Experience comfort food redefined with this irresistible White Chicken Chili featuring homemade Cornbread Dumplings. Forget the ordinary; this dish elevates classic chili to an extraordinary level, delivering a heartwarming meal that truly stands out. The tender, fluffy cornbread dumplings are the secret ingredient, transforming a simple chili into an unforgettable culinary adventure!
A Deliciously Unique White Chicken Chili Experience
Prepare your taste buds for a white chicken chili like no other. This isn’t just another bowl of comfort; it’s a delightful culinary creation made exceptional by the inclusion of savory cornbread dumplings. Many years ago, while collaborating with Martha White Baking, I stumbled upon this brilliant combination. The initial reception from family and friends was overwhelmingly positive, prompting me to share this cherished recipe with you all. It’s a testament to how a simple twist can turn a familiar dish into a new family favorite, offering a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
The Secret to Our Chili: Irresistible Cornbread Dumplings
What makes this white chicken chili truly special? The cornbread dumplings! These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill dumplings. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to the clever use of a packaged cornbread muffin mix. However, a crucial tip: we aren’t following the standard cornbread muffin instructions on the back of the package. For perfect dumplings that hold their shape and absorb the chili’s rich flavors without disintegrating, we need a significantly stiffer batter. This simple adjustment ensures each dumpling is a tender, flavorful bite that perfectly complements the creamy chili base.
The addition of cornbread dumplings brings a delightful texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes of the chili. Imagine biting into a fluffy, moist dumpling infused with the essence of green onions and cheese, all swimming in a rich and comforting white chicken chili broth. It’s a game-changer for chili night, offering a unique hearty element that satisfies and surprises with every spoonful. This unexpected pairing is what makes the recipe truly shine and why it has become such a beloved dish among those who try it.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chili and Dumplings
Crafting this incredible White Chicken Chili with Cornbread Dumplings requires a selection of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Below is a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything on hand before you begin. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to scroll down to the full recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- **For the Chili Base:**
- Chicken broth: The foundational liquid, providing depth of flavor.
- Water: To adjust consistency and volume of the chili.
- Onion: Diced finely for aromatic sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced, for an essential layer of savory flavor.
- Chicken tenders: Lean and cooks quickly, perfect for shredding.
- Taco seasoning: A convenient blend of spices for that classic chili flavor profile.
- White beans (Northern, Navy, or Cannellini): Creamy texture and a good source of protein and fiber.
- Corn or hominy: Adds a touch of sweetness and textural contrast; can be used undrained for extra liquid.
- Cream of chicken soup: For a rich, creamy consistency and added flavor.
- Green chiles: Chopped, for a mild, tangy heat that complements the chicken.
- **For the Cornbread Dumplings:**
- Sweet corn muffin mix: The convenient base for our tender dumplings.
- Green onions: Sliced, for a fresh, mild onion flavor within the dumplings.
- Egg: Binds the dumpling batter, ensuring a cohesive texture.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture, richness, and a slight tang to the dumplings.
- Shredded Mexican cheese: Melts into the dumplings, providing savory flavor and gooeyness.
How to Craft Your White Chicken Chili with Cornbread Dumplings
Making this incredible white chicken chili with its unique cornbread dumplings is a straightforward process, designed for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow these detailed steps to create a hearty and flavorful meal that will become a cherished part of your recipe collection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Base: In a large, sturdy pot, set over medium-high heat, combine the chicken broth, water, finely diced onions, minced garlic, and the chicken tenders. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and allow the chicken to simmer until it’s fully cooked through and tender. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders. While the chicken cooks, it’s an excellent time to prepare the rest of your ingredients, such as opening and draining the cans of beans and other items.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and place them in a separate bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. For an even quicker method, especially if you’re preparing a larger batch, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed to shred the chicken in a matter of seconds. Set the shredded chicken aside.
