Southwest Creamy White Chicken Chili

Recipe From: Laura 

When you need a meal that’s quick-n-easy, this is the perfect fix-n-forget crock pot meal for busy weeknights-- it can also be frozen for later.  This Southwest Creamy White Chicken Chili has a dreamy flavor!   It's loaded with chunks of pulled chicken, fire roasted tomatoes, corn, beans & a lil spicy kick in each bite.  Top each bowl of chili with cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, chips and avocado.  Enjoy!

This recipe won 1^st place in a Chili Cookoff at work so I made sure to track down the famous chef!

1 ½ - 2 lbs chicken breasts, uncooked

 4 cans white beans – Great Northern or cannellini, rinsed and drained

 1 small onion

 2 cloves garlic, chopped

 2 cans of corn, drained

 2 cans fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles --OR-- if you don’t get tomatoes with green chilies, add 8 oz. green chilies (2 small cans)

 4-5 cups chicken broth (or more, depending on how thick you want the chili)

 1 block cream cheese

 1 pkg. Ranch seasoning packet only (do not add mayo) **OR make your own--see below**

 3 Tablespoons taco seasoning (equivalent of 1 packet) **OR make your own using 2-3 TBSP LINK HERE**

 

 Put all ingredients in a crockpot and cook at a low setting for about 6 hours. Stir a few times throughout cooking if possible. 

 Remove chicken breasts and shred with a fork.  Return to crock pot and stir.  Serve with toppings: cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, limes, jalapeno and/or tortilla chips.

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 **Alternative to the Ranch seasoning packet**

 ½ teaspoon dried chives

½ teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon dried dill weed

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

⅛ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

 Mix all together.  Use 2 TBSP of ranch seasoning for the White Chicken Chili.  (When making ranch dressing for a salad, add ½ c. mayo, ½ sour cream, ½ c. buttermilk)

Rain Reflections

March is a blustery of windy rain showers with hopes of spring  – its savage and serene.   There is something soothing when listening to the sound of rain.  As you’re enjoying your soup, the perfect comfort food for a rainy day, reflect on the hidden beauties as the rain taps at your window.   Take time to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and favorite book.  Or go jump in a puddle!  Experience the feel of raindrops on your tongue.  Marvel at the rainbow.   Bask in the cleansing of the air.  Mother Earth is nourished.  Nature can grow. Reflect on Gods love.  Life is a miracle.   -Laura