White chili is a tasty Tex-Mex stew that is quite different from traditional red chili. Instead of using red chili peppers and tomatoes, white chili is made with white beans, chicken, and green chilies for a lighter, yet still flavorful chili dish. But why is this dish called “white” chili when many traditional chilis are red? There are a few key reasons behind the name and origins of white chili.
The Main Ingredients
The first reason white chili has its distinctive name is because of the main ingredients used. While red chili gets its deep reddish-brown color from red chili peppers and tomatoes, white chili skips those ingredients. Instead, it relies on these core ingredients:
- White beans – Great Northern beans or cannellini beans are commonly used. These large white beans give white chili its pale color.
- Chicken – Shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken provides the protein.
- Green chilies – Hatch or Anaheim chilies add heat without turning the chili red.
- Vegetables – Onions, garlic, corn, and zucchini are often added.
- Chicken broth – This builds flavor in the stew.
With pale beans, chicken, and green peppers, this combination keeps the chili a light cream color rather than deep red. So the lack of red ingredients is one reason for calling it “white” chili.
Origins in Texas
Another reason behind the name is its origins. White chili was first created and became popular in Texas in the 1970s. Traditional Texas red chili used beef as the protein. But wives of cowboys and cattlemen in Texas came up with this lighter alternative using chicken and an abundance of white beans cooked down into a stew.
Since this dish was so vastly different from typical Texas chili using red meat and chilies, they distinguished it by calling it “white” chili. The name stuck as the recipe spread in popularity beyond Texas throughout the southern United States.
Milder Flavor Profile
Naming it white chili also comes from its milder flavor. While traditional red chili and chili con carne are known for being spicy and smoky from chili powders and other seasonings, white chili has a more subtle flavor.
The lack of strong red chilies gives white chili a more delicate flavor profile. Green chilies and traditional chili powder still provide some heat. But flavors like cumin, oregano, and lime juice complement the chicken and beans without overpowering them.
So white chili distinguishes itself from standard chili not only in appearance but also in its milder southwest taste. The white name denotes its lighter flavor profile.
Thick, Hearty Texture
Texture also plays a role in why this dish stands out from traditional thin, soupy chili. White chili is made with plenty of white beans that break down and thicken the stew. Pieces of tender chicken also distinguish it from ground beef chili.
The result is a thick, hearty chili that can be a meal itself rather than just a sauce. Its spoon-coating thickness sets it apart from runnier chilis. So the name also conveys the greater density and hearty feel of this southwest stew.
Versatility as a Topping or Main Dish
White chili has also earned its name because it serves as a versatile dish. Unlike traditional chili used mainly as a condiment, white chili can function as:
- A main meal
- A dip for tortilla chips
- A topping for potatoes, nachos, or Frito pie
- A filling for tamales or enchiladas
Its lighter flavor and thick texture make it adaptable for eating on its own or using creatively in other recipes. So white chili sets itself apart as not just a standalone chili but also as an ingredient adding flavor, nutrition, and heartiness wherever it’s used.
Healthier Ingredients
Lastly, white chili has a distinctive name because its ingredients make it a bit healthier than traditional chili. It skips the fatty ground beef or pork usually found in chili. Chicken provides leaner protein. Using white beans adds extra protein, fiber, and key nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Though still hearty and comforting, white chicken chili is lighter than beef- or pork-based chilis. So the white name also communicates its healthier profile compared to standard meaty, greasy chili recipes.
Common Questions about White Chili
Is it traditional chili?
While it has “chili” in the name, white chili is not a traditional chili recipe. It was invented in the 1970s in Texas as a unique take on classic chili con carne. Traditional chili is defined by the use of red chili peppers, tomatoes, and beef. White chili uses white beans, chicken, and green chiles instead for its own unique flavor and texture.
What kind of beans are used?
Great Northern beans or cannellini beans are the most common types used in white chicken chili recipes. Both are large, white beans that break down into a thick consistency when cooked long enough. Other white beans like navy beans can work as well.
Can you use turkey or pork?
Shredded chicken is traditional, but lean ground turkey can be substituted. Pork is not common, as that would give it a red hue. To keep the white look, chicken or turkey work best.
Is it spicy?
White chili is mildly spicy from green chiles but usually not very hot. However, you can adjust the heat levels by using hotter green chile varieties or more cayenne pepper and chili powder. It’s meant to have a delicate, nuanced spiciness rather than an intensely burning heat.
What toppings are used?
Popular toppings for white chicken chili include sour cream, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, sliced jalapenos, green onion, cilantro, and tortilla chips for dipping.
What goes well with white chili?
Aside from typical chili toppings, white chili pairs well with sides like cornbread, corn muffins, cooked rice, crunchy tortilla chips, or a fresh salad. The lighter flavor complements many sides that heavier beef chili might overpower.
The Best White Chicken Chili Recipe
If you want to experience the full white chili flavor for yourself, here is an easy recipe to try at home:
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Jalapeno, finely chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups shredded, cooked chicken
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and jalapeno. Cook 1 minute more.
- Stir in Great Northern beans, chicken broth, cooked chicken, and green chilies. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook 10 minutes more.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.
- Serve white chili warm garnished with cilantro.
This flavorful white chicken chili is sure to be a new family favorite. Its easy preparation and lighter flavor make it perfect for any weeknight meal or easy weekend entertaining. Serve it up with all your favorite chili toppings and dig in to this warm, comforting southwestern stew.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for one serving of white chicken chili using the recipe above:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fiber | 11g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 29g |
As you can see, white chicken chili is a well-balanced meal full of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. The white beans provide a healthy dose of plant-based protein and fiber. Using chicken instead of beef keeps it lower in fat and calories than beef chili.
The servings of vegetables like onion, garlic, and green chilies add vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Spices like cumin, oregano, and jalapeno also boost the flavor without adding salt, sugar, or fat.
So a bowl of white chicken chili provides a nutritious option for a high-protein meatless meal. You get all the comfort that chili provides now in a lighter, yet still hearty and satisfying form. Make a pot to enjoy all week long for wholesome lunches and dinners.
Conclusion
White chili stands apart from more traditional chili con carne recipes for multiple reasons. Its lighter color comes from using white beans, chicken, and green chiles instead of red meat and peppers. Its origins can be traced back to Texas, where it was created as a unique take on classic chili.
The milder flavor gives it a more delicate chili taste compared to other spicy, hearty chilis. And its thick, spoon-coating texture makes it more of a stew than just a sauce. White chili can be used as a topping but also stands alone as a filling main dish.
So while it contains the word “chili” in its name, white chili truly sets itself apart. Everything from the look, taste, ingredients, and usage differs from what typical chili recipes call for. That uniqueness earns this popular dish the distinctive name of white chili rather than just another variation of standard chili con carne.