The Coziest Light White Chicken Chili

Directions

1. Season the chicken breasts all over with about 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over a medium flame a few minutes until melted and foaming. Add the chicken breasts and brown on one side. Flip, and brown on second side. Remove the chicken breasts with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Turn the flame down to low and add the remaining butter. Heat until it begins to foam. Add the onion, jalapeños, white part of the scallion, carrot (if using), and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot, and sauté about 5 to 6 minutes until the onion pieces are golden and starting to brown around the edges.
4. Make a well in the center and add the cumin and cayenne pepper. Sauté for 30 seconds, then pour in the chicken broth and use it to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the diced green chiles, lemon juice, beans, and the browned chicken breasts. Cover and bring to a rolling simmer, then cook uncovered (still at a rolling simmer) about 20 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by roughly one-quarter and the chicken can be easily shredded with two forks.
5. Use a slotted spoon to skim off the film that’s collected at the top of the broth. Remove the chicken breasts to a separate large bowl, and shred with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in most of the 1/2 cup finely chopped scallion greens, reserving a few tablespoons for garnish, and remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and lemon juice.
6. Serve while hot, garnished to your liking.