Dairy Free White Chicken Chili is a comforting and delicious dish that warms you from the inside out. It features a creamy texture without any dairy, making it perfect for those who have dietary restrictions or simply prefer a lighter option. This chili blends tender chicken, robust spices, and creamy coconut milk to create a unique and flavorful meal. Whether you are enjoying a quiet night in or entertaining guests, this hearty chili is sure to impress.
Why We Love This Dairy Free White Chicken Chili Recipe
This recipe stands out not only for its delightful flavors but also for its ease of preparation. Using a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, filling your home with an enticing aroma while you go about your day. The combination of spices, including oregano and cumin, elevates the dish, while the creamy coconut milk adds a rich dimension without the lactose. Plus, with garnishes like fresh cilantro and sliced avocado, it delivers a pop of freshness that brightens each bite. Each ingredient comes together to create a dish that is not just satisfying but also nourishing, making it a favorite for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty yet wholesome meal.
Ingredients about Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
To create your delicious Dairy Free White Chicken Chili, you will need the following ingredients:
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
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Jalapeños, sliced (for garnish)
- Sliced avocado (for garnish)
- Additional salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make Dairy Free White Chicken Chili Directions
Making Dairy Free White Chicken Chili is a breeze, especially with the help of a slow cooker. Start by preparing your 6-quart slow cooker, which will accommodate all the ingredients comfortably. Begin by adding the ghee or your chosen oil to the slow cooker. This will provide a rich base for the chili and help bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
Next, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker—these will serve as the star protein of your dish. Once the chicken is in, pour in the chicken bone broth, which contributes to the chili’s savory flavor and nourishing properties. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture, adding a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the dish.
Now, add the two cans of diced green chiles for a smoky and spicy kick. Incorporate the coconut milk for a creamy texture that gives this chili its signature flavor without the use of dairy. The great northern beans will provide a hearty element, while the diced yellow onion and minced garlic infuse the dish with aromatic goodness.
Don’t forget to sprinkle in the oregano, cumin, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. These spices are essential as they evoke a warm and inviting flavor profile that enhances every spoonful. Stir everything well, making sure that the chicken is completely submerged in the concoction.
With all the ingredients combined, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred. When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the chili, mixing it thoroughly to incorporate all the flavors.
Your Dairy Free White Chicken Chili is now ready to be served! Scoop it into bowls and make it truly yours by garnishing with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and creamy avocado. Each bow will be a colorful masterpiece that invites you to dig in.
How to Serve Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
Serving your Dairy Free White Chicken Chili is just as enjoyable as making it. Ladle generous portions into bowls, allowing the creamy, hearty chili to take center stage. The garnishes—fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and avocado—add not only visual appeal but also complementary flavors and textures.
For an extra touch, consider serving the chili with a side of crispy tortilla chips or warm cornbread, providing a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the smooth consistency of the chili. Your guests can customize their bowls further by adding more lime juice or additional salt and pepper to suit their taste preferences.
This dish is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a cozy night at home, this chili will leave your guests satisfied and impressed. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well and can be easily reheated for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Expert Tips: Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
To ensure your Dairy Free White Chicken Chili turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to consider. First and foremost, make sure to use good quality chicken bone broth, as this will significantly enhance the flavor and nutrition of your chili. If you have access to homemade broth, that’s even better!
When selecting your canned ingredients, always opt for varieties that are free of additives or preservatives. This can make a big difference in the overall taste of your dish. When you are shredding the chicken, try to pull it apart while it’s still warm; this makes the process easier and keeps the meat tender.
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños into the slow cooker along with the other ingredients, or try adding some cayenne pepper for an extra kick. For those who prefer a milder flavor, removing the seeds from the jalapeños will lessen the heat.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with the spices. If you enjoy a more pronounced smoky flavor, you might even consider adding a touch of smoked paprika. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and most importantly, have fun with it!
How to Store Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
Storing your Dairy Free White Chicken Chili is straightforward. Once you have enjoyed your meal, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature. Transfer the chili to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days.
If you wish to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored, your Chili can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Variation of Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
While the traditional Dairy Free White Chicken Chili recipe is delightful on its own, don’t hesitate to mix things up with some variations. One popular option is to incorporate different beans. While great northern beans are recommended, you could also try using black beans or even kidney beans for a different flavor and texture.
Another variation is to include more vegetables. You could add in diced bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini for added nutrients and color. Not only do these additions boost the chili’s health factor, but they also make the dish more filling.
For a herbaceous twist, consider tossing in fresh spinach or kale right at the end of the cooking process; this will not only enhance the taste, but also add a lovely green hue.
If you prefer a different protein, turkey or even tofu are great substitutes for the chicken. With so many options available, there’s no limit to how you can personalize your Dairy Free White Chicken Chili!
FAQ
What is Dairy Free White Chicken Chili?
Dairy Free White Chicken Chili is a savory, creamy dish made with chicken, beans, spices, and coconut milk, perfect for those avoiding dairy.
How can I adjust the spice level in Dairy Free White Chicken Chili?
To modify the spice level, add diced jalapeños to the mix or sprinkle in cayenne pepper. You can also remove seeds from the jalapeños for less heat.
Can I use a different type of protein in Dairy Free White Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! While the recipe uses chicken, you can substitute in turkey, ground beef, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh.
How long does Dairy Free White Chicken Chili last?
When stored properly in the fridge, it can last about 3-4 days. In the freezer, it keeps well for up to 3 months.
Can I add more vegetables to Dairy Free White Chicken Chili?
Yes! Feel free to include diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor in your chili.
Dairy Free White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 tablespoon ghee (or olive oil, avocado oil) Use for a rich base
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast Main protein source
- 2 cups chicken bone broth For savory flavor
- 1 Juice of 1 lime Adds brightness
- 2 cans (4-ounce) diced green chiles For smokiness and spice
- 0.5 can (13.5-ounce) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk Provides creaminess without dairy
- 2 cans (15-ounce) great northern beans Adds heartiness
- 0.5 large yellow onion, diced For aromatic flavor
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced Enhances flavor
- 1 tablespoon oregano Adds herbal note
- 1 tablespoon cumin Brings warmth
- 0.5 tablespoon paprika Adds depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon sea salt For seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning
For Garnish
- to taste Fresh cilantro For freshness
- to taste Jalapeños, sliced For added heat
- to taste Sliced avocado For creaminess
- to taste Additional salt and pepper For seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare your 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the ghee or chosen oil to the slow cooker.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture.
- Add the two cans of diced green chiles.
- Incorporate the coconut milk.
- Add the great northern beans, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic.
- Sprinkle in the oregano, cumin, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything well, making sure that the chicken is completely submerged.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-4 hours.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the chili and mix thoroughly.
Serving
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and avocado.
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