Inspiration: So this is one of those recipes that I’ve been making for years in one form or another. It used to be on my blog a few years back, but I took it down because I’ve made some significant changes since then that I really think improve the dish. Brandon always tells me that this is his favorite chili every time that I make it, and it’s really up there for me, too. I can never really pick a definitive favorite, though. How can you choose between chicken chili or a really great tomato-based, ground beef chili? Or chile verde with pork? The decision is not one that I’m ready to make.

What We Loved: This chili has a really great depth of flavor for how simple it is to make. It’s one of those meals that can come together in an hour, yet it tastes like it’s been cooking all day. One can of navy beans is pureed and acts as part of the sauce, which I love, and the intense flavors of the green chiles, chili powder, and cumin really provide a great backbone for the chili. Plus, I just love any dish that begins with sauteeing onions and peppers in a good pat of butter. When those vegetables get nice and softened in the butter, they contribute so much richness to the dish. And that’s not even to mention the chicken, which is the main component of the chili and a lovely star, at that – especially if you use nice, tender chicken thighs. We’ve tried different toppings for this chili, and we just love it best with freshly shredded pepper-jack cheese and fresh cilantro. A nice cheesy kick and a fresh herbal bite really add that finishing touch.

Tips: I’ve really been digging navy beans lately instead of cannellini beans when I’m looking to use white beans in a dish. I mainly prefer them because they’re much smaller, which means that they don’t mush apart as easily or lose their skins in your dish like cannellini beans tend to do. Plus, I feel like they have a better flavor, and they’re never mealy, which cannellini beans can sometimes be. Any kind of white bean that you prefer would work, though.

Chicken Chili
Source: Original Recipe

Butter
1 onion, diced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 14.5 oz cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
About 1 cup chicken stock
About 1 cup half and half
Approximately 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken
2 cans diced green chiles
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
Kosher salt and black pepper
Pepper-jack cheese, shredded
Fresh cilantro, chopped

1. Melt a few tablespoons of butter in a soup pot. Add the onion, red pepper, and jalapeno pepper, and saute until softened.

2. While the onions and peppers are cooking, process one can of navy beans in a food processor with a bit of chicken stock until smooth.

3. Add the garlic to the pot, and stir to combine.

4. Add the pureed navy beans, second can of navy beans, chicken stock, half and half, chicken, green chiles, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Season to taste with Kosher salt and black pepper. If the mixture is too thick, add a little bit more stock and/or half and half.

5. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until all the flavors have had time to meld, at least half an hour. Adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Reduce to the lowest setting on the stove and keep warm until ready to serve.

6. Serve garnished with freshly shredded pepper-jack cheese and cilantro.