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    Home » Recipes » Campfire Recipes

    Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili

    | Yield 8 | July 7, 2021 | Updated: July 8, 2021 by Kita | This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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    White Chicken Chili is a perfect hearty dish begging to be simmered in a cast-iron Dutch oven. With a thick creamy base, beans, and peppers it’s a mild blend of spice and pulled chicken to feed the family over the campfire or at home. This version has charred corn and sliced jalapenos for a little extra pop that everyone loves!

    Showing white chicken chili in a Dutch oven outside in a woodland scene on a table with limes, jalapenos and avocados for topping

    Creamy, thick, comforting, and incredibly hearty. Is there a more perfect recipe for a chilly night around the campfire? This white chicken chili is just that with a bit of heat, but not too much, and the perfect balance and blend of flavors.

    It’s a go-to in big batches for long camp trips, as it’s easy to make ahead and warm as needed. I’ve never known a camper to turn this down after a long day exploring the trails.

    If you don’t have a campfire built, it can be made on a traditional range, or camp stove, and is perfect even if you aren’t getting somewhere off grid, but just want a comforting meal at home.

    above shot of white chicken chili in dutch oven

    What is in Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili

    This recipe calls for poblano peppers, boneless skinless chicken breast, onions, poblanos, garlic, cumin, taco seasoning, salt, lime juice, chicken broth white northern beans, black beans, canned chopped green peppers, and tortillas for thickening.

    You can spice it up with hot sauce or chili powder if you like, but I keep it mild and add jalapenos at the end for my own kick.

    How to Make

    This is an easy recipe, even if you’re cooking over fire. You start by roasting some poblanos to create a rich flavor and remove the outer skin.

    Then preheat your dutch oven over the coals and brown the chicken on all sides while sauteeing the onion. Finally, you start tossing it all together, the garlic, roasted chopped peppers, and spices to coat it all.

    dutch oven with lid on over indirect fire

    Carefully whisk in the broth, and deglaze the pan. Which simple means to scrape up any bits that were stuck to the bottom before adding the remaining ingredients in and bringing to a simmer.

    Showing chicken being pulled with forks in a red speckled bowl

    A quick shredding of the chicken outside of the stew, and a puree on at the end thickens the base and makes everything creamy without adding any dairy. Toss the shredded chicken back in and then serve with all the toppings you want.

    Dutch oven with shredded chicken returned to pot for white chicken chili recipe

    What the heck is Deglazing?

    Deglazing works when a small amount of liquid is added to the pan and the steam created helps the built-on stuff come loose. That built on ‘stuff’ is usually pretty tasty at this stage and is a great flavor base, but using the steam method later for cleaning burnt-on stuff – aka not tasty – is also a pro trick. Tuck that one away to woo someone with your mad kitchen skills someday.

    Above shot showing white chicken chili in a dutch oven with two bowls assembled near by topped with avocado and lime

    GirlCarnivore Pro Tip: Thicken white chicken chili by blending the bean heavy stew with an immersion blender. To add extra thickness, I add a few tortillas to the stew to simmer before I blend. No immersion blender? use a food processor or traditional blender with the lid securely in place and towel over top for safety.

    chicken in a bowl being shredded with two forks

    Tips and Tricks for this Dutch Oven Recipe

    No Dutch Oven? You can make this recipe in a slow cooker or crockpot. Follow the recipe as directed, browning the chicken and sauteing the onion. Pop it all into the slow cooker and set it to low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken shreds easily with a fork. Remove the chicken and blend the stew and shred the chicken as written in the recipe below.

    Chilis are best when they are able to simmer low and slow, letting the layers of flavor mingle. There is truth to ‘chili is better on day two.’ Make this in the morning at camp, or even before getting to camp for more flavor ahead of time.

    This recipe freezes well! Make ahead and freeze leftovers in airtight resealable bags or containers for up to 3 months. Reheat by thawing the stew and adding to a pot over low heat.

    Put single portions in each freezer packet so that you have access to easy pre-portioned meals for busy days.

    White Chicken Chili in a Dutch oven on table outside in rustic woodland setting

    Want more savory recipe inspiration? Try some of my favorites!

