White Chicken Chili Straight Out of a Magazine

White Chicken Chili Straight Out of a Magazine is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by MATTY MATHESON on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 51 min | Total: 1 hr 16 min

Cost: $31.81 total, $5.30 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Bone‑in chicken thighs (skin on, cut into 2‑inch pieces)
  • 1 pound Chicken drumsticks (bone‑in, cut into pieces)
  • 0.5 pound Chicken wings (bone‑in)
  • 1 pound Chicken breast (skinless, cut into bite‑size cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons Canola oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 large Yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 Poblano pepper (seeded and diced)
  • 2 Jalapeño peppers (seeded and minced (adjust heat to taste))
  • 2 Celery stalks (chopped)
  • 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced)
  • 4 Garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 4 cups Chicken stock (low‑sodium)
  • 1 15‑ounce can Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 0.5 Green cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 Avocado (sliced for garnish)
  • 1 Lime (cut into wedges)
  • 4 Radishes (thinly sliced for garnish)
  • 4 tablespoons Sour cream (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons Green onions (chopped for garnish)
  • 6 Corn tortillas (warmed for serving)

Instructions

  1. Chop the vegetables

    Dice the onion, seed and dice the poblano, mince the jalapeños, chop the celery and carrot, and mince the garlic cloves.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté the sofrito

    Heat the canola oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, poblano, jalapeños, celery, carrot and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add the spices

    Stir in the cumin, Mexican chili powder, paprika and Mexican oregano. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Brown the bone‑in chicken

    Add the thigh, drumstick and wing pieces to the pot. Brown on all sides, about 10 minutes, until a deep caramel color forms.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  5. Brown the chicken breast cubes

    Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot and sear for 5 minutes, just until lightly browned.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  6. Simmer the chili

    Pour in the chicken stock, stir, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Simmer

  7. Add beans and cabbage

    Stir in the drained beans and shredded cabbage. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the cabbage softens slightly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Simmer

  8. Finish and serve

    Taste and adjust salt if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with sour cream, sliced avocado, lime wedges, radish slices, chopped green onions and warm corn tortillas on the side.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
12g
Fiber
8g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if using corn tortillas), High‑Protein, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Dairy (sour cream)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

White Chicken Chili Straight Out of a Magazine

Recipe by MATTY MATHESON

A hearty, flavor‑packed chicken chili inspired by a family favorite. Bone‑in chicken pieces and breast are browned, then simmered in a bright sofrito of onion, poblano, jalapeño, celery, carrot and garlic, seasoned with cumin, Mexican chili powder, paprika and oregano. Beans, cabbage and a splash of chicken stock turn it into a thick, comforting stew, finished with avocado, lime, radishes, sour cream, green onion and warm tortillas.

MediumMexicanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
31m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 6m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$31.81
Total cost
$5.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sautéing the sofrito to develop flavor
  • Browning the bone‑in chicken for caramelization
  • Simmering long enough for the meat to become tender

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot Dutch oven

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of White Lightning Chicken Chili in Mexican cuisine?

A

While not a traditional Mexican dish, chicken chili reflects the Mexican tradition of using sofrito, chilies and beans to create comforting, communal stews. It blends classic Mexican aromatics with the American love of chicken chili, making it a modern Tex‑Mex comfort food.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken chili in Mexican cuisine?

A

In Mexico, chili often features pork or beef with dried chilies like ancho or guajillo. Coastal regions add seafood, while northern states may use beef and pinto beans. The white‑lightning version swaps red chilies for milder poblano and jalapeño, creating a lighter, brighter broth.

cultural
Q

How is White Lightning Chicken Chili traditionally served in Mexican households?

A

It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with fresh avocado, lime wedges, chopped cilantro or green onion, and a dollop of sour cream. Warm corn tortillas or crusty bread are offered on the side for dipping and soaking up the broth.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken chili associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Chicken chili is a popular weekday family dinner, but it also appears at casual gatherings, game nights, and outdoor picnics because it can be made in large batches and kept warm over a low flame.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a true Mexican‑style chicken chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients include fresh sofrito vegetables (onion, poblano, jalapeño, garlic, celery, carrot), Mexican oregano, cumin, and chili powder. You can substitute boneless thighs for bone‑in pieces, or use canned pinto beans instead of black beans, but the aromatics should stay authentic.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with White Lightning Chicken Chili?

