Cold Weather River Trip White Chicken Chili Recipe

Published on: August 24, 2021
Last Updated on February 27, 2025
A camp stove with 3 dutch ovens and charcoal bricks is cooking a camp meal at a river campsite.

When the temperature drops and you’re planning a relaxing river trip, nothing beats a comforting bowl of hot soup. This white chicken chili recipe is the perfect cold-weather meal that warms you up after a day on the water.

(Serves 8-10)

Ingredients

  • Chicken & Beans:
    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped
    • 3 cans Great Northern beans (14.5 oz each)
  • Broth & Vegetables:
    • 2 cans chicken broth (14 oz each)
    • 1 can chopped green chilis (4 oz)
    • 1 yellow onion, diced
    • 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
    • Garlic (to taste)
  • Cheese & Spices:
    • 1 cup shredded Pepperjack cheese
    • Olive oil
    • Your favorite spices (consider cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper)
  • Optional Extras:
    • Bouillon cubes or homemade bone broth for extra flavor

Directions

  1. Sauté the Base:
    • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped chicken and diced onion; cook until lightly browned.
    • Stir in garlic and your chosen spices.
  2. Build the Chili:
    • Add chopped green chilis and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
    • Mash one can of beans and mix it into the pot.
    • Pour in the remaining two cans of beans and stir well.
  3. Simmer and Serve:
    • Allow the chili to simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes to blend flavors.
    • Serve hot, topped with a generous amount of shredded Pepperjack cheese and diced jalapeño.

Bonus Tricks for Extra Flavor

  • Boost the Broth: Add bouillon cubes or a splash of homemade bone broth.
  • Side Dish Idea: Serve with Dutch oven cornbread—try tossing in green chilis and cheddar cheese to impress your friends.

Other Cold-Weather Meal Ideas

  • Posole: For a more involved prep and a rich, quality meal.
  • Mac & Cheese with Bratwursts: Ideal if you want to relax by the fire with a beer.

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