Black and White Chicken Chili

My Simple, Flavorful Black and White Chicken Chili

As a busy working mom, I need recipes that are both delicious and easy to whip up. This Black and White Chicken Chili fits the bill perfectly. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s surprisingly quick to make, even on a weeknight. The "black and white" refers to the beautiful contrast of the dark black beans and the lighter great northern beans. This chili is far from bland; the cumin, chili powder, and a hint of jalapeno provide just the right amount of warmth without being overwhelmingly spicy. It's adaptable too; sometimes I'll add a can of corn or some diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. The best part? Leftovers are even better the next day!

I usually double the recipe and freeze half. It's a lifesaver on those crazy busy days when I barely have time to think, let alone cook a full meal. My kids love it, and it's a crowd-pleaser when I bring it to potlucks. I’ve even had friends request the recipe, and they’re always surprised at how easy it is to make. I often serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cheese, and some crusty bread for dipping – the perfect comforting meal, any time of year.

This chili isn't just for chilly evenings. It's surprisingly refreshing on a warm day, too. The flavors meld beautifully, and it's a great way to use up leftover chicken. I often roast a whole chicken on the weekend, and then use the leftover meat in this chili during the week. It adds a fantastic depth of flavor.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different beans, add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjust the spice level to your liking. One time, I even added a splash of lime juice at the end, which gave it a wonderful zing. The possibilities are endless! It’s the perfect blank canvas for your culinary creativity. It truly is a weeknight winner that's healthy, flavorful and perfect for the whole family!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapenos or chili powder to suit your preference. For a milder chili, use less or omit the jalapenos altogether. For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Bean Variety: Feel free to experiment with other beans. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or a combination of different beans would all work well.
• Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
• Meat: While chicken is delicious in this chili, you can also use ground beef, turkey, or even vegetarian crumbles for a meatless option.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Sour cream, Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges are all great choices.
• Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

So, grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking! You’ll be surprised at how quickly this delicious and satisfying chili comes together. It's a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Step-by-step

• Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large cooking pot.
• Add chicken and cook for about 5 min., or until it loses its pinkness.
• Add the onions and jalapenos-cook until onions are transparent.
• Add all of the beans, broth, and seasonings.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for at least thirty minutes-do not cover!
• Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese-whatever sounds good! (I like it best with jalapeno corn bread!)