Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 (4 oz) can Diced Green Chiles, undrained
  • 1 Tbsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano (preferably Mexican)
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder (mild)
  • ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 6 cups Chicken Stock (low sodium)
  • 3 (15 oz) cans Cannellini Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese, full fat, cubed and room temperature
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • Coriander (Cilantro), for garnish
  • Sour Cream or Crème Fraîche, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent (about 5–7 minutes).
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the entire can of diced green chiles (liquid included).
  3. Reduce heat slightly. Add the cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to 'toast' the spices, deepening their flavour (the bloom).
  4. Pour in the chicken stock. Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Mash about one-third of the beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the chili.
  5. Allow the chili to simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to let the flavours meld beautifully.
  6. Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and continue simmering for another 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cubed, room-temperature cream cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture. Do not allow the chili to boil once the cream cheese is added, or it may split.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne as necessary.
  9. Allow the chili to rest for 5 minutes before serving hot, garnished with coriander, sour cream, and tortilla chips.