A

Serve it alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh pico de gallo, or a simple corn salad. A side of grilled elote (Mexican street corn) also complements the chili’s smoky heat.

cultural
Q

What makes White Lightning Chicken Chili special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The use of bone‑in chicken pieces adds depth and “pizzazz” to the broth, while the bright sofrito with poblano and jalapeño creates a lighter, “white lightning” color unlike traditional red chili. The garnish of avocado, lime and radish adds fresh crunch and acidity.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making White Lightning Chicken Chili?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken breast, which makes it dry, not browning the bone‑in pieces enough, resulting in a flat flavor, and adding too much liquid, which yields a watery chili. Follow the browning and simmering times closely for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use both bone‑in chicken pieces and boneless breast instead of only one type?

A

Bone‑in pieces provide gelatin and richer flavor to the broth, while boneless breast cooks quickly and adds tender meat chunks. Combining both gives a hearty texture and balanced cooking times.

technical
Q

Can I make White Lightning Chicken Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if it thickens too much. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel MATTY MATHESON specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel MATTY MATHESON focuses on fun, family‑friendly home cooking videos that blend humor with clear step‑by‑step instructions, often featuring comfort dishes with a playful twist.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel MATTY MATHESON's approach to Mexican‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

MATTY MATHESON combines personal storytelling and comedic commentary with practical cooking tips, making Mexican‑inspired recipes feel approachable for busy families, whereas many other channels emphasize technical precision over personality.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Pecking House’s Ultra-Crunchy, Burn-Your-Mouth-Off Chili Fried Chicken
36

Pecking House’s Ultra-Crunchy, Burn-Your-Mouth-Off Chili Fried Chicken

A crunchy, spicy‑sweet Southern‑style fried chicken finished with a fragrant Sichuan‑pepper‑infused chili oil. The recipe combines a classic buttermilk brine, a unique starch‑rich dredge, and a double‑fry technique for ultimate crispness, then coats the pieces in a glossy, numbing chili oil.

1 hr 23 minServes 4$42
American (Southern) & Chinese Fusion
This is White Chicken Chili, you’re gonna love it!
23

This is White Chicken Chili, you’re gonna love it!

A hearty, one‑pot chicken chili made in a crock‑pot with beans, corn, tomatoes, and melty cheeses. Perfect for busy days and easy to customize with toppings like tortilla strips, sour cream, and guacamole.

5 hrs 50 minServes 6$18
American
Easy White Chicken Chili (Stovetop Recipe)
8

Easy White Chicken Chili (Stovetop Recipe)

A comforting, creamy white chicken chili made with pantry staples like white beans, corn, and a secret ranch seasoning. Perfect for cool evenings, this easy recipe can be made ahead, reheated, and customized with your favorite toppings.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$19
American
White Chicken Chili: Click the link in my bio and then select the photo to get the recipe ❤️
7

White Chicken Chili: Click the link in my bio and then select the photo to get the recipe ❤️

A creamy, slow‑cooked white chicken chili that’s perfect for busy evenings. Toss all ingredients into a Crock‑Pot, let it simmer, and enjoy a hearty, award‑winning bowl of flavor that has won chili‑cookoff first places.

6 hrs 25 minServes 6$20
American
Ree Drummond's Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili
6

Ree Drummond's Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili

A hearty, comforting white chicken chili made in a slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts, soaked Great Northern beans, and a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and white pepper create a flavorful broth, finished with masa, milk, sweet corn, lime juice, and Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with sour cream, extra cheese, cilantro, and warm corn tortillas.

9 hrs 40 minServes 6$36
American (Tex-Mex)
Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili
6

Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili

A rich, spicy, and comforting Cajun‑style white chicken chili made with tender chicken thighs, white beans, corn, and a splash of heavy cream and cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game‑day crowd‑pleaser.

1 hr 5 minServes 6$50
American (Cajun)