still good!
I love your White Chicken Chili and request the recipe years ago. I have just posted two different versions of White Chicken Chili that I have had this week (one I made and the other is one served at a RS night.) www.jackandjillskitchen.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI will have to try your oatmeal cake and see if I an suggest a name. I love you and I love your blog. Thanks for sharing your talents.
Lynnette, we decided to make this tonight...I substituted chipotle chili powder and used a "heavy hand" as well. Oops. Had to take a break between each bite...spicy...but really good!!! :)
ReplyDeleteLynette, I just had to let you know your chili is once again a winner. I knew I needed help from a pro when I entered our ward Halloween Chili Contest and your blog didn't let me down. Lynnette's Chicken Chili took first place out of 35 entries. I'll bring you your prize the next time I'm in CT.
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