This is my entry for Gloria of Foods and Flavors of San Antonio’s monthly chili-cook off challenge.
This month’s challenge was slated to be called “Return of the Chili Queens” after the infamous Chili Queens of the 1880’s. In San Antonio these “queens” gathered in their colorful wagons at the Military Plaza to sell their homemade chili.
Back then a plate of chili and beans only cost a dime! Sadly the Return of the Chile Queens in San Antonio, the birthplace of chili, has been canceled. Some traditions should be kept alive, and I think this is one of them. It is such a cool part of San Antonio’s history, and is worth re-visiting.
Mostly for the fun of it and for chili history’s sake!
When I set out to make this chili I was feeling a lot better after being sick for a few days. Half-way through I realized I wasn’t as well as I thought. I was only able to eat little, to taste test a bit and to check the seasonings. It was every bit as good as the aroma permeating the house promised. The mmm and yum sounds from the kitchen table confirmed it was. And the nearly empty pan.
I took the idea of white chicken chili and ran with it. White chili is usually made with chicken broth instead of tomatoes. A little too soup-like for me. So I added pureed avocado to give it a thick and rich texture, and in case you miss the tomatoes I threw in some fresh diced ones at the end.
This is super creamy and flavorful. It’s loaded with delicious textures from tender chunks of chicken, cannellini beans, corn, green pepper, tomatoes, and onions. I used toasty, spicy Chile de Arbol for heat, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Canned chipotles or jalapeños would work wonders, too. If you prefer a subtle spice a can of diced green chiles would do the trick too.
I’m sorry to hear you weren’t feel quit up to par but I do hope you’re on the road to full recovery! As usual, this is fantastic – I love how you plated it with the lime and chiles. Mmmmmm . . .
ummm YUMMY! I love that! It sound wonderful!Where do you come up with these Reeni? Yeah for winning I went and voted for you!We made your Rumpledethumps this weekend. They were GREAT! We BBQ’d on Sunday and I made it to go with all the meat my hubby cooked.
I'm sorry to hear you weren't feel quit up to par but I do hope you're on the road to full recovery! As usual, this is fantastic – I love how you plated it with the lime and chiles. Mmmmmm . . .
You must have gotten a wonky turkey burger. That’s ok–bean burgers are mighty tasty!
Wow I love spicy food and yours looks very tasty..Nice presentation…GRAZIE
This looks fantasic! What a nice twist on white chili. (I guess it’s green chili now.)I love avacados- I’ll bet they give this a great creamy texture.
ummm YUMMY! I love that! It sound wonderful!Where do you come up with these Reeni? Yeah for winning I went and voted for you!We made your Rumpledethumps this weekend. They were GREAT! We BBQ'd on Sunday and I made it to go with all the meat my hubby cooked.
Wow, this looks fantastic! Chili is good any time of the year!
This looks wonderful. I like arbol chiles – they have a unique flavor that is really wonderful.
You must have gotten a wonky turkey burger. That's ok–bean burgers are mighty tasty!
My goodness, Reeni, this looks and sounds amazing! Very well done. I need to give this a try and your photos are gorgeous!
I love chicken chili. And avocados too! It looks very good.
I love that chili to bits…it’s driving me insane! It’s DELISH beyond words Reeni!!
Love the presentation!
Wow I love spicy food and yours looks very tasty..Nice presentation…GRAZIE
This looks fantasic! What a nice twist on white chili. (I guess it's green chili now.)I love avacados- I'll bet they give this a great creamy texture.
I love “white” chilies so much more than the classic red. And this looks great! Especially with the avocado…. 😉
Wow, this looks fantastic! Chili is good any time of the year!
This looks wonderful. I like arbol chiles – they have a unique flavor that is really wonderful.
My goodness, Reeni, this looks and sounds amazing! Very well done. I need to give this a try and your photos are gorgeous!
I love chicken chili. And avocados too! It looks very good.