3. Build the Chili Flavor: To the same pot with the broth, add the taco seasoning, drained white beans, undrained corn (or hominy), cream of chicken soup, and chopped green chiles. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined. Then, gently fold in the shredded chicken you prepared earlier. Stir again to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Cover the pot and allow the chili to simmer on medium heat while you prepare the cornbread dumplings. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and complex chili.
4. Prepare the Cornbread Dumplings: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sweet corn muffin mix, sliced green onions, egg, sour cream, and shredded Mexican cheese. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until a stiff, cohesive batter forms. Remember, the key here is a stiff batter, not a runny one, to ensure the dumplings hold their shape when cooked in the chili. This batter will be thicker than traditional muffin batter.
5. Cook the Dumplings: Using only about half of the prepared dumpling mixture (you can use the rest for mini muffins or additional dumplings if you add more liquid to the chili), drop teaspoonfuls of the batter directly into the simmering chili. Try to space them out a little. Immediately cover the pot and allow the dumplings to steam gently for approximately 10-12 minutes. During this time, they will puff up beautifully. To check for doneness, carefully insert a toothpick into one of the dumplings; if it comes out clean with no raw batter, they are ready. Be mindful not to stir the chili too vigorously while the dumplings are cooking, as they can be delicate and might break apart.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are cooked, ladle the hot White Chicken Chili with Cornbread Dumplings into individual bowls. For an extra touch of indulgence and flavor, I highly recommend serving this dish with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. The cool, creamy sour cream adds a wonderful tang and richness that perfectly complements the robust flavors of the chili and the tender dumplings. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. This is comfort food at its finest, ready to warm you from the inside out!
Craving More Hearty and Comforting Recipes?
If you loved this unique White Chicken Chili with Cornbread Dumplings, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of comforting and delicious recipes perfect for family meals or cozy evenings. Explore some of our other popular chili and dumpling variations below to keep your kitchen filled with wonderful aromas and flavors:
- Crock Pot Chicken and Cheese Dumplings
- Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
- Ground Beef and Dumplings
- Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
- Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Easy Chicken and Drop Dumplings
- Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Soup
- Instant Pot Pork Chili
- Chicken Taco Soup
- Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
- Cincinnati Chili
Originally published: February 2014
Updated with new photos & republished: January 2023
White Chicken Chili with Cornbread Dumplings
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15 minutes
35 minutes
50 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the chili:
- 32 ounce container chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans (northern, navy or canellini)
- 15 ounce can corn or hominy, undrained
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 4 ounce can chopped green chiles
For the dumplings:
- 1 packet Martha White sweet corn muffin mix
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup shredded Mexican cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, over medium-high heat, add in chicken stock, water, diced onions and garlic and chicken tenders.
- Cover and cook chicken until done (about 15-20 minutes).
- Take chicken out and shred using two forks or your stand mixer.
- To the pot, add in taco seasoning, white beans, corn, cream of chicken soup and green chiles.
- Stir, then add in shredded chicken. Stir again.
- Cover and cook on medium while you are making the dumplings.
- In a medium bowl, combine corn muffin mix with green onions, egg, sour cream and cheese. Combine well until a stiff dough forms.
- Drop the dumplings (using only half the mixture) by the teaspoonful into the pot.
- Cover and allow dumplings to steam for about 10-12 minutes.
- They will puff up. To test if they are done, poke a toothpick inside one. If it comes out clean (with no batter on it), they are ready. Be careful when stirring these around while cooking or they will break apart.
- Spoon into a bowl and serve.
Notes
- You are not going to use all this dough for the dumplings. We only need half of this batter. You could certainly use it all but it depends on how many dumplings you want. If you make the full batch, you will need to add additional chicken broth to your chili because these dumplings will soak up some liquid. You can use the other half of the dumpling batter to make mini muffins to serve with this chili if you’d like.
- Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese on top. The sour cream adds such great flavor to this.
Main Course
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 69g |
Protein: 34g |
Fat: 14g |
Sodium: 2270mg |
Fiber: 11g |
Sugar: 9g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Please note: This post previously contained information regarding a giveaway where readers were asked their preference between sweet or unsweetened cornbread. That promotional event has concluded.