Description
A rich and hearty Creamy White Chicken Chili made with tender chicken, smoked turkey bacon, and luscious plant-based cheese. This comforting chili blends smoky, savory, and mildly spicy flavors with a silky texture perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups chicken broth
Beans and Cheese
- 2 cups white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar)
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
Spices and Sauces
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the turkey bacon: Start by slicing the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot, cook it over medium heat until crispy and fragrant. This will render that smoky flavor into the base of your chili.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon and sauté until translucent and golden, releasing irresistible aromas that set the stage for the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Add spices and chilies: Stir in cumin, coriander, green chilies, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) stirring for a minute until everything is evenly coated and fragrant.
- Incorporate chicken and broth: Add the diced chicken pieces and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend white beans and plant-based cheese: In a separate bowl, mash half of the white beans with the plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the pot to reach the signature creamy consistency.
- Final simmer and seasoning: Let the chili simmer gently for another 10 minutes to thicken and allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) if needed.
Notes
- Use fresh onion and garlic for the best flavor compared to pre-minced alternatives.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp for maximum smoky impact and texture.
- Adjust thickness with additional chicken broth as desired for soupier or thicker consistency.
- Gently fold in plant-based cheese while keeping the heat low to prevent clumping.
- Allow the chili to rest after cooking to intensify depth and richness of flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: creamy white chicken chili, plant-based cheese chili, turkey bacon chili, comforting chili recipe, dairy-free chili, gluten-free chili