I love that chili to bits…it's driving me insane! It's DELISH beyond words Reeni!!
Love the presentation!
I love "white" chilies so much more than the classic red. And this looks great! Especially with the avocado…. 😉
wow this dish looks heavenly….nice clicks!!!!
Hope your feeling better! This looks fantastic and the pics are great. Love the garnish.
You always amaze me with all of your great meals. This is wonderful.
wow this dish looks heavenly….nice clicks!!!!
congrats on winning the smoothie contest!! and this chilli recipe looks sooo very delicious!!hope you are feeling better now 🙂
Hope your feeling better! This looks fantastic and the pics are great. Love the garnish.
OMG, it looks amazing. I want to eat it off the screen….lol
I love that you added avocado and fresh tomatoes – it looks fantastic! Congrats on your win, can’t wait to see what you whip up with your new blender 🙂
Delish.I’m thinking this must have some pretty awesome healing power, from the look of it… hope you feel better!
I love the pureed avocado in here. Great idea!
First off…Oh. My. GOSH.WHERE have you been hiding and WHY had I not stumbled on you before?? Your blog is FABULOUS! Your recipes are devine and I am your newest fan! I love everything I see!I MUST go read more!Have a beautiful rest of the week!Blessings!
You always amaze me with all of your great meals. This is wonderful.
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been sick! You should freeze some of the chili so you can enjoy it once you are well. It really does look delicious and I love that you added avocado.
That looks so good! I will have to try it, thanks!
I always adore your posts.And tell Sir Moon we will have the finest felines and only the tastiest treats for kitties at the ball!
congrats on winning the smoothie contest!! and this chilli recipe looks sooo very delicious!!hope you are feeling better now 🙂
Congratulations. That looks delicious. I’ve never eaten a chili with avocado in it before and it looks like it gives it that extra special hint of flavor. I also love how it looks with the garnishes.
Wow! I bet that has a ton of flavor to it! It looks delicious!
OMG, it looks amazing. I want to eat it off the screen….lol
This house has also been ailing. i think your scrumptious chili would perk everyone up. love all the flavors …the avocado – mmmm. Congrats on the smoothie win!
I love that you added avocado and fresh tomatoes – it looks fantastic! Congrats on your win, can't wait to see what you whip up with your new blender 🙂
Many congrats to you! That’s a nice win. This bowl of goodness could be a win too.
Look so good. Is it spicy?I like spicy food.
Congrats on your win!This looks so great. The avocado has to add such great flavor and texture. As with most of your recipes – bookmarking! 🙂
This seriously might be the yummiest looking chili I’ve ever seen, avacado, DELICIOUS! Congrats on winning the smoothie contest, you deserve it!
Renee~ You are amazing! Seriously!
The pureed avocado sounds like a perfect base for the chile! I hope you are feeling better soon!
Delish.I'm thinking this must have some pretty awesome healing power, from the look of it… hope you feel better!
I love the pureed avocado in here. Great idea!
First off…Oh. My. GOSH.WHERE have you been hiding and WHY had I not stumbled on you before?? Your blog is FABULOUS! Your recipes are devine and I am your newest fan! I love everything I see!I MUST go read more!Have a beautiful rest of the week!Blessings!
You’ve done it again…this sounds awesome! Love the avocado pureed right into the chili…I want to try this for sure!! Congrats on your smoothie win, it was definitely my fave!!!
Reeni, Your chili looks absolutely delicious. Sorry you were feeling sick and couldn’t eat it. Hope there were leftovers, but with all the mmm’s and yum’s, there probably wasn’t. Thanks for making chili for the cook-off. 🙂
Reeni! Congrats on your win! Yay!I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been under the weather but glad to hear that you’re improving.This looks yummy. I find I really enjoy chilis, soups, and stews more than I thought. This is a great edition to my collect to try!~ingrid
This sounds like a great chicken chili! The avocado and the chile de arbol sound delicious. The spicier the better!