    • White Chicken Chili
    • Easy Beef Chili
    • Cast Iron French Fries with Chili
    • Classic Beef Chili Recipe
    • Kick it up – Southwest Shepherd’s Pie

    If you’ve tried my Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili Recipe or any other recipe on GirlCarnivore.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below.
    I get inspired by your feedback and comments! You can also join in on the adventures on Instagram @girlcarnivore, Twitter & Facebook.

    above shot of white chicken chili in dutch oven
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    5 from 6 votes

    Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili

    This chicken chili is easily made in a Dutch oven while camping or ahead of time with just a few simple ingredients like roasted pobalnos, broth, and beans. Adjust the heat to your taste and see our tips for thickenig below.
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Kita Roberts
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time1 hr
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 268kcal

    Equipment

    • dutch oven

    Ingredients

    • 2 poblanos
    • 1 tablespoon canola oil
    • 1.5 lbs chicken breast boneless skinless
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • ½ onion
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 1 lime
    • 1 14 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
    • 1 14 oz can great northern beans drained and rinsed
    • 8 oz can green chiles
    • 2 flour tortillas torn into thin strips

    For Toppings:

    • Avocado
    • Jalapeno
    • Grilled corn
    • Sour Cream
    • Cilantro
    • Sliced lime

    Instructions

    Roast the Poblanos

    • Roast the poblanos until the skin has blistered all over.
    • Wrap in foil and allow to steam for 5 minutes.
    • Carefully remove the foil and peel back the charred skin. Discard.
    • Chop the roasted poblanos and set aside.

    Prep the Dutch Oven

    • Heat the Dutch oven over the cooler side of the fire, or medium heat.
    • Add the oil and allow to coat the pan.

    Cook the Chicken

    • Add the chicken and brown on one side, about 4 minutes.
    • Add the onion and flip the chicken to brown on the other side 4 minutes longer while the onion softens.
    • Add in the chopped roasted poblanos, garlic, taco seasoning and cumin. Stir to combine.

    Deglaze and Add the Liquid

    • Deglaze the pan, if needed with a splash of broth scraping up any browned bits
    • Slowely pour the remaining broth into the Dutch oven.
    • Add the juice from the lime.
    • Add the beans, green chiles, and tortilla strips.

    Boil

    • Bring to a slow boil and let simmer for 45 minutes.

    Blend

    • Remove the chicken from the pot.
    • With an immersion blender, or working with a food processor, pulse half of the broth to thicken.
    • Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.

    Serve

    • Allow the chicken chili to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
    • When ready to serve, ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings and garnish

    Notes

    Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great for this recipe too.
    Store leftovers after cooled in airtight resaleable containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
    Reheat individual portions a small pan over low or in the microwave in bursts until heated through. 
    To cut carbs, omit the tortillas. 
    To cut more carbs, half the beans and replace them with mushrooms. 

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili
    Amount Per Serving (1 g)
    Calories 268 Calories from Fat 45
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 5g8%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Trans Fat 1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 2g
    Cholesterol 54mg18%
    Sodium 1085mg47%
    Potassium 857mg24%
    Carbohydrates 29g10%
    Fiber 8g33%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 27g54%
    Vitamin A 184IU4%
    Vitamin C 46mg56%
    Calcium 86mg9%
    Iron 3mg17%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information provided is an estimate. For specific health concerns, please put the recipe into your Dr recommended nutrition calculator.
    Made My Recipe?Mention @girlcarnivore and tag #girlcarnivore!

    This recipe was originally published in the Winter Edition 2021 of Girl Camper Magazine.

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    About Kita

    Hey, I'm Kita, the Meat Maven, outdoor junkie, campfire connoisseur, adventure-seeking and world traveled recipe developer and photographer behind GirlCarnivore.com. My mission is to break down savory eats and inspire you to get a little grit under your nails while having fun with your food. READ MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judy Albert says

      October 24, 2021 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh Kita! You just might inspire me to be a better cook yet. If anyone can it’s you. I can’t wait to try this recipe.

      Reply

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