Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, peeled and diced small (about 2 medium/large onions)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (about 4 to 5 inches long), diced very small (the seeds are where the heat is concentrated; included or discard them based on preference)
• 7 to 8 ounces canned green chilis, don’t drain (I used mild heat) 
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
• 32 ounces (4 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (use about 1 whole store bought rotisserie chicken to save time; or roast or cook your own chicken in a skillet)
• 2, 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (see step 4 below about blending 1 cup of the beans with a splash of chicken broth or water)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely minced

*tortilla strips, chips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, olives, and/or plain yogurt; all are optional for garnishing

1. In a large 5 quart Dutch oven, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat to warm.
2. Add the onion, jalapeno, green chilis, and sauté for about 7 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften. Stir intermittently. 
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir intermittently. 
4. Add the chicken broth, chicken, cannellini beans including whole beans and blended bean mixture (take 1 cup of the beans, add to a food processor or blender, add a splash of chicken broth or water and blend until smooth; mixture should be thick. Add the blended bean mixture along with the whole beans to pot), lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, red chili flakes, optional cayenne pepper, and bring to a boil. Allow mixture to boil gently for about 7 to 10 minutes. It’s unlikely, but if at any point the overall liquid level looks low or you prefer your chili to be thinner, add 1 cup of water or as desired; you’ll adjust the salt and seasoning levels at the end. For thicker chili, allow mixture to boil longer and reduce until desired thickness is reached.
5. Add the cilantro and boil 1 minute.
6. Taste chili and add salt to taste. This will vary based on how salty the chicken broth, beans, and rotisserie chicken are, and personal preference. Make any necessary seasoning adjustments (i.e. more salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, etc.).
7. Ladle chili into bowls, and optionally garnish with tortilla strips, chips, crackers, avocado, cheese and/or sour cream; serve immediately. Chili will keep airtight in the fridge for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Credit: Lindon CrossKick – (https://lindoncrosskick.com)

Makes 8-10 Servings

Calories: 264
Carbs: 14g
Fats: 11g
Proteins: 28g