I'm sorry to hear that you've been sick! You should freeze some of the chili so you can enjoy it once you are well. It really does look delicious and I love that you added avocado.
That looks so good! I will have to try it, thanks!
I always adore your posts.And tell Sir Moon we will have the finest felines and only the tastiest treats for kitties at the ball!
What a great idea for your soup!!! I hope you win! Good luck!
Congratulations. That looks delicious. I've never eaten a chili with avocado in it before and it looks like it gives it that extra special hint of flavor. I also love how it looks with the garnishes.
Wow! I bet that has a ton of flavor to it! It looks delicious!
congrats on the smoothie! this looks amazing 🙂 i’m finally taking an upturn with this cold, hope you are feeling better soon, too!
I need to make this for the hubby. He just loves his Chili..
This house has also been ailing. i think your scrumptious chili would perk everyone up. love all the flavors …the avocado – mmmm. Congrats on the smoothie win!
We jus thad 60 degree weather yesterday so it is still great chili weather! Thanks for the wonderful recipe!!!! Looks delicious!
Looks and sounds yummy! Great flavours and I love chili!
Many congrats to you! That's a nice win. This bowl of goodness could be a win too.
Look so good. Is it spicy?I like spicy food.
Congrats on your win!This looks so great. The avocado has to add such great flavor and texture. As with most of your recipes – bookmarking! 🙂
Now this is a great way to use avacados! Never ever would have thought to use them in a chicken chile. Nice!
Beautiful presentation! Very impressive!
This seriously might be the yummiest looking chili I've ever seen, avacado, DELICIOUS! Congrats on winning the smoothie contest, you deserve it!
Renee~ You are amazing! Seriously!
This chili sounds absolutely delicious with avocados! Great recipe. I hope you are feeling better!
The pureed avocado sounds like a perfect base for the chile! I hope you are feeling better soon!
This chili looks so hearty! I don’t really like soupy chilis myself (I mean isn’t the point that it’s supposed to stick to your ribs) so I love the addition of avocado. Everything tastes better with a little avocado – my personal motto.
Looks delicious! I love chili and avocados… Starring this recipe for later so I can give it a try!
So creative! I love your lightened up version. I have actually never heard of white chile before. Congrats on winning the smoothie contest!
You've done it again…this sounds awesome! Love the avocado pureed right into the chili…I want to try this for sure!! Congrats on your smoothie win, it was definitely my fave!!!
Reeni, Your chili looks absolutely delicious. Sorry you were feeling sick and couldn't eat it. Hope there were leftovers, but with all the mmm's and yum's, there probably wasn't. Thanks for making chili for the cook-off. 🙂
Reeni! Congrats on your win! Yay!I'm sorry to hear that you've been under the weather but glad to hear that you're improving.This looks yummy. I find I really enjoy chilis, soups, and stews more than I thought. This is a great edition to my collect to try!~ingrid
This sounds like a great chicken chili! The avocado and the chile de arbol sound delicious. The spicier the better!
Geez, Reeni. Hope you get better soon. Its a shame you could only enjoy a few bites of what looks like and certainly was a thoroughly enjoyable, delicious dish! Pureed avocado, you are a smarty! Feel better!
What a great idea for your soup!!! I hope you win! Good luck!
congrats on the smoothie! this looks amazing 🙂 i'm finally taking an upturn with this cold, hope you are feeling better soon, too!
Congratulations! You could live in Szechuan (famous for its spicy, hot, flavourful cuisine ) without any problem. And it’s kind of cool to eat hot food in the hot summer.
I need to make this for the hubby. He just loves his Chili..
We jus thad 60 degree weather yesterday so it is still great chili weather! Thanks for the wonderful recipe!!!! Looks delicious!
Looks and sounds yummy! Great flavours and I love chili!
Now this is a great way to use avacados! Never ever would have thought to use them in a chicken chile. Nice!
Beautiful presentation! Very impressive!
There are so many colours in this dish! nice styling 🙂
This chili sounds absolutely delicious with avocados! Great recipe. I hope you are feeling better!
