Operation Phoenix was started in 2017 by former Medically Retired Marine Intelligence Officer Joseph Clemens and Medically Retired United States Air Force Airmen Flight Leader and Squadron Chief Isaiah Dillard.
Operation Phoenix was founded to support local veterans in the Grand Rapids and Greater Michigan area. Its mission is to rehouse, rehome, and re-educate veterans for their future success. The organization focuses on homeless veterans and veterans moving out of veteran criminal court due to life challenges and readjustment issues with battle injuries and Military to Civilian Life.
The Operation Phoenix Home
In the Heart of Grand Rapids, here at 738 Fountain Street NE. From 2017 to 2019, any veteran could stop by these doors and would always know that they would receive food, shelter, resources, and community!
We had seven different fridges on the property, ranging from large double-door commercial freezers to small chest freezers. One of the most loved dishes that would be prepared at the Operation Phoenix Home was our Home Made White Chicken Chili! (Complements to Joesph Clemens the Founder and President)
Every month at Operation Phoenix, we would prepare gallon-size freezer bags filled with fresh homemade and chopped White Chicken Chili! 😋🤤
Then, we would bag the chili, freeze it, and date it, then serve it as a healthy, hearty meal that any veteran, homeless or not, can eat!
Life is about community! Let’s teach you how to fill your belly with some Hearty Goodness!
Here’s a list of ingredients for a flavorful white chicken chili:
Main Ingredients:
• Chicken (2-3 cups shredded or diced, cooked chicken breast or thighs)
• Cannellini beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed)
• Chicken broth (4 cups)
• Green chilies (1-2 small cans, diced, mild or hot)
• Onion (1 medium, diced)
• Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced)
• Corn (1 cup, fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened) or heavy cream (½ cup) for creaminess
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Green bell pepper (1, diced, optional)
• Yellow bell pepper (1, diced, optional)
Seasonings:
• Cumin (1-2 teaspoons)
• Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
• Oregano (1 teaspoon)
• Smoked paprika (optional, ½ teaspoon)
• Ground coriander (optional, ½ teaspoon)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Toppings (optional but recommended):
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Tortilla chips or strips
• Lime wedges
Including the bell peppers adds a nice pop of color and flavor to the chili!
Here are the step-by-step instructions to prepare white chicken chili with green and yellow bell peppers:
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
• Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.
• Mince the garlic.
• Drain and rinse the cannellini beans.
• Shred or dice the cooked chicken (if not already done).
2. Sauté Vegetables:
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Add Seasonings:
• Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and optional ½ teaspoon each of smoked paprika and ground coriander. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
4. Combine Ingredients:
• Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add the 2 cans of cannellini beans.
• Stir in the green chilies and 1 cup of corn.
• Add the shredded or diced chicken and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer:
• Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
6. Thicken and Add Creaminess:
• For a thicker consistency, mash a small portion of the beans with a fork or potato masher directly in the pot.
• Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese (softened) or ½ cup of heavy cream. Let it melt and mix thoroughly into the chili.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
• Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Serve and Garnish:
• Ladle the chili into bowls.
• Top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, tortilla chips, jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful white chicken chili with the added crunch and sweetness from the green and yellow bell peppers!
From the Veteran Community and to all! Be Blessed and Live Prosperously!
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