White Chicken Chili Stew

By Blair Lindler

I have really been on a chili kick lately…  I joke with my co-workers that I could eat Metabolic Effect’s Quick Chili every day for lunch and not get tired of it. And although I believe this is true, I figured I’d try a new chili-esque recipie for kicks and giggles (I don’t ever want to get tired of ME’s Quick Chili – it’s a standard go to recipe!).

When I found this new recipe, I was quite surprised to learn that the original author was THE Paula Deen – traditionally the queen of Southern, fried, covered in cheese, baked in butter food.  And then to find a recipe that was fat loss friendly?

Shocked.  And excited!! 

Because Paula Deen knows food – and she doesn’t put out anything that isn’t tasty.  I am loving that Paula (yes, we’re on a first name basis :-p ) is on a health kick!! Shout-out to Miss Deen!  You go girl!

So I went into this recipe with some expectations…

And let me tell you – this recipe far exceeded ALL of my expectations!!  It’s flavorful, surprisingly not spicy, and has all the Mexican flavor that you look for in a comfort food.  It’s been a total winner at my house – and has been a great take-to-work for lunch option also.

White Chicken Chili Stew

Ingredients:

  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (I used green)
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeno, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1 T chili powder
  • 4 C low sodium, low fat chicken broth
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 2 C salsa
  • 12 oz chicken breast, shredded into large pieces
  • 1 (15oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly
  • ½ C packed fresh cilantro, chopped

 Directions:

  1. Heat oil in large pot with medium-high heat.  Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, jalapeno and sauté.
  2. Add chili powder
  3. Stir in chicken broth, sweet potato, and salsa.  Bring to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.  Let simmer until the sweet potato is tender (mine took about 8-9mins – depends on how big your cubes are)
  4. Add shredded chicken and beans.  Lower heat to a medium-low and let simmer for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
  5. Remove pot from heat, stir in cilantro, cover pot.  Let sit 5-10 minutes to allow the flavor of the cilantro to meld.
  6. Ladle into bowls and enjoy! 🙂

P.S. Give it a try and let us know what YOU think!  Use #beyondfit on twitter or instagram.