White Bean Chicken Chili & Sweet Cornbread

I was looking for a good white chili recipe and found one from Giada De Laurentiis from the Food Network. Aside from looking delicious, coming from Giada, it also meant that it was likely a fairly healthy recipe. (Score.) With a few modifications,  I think this is my new favorite chili recipe.  

When you think of chili, I know that peoples' minds typically go to thick, red, meaty recipes, but I think more people should give white chilis a try, cause this one is a real winner. This chili is full of flavor and spice, and the Swiss chard and fennel add a whole new dimension. It's just good stuff is what it is. 

Pair some sweet cornbread with a big bowl and you've got yourself one tasty meal.

The Chili

Ingredients: 

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 lbs. chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. cumin
• 1 tbsp. fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 3 tbsp. flour
• 2 (15 oz.) cans reduced-sodium cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, leaves chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1-1/2 c. frozen corn
• 4 c. low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese and parsley for topping

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in large pot at medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add chicken and salt, cumin, fennel seeds, oregano, and chili powder. Stir well and allow to cook for approximately 8 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
3. Add flour and stir. Then add beans, Swiss chard, corn, and chicken stock. 
4. Bring chili to a simmer for 1 hour. Then add crushed red pepper flakes and allow to simmer for 10 more minutes.
5. Serve chili with topping of Parmesan and parsley.

The Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c. butter, softened
• 9 tbsp. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 c. biscuit baking mix
• 1/4 c. yellow cornmeal
• 2/3 c. milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well with each addition. Add vanilla and mix.
4. Add biscuit baking mix and cornmeal. Then add milk. Mix well.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes.