Tangerine Express White Chicken Chili
The classic white chili recipe of chicken and white beans gets kicked up with the addition of nopal cactus and Stone Brewing Tangerine Express IPA beer. Poblano, habanero, and chipotle peppers add both heat and flavor.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 Tbs Olive oil divided
- 1.5 lbs diced chicken breast
- Salt and pepper
- 1 medium vidalia onion diced
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 poblano peppers seeded and diced small
- 1 habanero minced (remove seeds for less heat, or omit completely for a milder chili)
- ½ cup diced cactus
- 2 tsp dried wild bergamot or oregano
- 1 Tbs cumin
- 1 Tbs dried cilantro
- 1 tsp crushed dried chipotles
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Stone Brewing Co. Tangerine Express IPA (or similar citrus IPA beer)
- 3 cans great northern beans drained and rinsed
- Shredded Chihuahua or Jack cheese to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 Tbs olive oil in a Dutch oven or braising pan over medium heat. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper, then add to pan and brown on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Heat remaining 2 Tbs olive oil. Add onions and garlic and saute until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add poblanos, habanero, and cactus. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until poblanos start to soften and cactus changes color.
- Return chicken to pan. Add broth, cilantro, cumin, chipotle, and wild bergamot or oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Stir in beer.
- Mash one can of beans with a potato masher. Stir into pot, along with the other two cans of whole beans. Bring to a simmer and cook 30 minutes.
- Serve topped with shredded cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Fresh cactus (nopal) is readily available at hispanic markets and most mainstream supermarkets that stock hispanic produce. Look for it near the chili peppers. Some stores offer it pre-cleaned and diced (Meijer and Tony's Fresh Market locations here in the Chicago area often stock cut cactus).
- To make this gluten-free: Omit the beer, or substitute a gluten-free beer like New Grist from Lakefront Brewery. (Both options will change the flavor of this recipe).