Oh So Good, White Chicken Chili

Our menu this week was rearranged a bit - but change is good.  In this case, Oh So Good!  Having had Blue Fin Tuna lightly seared with wasabbi the night before, and Corned Beef was planned for St Patrick's Day, the Big Guy requested White Chicken Chili instead of the beef soup planned.  And I was glad he did!  Oh So Good!

This soup would be easy to throw together one evening after work.  Bonus would be if you already had chicken cooked (super easy, check out this post).  Open a couple of cans of beans, green chiles and chicken broth.  Throw in some cumin, cayenne pepper and cilantro.  Stir and top with Monterrey Jack cheese and a dollop of sour cream.  Done!  Really - it was that easy!  Finding a beer to go in the Beer Bread was more difficult.  (Not really but you get the idea). 

Cha Cha's White Chicken Chili

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapeno peppers (I used 1/2 this amount.  For me this was enough)

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (I used 1/2 - just a taste of heat, probably could have used more but the kids I wanted less not too much.  Adjust to your taste)

3 Tablespoons (or more) of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro (LOVE cilantro!)

2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast  (I used 3 cups of cooked chicken - dark and white mixed)

3 (15 ounce) cans white beans (I took dried, soaked and cooked my own - super easy)

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 - Heat oil in bottom of pot (one large enough for everything in the end, I used a large stock pot).  Chop onion and add to oil.  Saute till onion is clear.

2-Chop Jalapenos.  This is how much I used.  Just took them from a can - Big Guy likes his jalapenos on hot dogs, pizza, and nachos so we normally have a jar opened in the fridge.

3 - Add peppers, chiles, cilantro and spices to the cooked onion.  Cook together for another 5 minutes or so.

4- Add chicken, chicken broth, and beans.  Stir and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.

Spoon into bowls, topping with cheese and sour cream!  Enjoy!