Best Cheeses For White Chicken Chili: A Guide

White chicken chili is a tasty alternative to traditional beef chili. It's a thick and rich chicken and bean stew made with tender chicken, beans, corn, green chiles, and a medley of spices. White chicken chili uses chicken broth thickened with cream cheese and/or sour cream to make it extra rich and delicious.

The type of cheese used in white chicken chili can vary depending on personal preference. Some popular options include Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mexican cheese. For an extra creamy texture, some recipes call for blending or mashing some of the beans before adding them to the soup. This results in a thick and hearty chili that's perfect for a comforting meal.

So, whether you're a fan of spicy or mild, loaded with toppings or plain, white chicken chili is a delicious option that can be easily customized to your taste!

Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack cheese is a good option for those who want to add a creamy texture to their chili without making it too spicy. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients in the dish. It is also a good melting cheese, which means it will blend nicely into the chili if you choose to stir it in.

For those who prefer a spicier option, Pepper Jack cheese adds a nice kick to the dish. It is made with jalapeño peppers, which give it a spicy flavour and a slightly stringy texture. This cheese is also a good melting variety, so it can be mixed into the chili or sprinkled on top to melt.

In addition to being used as a garnish, these cheeses can also be served on the side, allowing diners to add as much or as little as they like to their chili. This can be a good option for those who are unsure about trying a new type of cheese or who have varying spice tolerance levels.

Sour cream

The amount of sour cream added to white chicken chili can be customised to taste. Some recipes call for a specific quantity, such as 1/2 cup or 1 cup, while others suggest adding more or less to suit individual preferences. The flexibility in the amount of sour cream used allows home cooks to tailor the recipe to their desired level of creaminess and tang.

When storing white chicken chili, it is recommended to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to four days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave. For longer storage, the chili can be frozen for up to three months. However, as mentioned earlier, it is advisable to freeze the chili before adding the sour cream to maintain its texture and flavour.

Cream cheese

When making white chicken chili with cream cheese, it is important to control the heat to avoid overcooking the cheese. It is also essential to consider the cooking time, as the cream cheese can change texture if cooked for too long. To achieve the desired consistency, some recipes call for blending a portion of the beans with chicken broth before adding the cream cheese. This blended mixture is then stirred into the chili, creating a thick and creamy texture.

When serving white chicken chili with cream cheese, various toppings can be offered to enhance the flavour and texture. Common toppings include fresh herbs like cilantro, avocado slices, tortilla strips, lime wedges, and chopped green onions or chives. These toppings not only add a burst of colour and flavour but also allow for customisation according to individual tastes.

Greek yogurt

In addition to its use as an ingredient, Greek yogurt is also a popular topping for white chicken chili, along with tortilla chips, avocado, and cheese.

Avocado slices

Choosing the Right Avocado

Select avocados that are ripe and ready to be used. While the colour of the avocado skin may not always be an accurate indicator, you can assess ripeness by gently pressing the fruit. Ripe avocados will yield to gentle pressure but shouldn't feel too soft or mushy. California avocados are in season from spring through summer, so you may find the freshest options during this period.

Preparation and Storage

Before using avocados, be sure to wash them, even if you're not consuming the skin. To prepare avocado slices, cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and carefully slice the fruit while still in its skin. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the sliced avocado. Avocados tend to oxidize and turn brown quickly, so prepare them just before serving or add them to a mixture with acidic ingredients like lime juice to help preserve their colour.

Incorporating Avocado Slices into White Chicken Chili

You can incorporate avocado slices into your white chicken chili in a variety of ways:

• As a topping: Avocado slices make a great garnish, adding a fresh, creamy element to the chili. Simply place a few slices on top of each bowl of chili before serving.
• In a crema or cream: For a smoother, more integrated avocado flavour, you can blend avocados with ingredients like cream, lime juice, garlic, and salt to create an avocado crema or cream. This can be mixed into the chili or used as a topping, similar to sour cream.
• Incorporate into the chili: If you prefer smaller pieces of avocado, you can chop or mash the avocado and mix it directly into the chili. This will give your chili a creamier texture and a subtle avocado flavour.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

White chicken chili with avocado slices can be served in a variety of ways to enhance the dining experience:

• With tortilla chips: The crunch of tortilla chips pairs well with the creamy avocado and chili. You can use them for dipping or crushing over the chili.
• Over rice: Try serving your avocado-topped chili over a bed of fluffy white rice, reminiscent of the rice served at Chipotle.
• With cornbread: Cornbread, especially with a spicy and cheesy twist, makes a classic Southern side that balances the rich flavours of the chili.
• Garlic bread: Toasted garlic bread or garlic knots can be perfect for dipping into the chili and soaking up its creamy goodness.
• Baked potato bar: Baked potatoes are excellent vessels for chili, and you can invite diners to customize their potatoes with toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, cheese, green onions, and cilantro.

Nutritional Benefits

Frequently asked questions