Cheese Choice For White Chicken Chili Perfection

White chicken chilli is a tasty alternative to traditional beef chilli. It's a lighter, creamier soup that's packed with protein and is easy to make. But what type of cheese should you use? Well, there are a few options. You could use Monterrey Jack cheese, as suggested by Cooking Classy and The Chunky Chef, or you could use a combination of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, as Spicy Southern Kitchen recommends. If you want to make it extra creamy, you could also add some cream cheese, as suggested by Cooking Classy, or even some sour cream, as used in Pillsbury's recipe.

Cream cheese

Some recipes suggest substituting the cream cheese with Neufchatel cheese.

Monterey Jack cheese

White chicken chili is a delicious, creamy alternative to traditional red chili. It's a rich and satisfying dish with a subtle kick of spice, perfect for a cozy night in or a rowdy game day. While there are many types of cheese that can be used in white chicken chili, Monterey Jack cheese is an excellent choice for several reasons.

First and foremost, Monterey Jack cheese has a mild and creamy flavour that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in white chicken chili. It melts easily, creating a smooth and decadent texture that elevates the dish. The cheese also adds a beautiful stretchiness to the chili, making it even more indulgent and satisfying.

In addition to its flavour and melting properties, Monterey Jack cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. This means that it not only enhances the taste and texture of the chili but also boosts its nutritional value. The cheese is also relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it an accessible option for most home cooks.

When adding Monterey Jack cheese to white chicken chili, it's important to do so gradually and allow it to melt fully before adding more. This ensures that the cheese incorporates smoothly into the dish, resulting in a creamy and homogeneous texture.

For an extra special touch, try using shredded Monterey Jack cheese instead of cubed or sliced. The shredded variety tends to melt more easily and creates an even silkier mouthfeel. It's also worth noting that while Monterey Jack cheese is delicious on its own, it can also be combined with other cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. For example, mixing it with cheddar or pepper jack cheese can add a bit of sharpness and extra depth to the white chicken chili.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings! While the cheese itself is a star ingredient, feel free to experiment with additional toppings such as tortilla chips, sour cream, jalapenos, or fresh herbs. These additions can take your white chicken chili to the next level, impressing both your taste buds and your guests.

Cheddar cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese can be used as a topping, adding a pop of colour and a creamy texture to the dish. It can also be stirred into the chili during cooking to create a thick, cheesy sauce. This is a great option if you want a more subtle cheddar flavour throughout the dish.

For a more intense cheddar flavour, a cheddar cheese sauce can be made by melting the cheese with butter and milk and then added to the chili. This will create an extra creamy and rich dish.

When choosing a cheddar cheese for your white chicken chili, consider the age of the cheese. Younger cheddars will have a milder flavour and smoother texture, while aged cheddars will have a sharper, more complex flavour and a crumbly texture. You can also use a combination of young and aged cheddars to create a balanced flavour profile.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheddar, such as white cheddar or smoked cheddar, to add unique flavours to your white chicken chili.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup milk (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Desired toppings (e.g. sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
• Add the chicken breasts to the pot and sear on both sides until lightly browned.
• Pour in the chicken broth, beans, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the beans are tender.
• Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred the meat using two forks.
• To make the cheddar cheese sauce, you can simply stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. For a more indulgent option, you can make a cheddar cheese sauce by melting the butter in a separate saucepan, adding the milk, and then gradually adding the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until melted and smooth.
• Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, along with the cheddar cheese or cheddar cheese sauce. Stir well to combine.
• Serve the white chicken chili in bowls and top with desired toppings, including extra shredded cheddar cheese.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and ingredients to your taste preferences. You can also add other ingredients, such as corn or diced tomatoes, to give the chili a heartier texture.

Enjoy your homemade white chicken chili with the sharp and tangy flavour of cheddar cheese!

Sour cream

For those who are health-conscious, a healthier alternative to sour cream is plain Greek yogurt, which can be used in the same way and in the same quantity as a substitute.

Shredded chicken

If you're starting with raw chicken, cut it into cubes or shred it before adding it to the slow cooker. If you're adding it to a soup pot, you can add the chicken raw and then shred it after cooking. Alternatively, cook and shred the chicken beforehand and add it to the pot when you add the cream cheese.

If you're short on time, you can also use canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, or thawed frozen grilled chicken pieces.

When it comes to the type of chicken, white chicken chili recipes typically call for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, you could also use chicken thighs or a mix of dark and white meat for extra flavour.

Once your chicken is cooked and shredded, simply add it back to the slow cooker or soup pot and stir it into the chili. If you're using a slow cooker, you can also shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks.

Some recipes also suggest removing the chicken before adding the cream cheese and other dairy ingredients to prevent the chicken from becoming overcooked or mushy.

By using shredded chicken in your white chicken chili, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that your family and friends will love.

Frequently asked questions