Description
White Chicken Chili is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, creamy plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon flavors, and mild spices. Perfect for cold nights, this chili combines wholesome ingredients with rich textures and a warm, inviting aroma to keep you cozy and satisfied.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 4 slices turkey bacon, diced
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup cannellini beans, rinsed
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin (natural)
Dairy and Others
- 1 cup creamy (plant-based) cheese
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop the onion, yellow and green bell peppers, and jalapeño finely to ensure even cooking. Dice the turkey bacon into small pieces, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, rinse the cannellini beans, and set all aside.
- Cook the turkey bacon and vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove it and drain on paper towels. Use the rendered fat to sauté the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeños until softened and fragrant.
- Add chicken and seasonings: Stir in the chicken pieces, smoked paprika, cumin (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Cook until the chicken starts to turn opaque and absorbs the spices and flavors.
- Pour in broth and beans: Add the chicken broth and cannellini beans to the pot. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook fully.
- Incorporate creamy (plant-based) cheese and natural gelling agent: Stir in the plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent to thicken the chili and create a smooth, luscious texture. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Finish with fresh cilantro and turkey bacon: Turn off the heat and fold in freshly chopped cilantro and the crispy turkey bacon pieces for added texture and flavor contrasts. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels and preserve fresh flavors.
- Simmer gently to keep chicken tender and prevent drying out.
- Toast ground spices briefly before adding liquids to boost their aroma and flavor.
- Allow chili to rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor blending.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth for soupier consistency or more natural gelling agent for a stew-like texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: white chicken chili, plant-based cheese chili, turkey bacon chili, creamy chili, gluten free chili, comforting winter meal
