Thursday, December 8, 2011

White Chicken Chili



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...We are no strangers to fog, but today it was especially heavy and it seemed the house had been swallowed by the thick gray shades that enveloped it. It definitely was not a salad day. I bookmarked a chili recipe developed by Debra Ponzek several weeks ago. I found it on a site that the more serious cooks among you might enjoy. It's called Cookstr and if you are curious and would like to take peek, you can find it here. This is a very mild chili that has great, but subtle, flavor, and I think it will appeal to anyone who needs or enjoys an occasional break from the heavier red-beaned variety. It's probably best to think of it as a white bean stew. The recipe caught my eye because it is one of a growing number that askew pre-soaking of dried beans. I was curious to see what, if any, difference there might be. There was none. This is a nice stew for a winter day.I think those of you who try it will enjoy it. Here's the recipe.

White Chili Chicken ...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Chef Debra Ponzek

Ingredients:
4 bone-in chicken breasts (about 3 pounds)
8 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, diced
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
1 pound dried white beans, such as Great Northern
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1-inch cinnamon stick
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cups grated white Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Optional: Lime wedges

Directions:

1) In a large saucepan, bring chicken pieces and stock to a simmer over medium-high heat. Lower heat to medium and poach chicken, skimming off any fat that accumulates on surface, for 18 to 20 minutes, or until just done. Remove chicken from stock and set aside until cool enough to handle. Reserve stock in pan.
2) Remove and discard skin and bones from chicken. Shred chicken meat, set aside on a plate or in a shallow bowl, cover, and refrigerate until needed.
3) In a large sauté pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions, celery, garlic, and jalapenos, if using, and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until softened but not colored. Remove from heat and set aside.
4) In saucepan holding reserved poaching liquid, mix together white beans, cumin, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and simmer for about 1-1/2 hours, or until beans are tender but not mushy. Remove and discard cinnamon stick.
5) Stir in shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
Just before serving, stir in the cheese, parsley, and cilantro. Garnish with lime wedges, if using. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.






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29 comments :

Priya Suresh said...

White chicken chilli looks super delicious,filling and definitely comforting..

Lynn said...

This sounds great Mary, think I'll make it on Saturday! I stopped pre-soaking beans when I learned of the oven method-bring to a boil on the stove, cover then put the pot into a 250 degree oven for 75 minutes. It works very well and most of the beans stay whole, you just might need to cook them 15-30 minutes longer:@)

Alicia Foodycat said...

Mary that sounds so delicious! Definitely cold weather food!

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

Interesting, Mary. We love our dried beans here and, of course, my past follows me and dried beans are soaked overnight. However, I have been eliminating that step, and somehow, the recipe still works.

Kim said...

This stew really looks fantastatic Mary. I'm trill to try it and I'm definitly bookmarking this recipe! I may prepare it next week!

Unknown said...

I have recently found my love for white chicken chili. I used to be a red chili snob... can't wait to try your version!!

Unknown said...

I love chicken chili and this looks delish! I've been thinking about making some, may need to try this yummy recipe!

Judy@SavoringToday said...

Soup is always best when engulfed by grey fog, it looks lovely and comforting. (I like the bowl too!)

Angie's Recipes said...

The white chilli looks very appetizing. I like the combination with white beans.

Bites from life with the barking lot said...

I love white chili and this sounds lighter than the recipe I use that has lots of sour cream. Can't wait to try it! Think it will be a great pick up for these dreary Montana days.

Tanna said...

Sounds delicious!! Nice for the cold spell we have hovering over us! Thank you. blessings ~ tanna

Elisabeth said...

Love the white chicken chili, Mary. A nice change from the red chili, and certainly comforting and delicious!
Checked out the recipe site, and bookmarked it...thanks for sharing!

That Girl said...

Chili is perfect in winter weather.

kitchen flavours said...

That is a lovely bowl of chili, I have not tried a white chili before, it looks so delicious! Have a lovely day!

Jill | Dulce Dough said...

Thank you for the recipe--I am looking forward to giving it a try! I love white chili but always tend to make red chili.

Valérie said...

This sounds perfect for a chilly (pun intended) day like today!

France@beyondthepeel said...

What a great twist on the classic chili. I guess the only real difference to not soaking the beans first is that it takes a little longer, but that's not really a big deal. Good to know I can make this even if I haven't pre-soaked my beans!

Jessica | Cajunlicious said...

Mary, this looks so delicious. I have been craving white chili. Happy Holidays!

Eileen said...

This looks wonderful! I have actually been hoping to find a good white chicken chili recipe for awhile now, so I'm so glad you liked this one.

Unknown said...

I just love white chicken chili - this looks super tasty.

Ginny Hartzler said...

This looks so warm and hearty, yet fresh for a cold foggy day!

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

I've always wanted to try white chicken chili, but have never gotten around to it. This looks great, and I love using the dried beans. I always have them on hand. Thanks for the inspiration!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Sounds wonderful, Mary! Oh & your picture just makes my mouth water. I need to make some soon!!

cocoa and coconut said...

Very flavourful Mary!

teresa said...

i adore white chili! this looks just wonderful.

Ellen Whyte said...

This sounds like it would taste quite fresh. a lovely recipe.

Catherine said...

Dear Mary, Wonderful warm comforting meal. Blessings, Catherine xo

Joanne said...

I'm having chili tonight also! great minds.

I've never had a white version, though. Yours looks great!

Claudia said...

This is a winter favorite around here - but the cinnamon cheddar and lime wedges are all new - and welcome. Saving it. If I can get the family to tear away from "the usual."

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