Creamy White Chicken Chili Corn Chowder (WW Low Point Recipe)
Overview
Welcome to our delicious, healthier take on a classic favorite—Creamy White Chicken Chili Corn Chowder. This comforting soup combines the creamy richness of chowder with the spicy heat of chili, along with the satisfying flavors of chicken and corn. What makes this recipe perfect for those following Weight Watchers (WW) or anyone looking for a lighter meal, is its lower SmartPoints. You can indulge in a creamy, flavorful soup without sacrificing your healthy eating goals. Read on for an in-depth, detailed recipe with precise measurements, nutritional information, and WW SmartPoints, designed to keep you on track with your wellness journey.
Serving Size and SmartPoints
This recipe is designed to yield around 6 servings, each serving packed with hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and plenty of filling ingredients. The best part is that each serving has a minimal SmartPoints count, making it perfect for anyone who is looking to stay on top of their WW points while still enjoying a delicious meal.
- SmartPoints per Serving (Green): 4 SmartPoints
- SmartPoints per Serving (Blue): 3 SmartPoints
- SmartPoints per Serving (Purple): 2 SmartPoints
Ingredients
To keep this recipe as low in points as possible while ensuring maximum flavor and texture, we’ve carefully selected the following ingredients. These ingredients are nutrient-dense and packed with protein, fiber, and satisfying flavors.
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless) – 1 lb (16 oz) – 4 WW SmartPoints
- Frozen Corn – 1 cup – 1 WW SmartPoint
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – 4 cups – 0 WW SmartPoints
- Chopped Onion – 1 medium (about 1 cup) – 0 WW SmartPoints
- Garlic Cloves (minced) – 3 cloves – 0 WW SmartPoints
- Low-Fat Cream Cheese – 2 oz – 2 WW SmartPoints
- Skim Milk – 1 cup – 2 WW SmartPoints
- Chopped Green Chilies (canned, no added salt) – 1 can (4 oz) – 0 WW SmartPoints
- Canned White Beans (Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed – 1 can (15 oz) – 2 WW SmartPoints
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon – 3 WW SmartPoints
- Ground Cumin – 1 teaspoon – 0 WW SmartPoints
- Chili Powder – 1 teaspoon – 0 WW SmartPoints
- Dried Oregano – ½ teaspoon – 0 WW SmartPoints
- Salt and Pepper – to taste – 0 WW SmartPoints
Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):
- Cilantro (fresh, chopped) – a handful – 0 WW SmartPoints
- Low-Fat Greek Yogurt – 1 tablespoon per serving – 0 WW SmartPoints
- Shredded Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese – 2 tablespoons per serving – 1 WW SmartPoint per serving
- Lime Wedges – for a squeeze of fresh lime – 0 WW SmartPoints
Kitchen Equipment Required:
- 1 large soup pot or Dutch oven
- 1 cutting board and knife
- 1 medium-sized bowl for mixing
- A measuring cup for liquids
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Can opener for canned beans and chilies
- Small saucepan for melting cream cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken breast. Since we’re using boneless, skinless chicken, you won’t need to remove any bones. Trim off any excess fat, then cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and quickly. For a faster cooking time, consider cubing the chicken in advance.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. The garlic will release its aroma and deepen the flavors in the base of the soup.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and has slightly browned. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken and creates a savory base for the chowder.
Step 4: Add the Spices
To deepen the flavor, sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly. These spices will infuse the chicken and onion mixture with a warm, aromatic flavor, giving the soup its signature chili-like taste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add the Corn and Beans
Now, add the frozen corn to the pot. Stir to combine. Next, add the drained and rinsed white beans. These beans not only add a creamy texture but also boost the soup’s fiber and protein content. They will absorb the flavors of the spices, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Step 6: Add the Broth and Green Chilies
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the can of chopped green chilies. The chilies provide a mild level of heat and contribute to the soup’s overall flavor. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the soup will thicken slightly. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary—add a little more salt, pepper, or chili powder for extra flavor, if desired.
Step 8: Add the Cream Cheese and Milk
Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, it’s time to add the creamy elements. Cut the low-fat cream cheese into cubes to help it melt more evenly. Stir the cream cheese into the soup until fully melted and incorporated. Then, add the skim milk, stirring continuously until the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Adjust Consistency and Serve
If the soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add more chicken broth or water to thin it out. Keep in mind that the soup will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry too much if it seems a bit thinner initially.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the creamy white chicken chili corn chowder into bowls. For a refreshing and vibrant touch, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of low-fat Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese. A squeeze of lime juice over the top will brighten the flavors and add a burst of freshness. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information per Serving (1/6 of the recipe):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- WW SmartPoints (Green): 4 points
- WW SmartPoints (Blue): 3 points
- WW SmartPoints (Purple): 2 points
Useful Tips for Success:
- Customize Your Heat Level: If you prefer a spicier soup, add more chili powder or even a chopped jalapeño. Conversely, if you want to tone down the heat, reduce the chili powder or skip the green chilies altogether.
- Make It a Meal: Pair this soup with a side of whole-grain crackers or a light salad to make it a complete meal. The fiber from the beans and corn, along with the protein from the chicken, will keep you full and satisfied.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for later use. Simply store the cooled soup in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Corn Chowder is an excellent choice for those following the Weight Watchers program, but it’s also perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, nutritious meal without the guilt. Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber from beans and corn, and plenty of flavor from spices, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of nutrients while keeping SmartPoints in check. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or meal prepping for the week ahead, this chowder is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Enjoy the warmth, comfort, and health benefits of this delicious WW-friendly soup!