Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step-by-Step Stovetop Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large (5-6 quart) pot over medium-high heat. Add your chopped yellow onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent (3-5 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil until incredibly fragrant.
- Carefully pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir in the diced green chilies and the fresh lime juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring this fragrant mixture to a gentle simmer.
- While your chili base is simmering, drain and thoroughly rinse the great northern beans in a strainer under cold water to remove excess sodium and any starchy liquid.
- For a creamy and thick texture, measure out a large ladleful of the rinsed beans and transfer them to a food processor. Add a splash of broth directly from your simmering chili. Puree until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Add both the pureed beans and the remaining whole beans, along with the corn (frozen or fresh), to the soup pot. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer and continue to cook, uncovered, for 15 to 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Once your chili has reached its desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) and your cooked, shredded chicken. This is also the perfect moment to stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone until melted, creating an even richer, more velvety finish.
- Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Serve immediately, garnishing generously with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, creamy avocado slices, and crunchy tortilla chips, if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Don't skip blooming the spices in hot oil; it's a game-changer for flavor. Embrace cream cheese or mascarpone at the end for an incredibly rich, velvety texture. Pureeing a portion of the beans is key for thickness. If freezing, do so before adding dairy to prevent separation. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.