Some of the best family nights happen right at home, in your own kitchen, with nowhere else to be.
This month, we're declaring a Parents' Night IN. No reservations, no screens, no distractions - just you, your kids, and a recipe worth passing down. Carve out a Tuesday evening, put the phones in a basket by the door, and let everyone get their hands a little messy. These are the nights your kids will remember.
I discovered this white chicken chili years ago and it's become our family's go-to for cozy February evenings. Made with New Mexico's famous Hatch green chiles, it's got just enough kick to make it interesting but not enough to scare off the little ones. Kids actually love making this because they get to do all the fun stuff - shredding chicken, dumping in ingredients, and building their own masterpiece bowl at the end.
Fair warning: they will want to help, and yes, your kitchen will be messier.
Easy Hatch Green Chile White Chicken Chili
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed • 1 can (15 oz) white corn, drained • 1 cup roasted Hatch green chiles, diced (find them fresh at Sprouts or in season at the Farmer's Market) • 1 medium yellow onion, diced • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 4 cups chicken broth • 1½ tsp cumin • 1 tsp oregano • ½ tsp ground coriander • Salt and pepper to taste • 2 tbsp olive oil • Juice of 1 lime
For topping: Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges
Instructions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and let your kitchen start smelling like a restaurant.
Drop in chicken breasts, pour broth over everything, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove chicken, let cool 5-7 minutes, and hand your kids two forks. Their mission: shred it into bite-sized pieces. They will feel powerful and important.
Toss shredded chicken back in with beans, corn, Hatch chiles, and spices. Simmer another 15-20 minutes.
Taste test, adjust salt and pepper, then squeeze in lime juice before serving.
Set up your topping station and watch the magic happen. Everyone gets to be an artist with their bowl.
Pro move: Double the batch. Future - you will thank present-you when Wednesday rolls around.
Phones down. Aprons on. Let's make some memories that taste delicious.