This chili looks so hearty! I don't really like soupy chilis myself (I mean isn't the point that it's supposed to stick to your ribs) so I love the addition of avocado. Everything tastes better with a little avocado – my personal motto.
Looks delicious! I love chili and avocados… Starring this recipe for later so I can give it a try!
So creative! I love your lightened up version. I have actually never heard of white chile before. Congrats on winning the smoothie contest!
gorgeous chili! definitely not what most people think of first thing when thinking ‘chili’!congrats on winning the smoothie contest! 🙂
That looks mad good. I haven’t made chili in ages, I really should get one that. Congratz on your win! 🙂
Chili and avocado. I love it!! Give me a nice a hefty bowl of that with a couple slices of bread and I’m good. =)
Congrats on winning the smoothie contest! Hope you are back to 100% soon.
Geez, Reeni. Hope you get better soon. Its a shame you could only enjoy a few bites of what looks like and certainly was a thoroughly enjoyable, delicious dish! Pureed avocado, you are a smarty! Feel better!
Congrats on your win, Reeni! What fabulous news. And this chile looks amazing. I can almost taste it from looking at your gorgeous pics. This is definitely a winner of a recipe and I can’t wait to try it out!
Congrats again on your win Renee! You totally deserved it.Seriously..mail order..think about it.;) amy
I love arbol chiles, I have a big bag of them in the pantry and I throw them into lots of dishes. This looks delicious.
Reeni…that looks yummy. Love the avocado. You are so great to comment on my blog. Yours is so beautifully done. I love the recipes, but the pictures and design are so nice. Keep in touch…I’ll check yours out for cinnamon you check mine out for a bit of sugar 🙂
perfect.
WOW, this dish looks really tasty…the ingredients that you have in it sounds terrific. Great presentation!
Congratulations! You could live in Szechuan (famous for its spicy, hot, flavourful cuisine ) without any problem. And it's kind of cool to eat hot food in the hot summer.
There are so many colours in this dish! nice styling 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my blog last week on my SITS day! CUTE quote from winnie the pooh! 🙂
I would love this based on the sole fact that it has avocado in it!
gorgeous chili! definitely not what most people think of first thing when thinking 'chili'!congrats on winning the smoothie contest! 🙂
That looks mad good. I haven't made chili in ages, I really should get one that. Congratz on your win! 🙂
Chili and avocado. I love it!! Give me a nice a hefty bowl of that with a couple slices of bread and I'm good. =)
Congrats on winning the smoothie contest! Hope you are back to 100% soon.
I need some of that chili, I’ve been sick as well (it’s something going around) I never had avocado in soups and I can imagine it was delicious!
goodness! we need to stop doing this. coincidentally again, I just made chili too! we must have telepathy or something, hehehe!
Congrats on your win, Reeni! What fabulous news. And this chile looks amazing. I can almost taste it from looking at your gorgeous pics. This is definitely a winner of a recipe and I can't wait to try it out!
Congrats again on your win Renee! You totally deserved it.Seriously..mail order..think about it.;) amy
I love arbol chiles, I have a big bag of them in the pantry and I throw them into lots of dishes. This looks delicious.
Reeni…that looks yummy. Love the avocado. You are so great to comment on my blog. Yours is so beautifully done. I love the recipes, but the pictures and design are so nice. Keep in touch…I'll check yours out for cinnamon you check mine out for a bit of sugar 🙂
perfect.
WOW, this dish looks really tasty…the ingredients that you have in it sounds terrific. Great presentation!
Thanks for stopping by my blog last week on my SITS day! CUTE quote from winnie the pooh! 🙂
I would love this based on the sole fact that it has avocado in it!
I need some of that chili, I've been sick as well (it's something going around) I never had avocado in soups and I can imagine it was delicious!
goodness! we need to stop doing this. coincidentally again, I just made chili too! we must have telepathy or something, hehehe!