# Components:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
05 - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
→ Beans & Broth
07 - 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
08 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Dairy
09 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
10 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
14 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1/4 tsp ground coriander
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
20 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add chicken and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and chopped jalapeño to the same pot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
04 - Stir in diced green chilies, ground cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander, coating the vegetables evenly.
05 - Add drained white beans and pour in the chicken broth. Return the partially cooked chicken to the pot.
06 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and flavors meld.
07 - Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, then return shredded chicken to the chili.
08 - Stir in cream cheese until completely melted, then add heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, and lime wedges as desired.
