Description

White Chicken Chili is a soulful and nourishing dish featuring tender chicken, creamy plant-based cheese, and smoky turkey bacon in a warm, comforting bowl. This versatile recipe blends spices and textures to provide a hearty, protein-packed meal perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
6 slices smoky turkey bacon, cut into small pieces

Beans & Vegetables

2 cups white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced green chilies

Liquids & Sauces

4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Cheese & Thickening

1 cup creamy (plant-based) cheese
1 tablespoon natural gelling agent

Spices

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground coriander

Garnish

Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Chop onions, mince garlic, dice green chilies, and cut turkey bacon into small pieces while gathering chicken and beans. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: In a large pot, cook the smoky turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove and set aside. Use the rendered fat to sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful base for your chili.
Add Chicken and Spices: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned. Stir in cumin, oregano, and coriander to toast the spices and awaken their flavors before adding liquids.
Incorporate Beans, Chilies, and Broth: Pour in the white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Thicken and Add Creaminess: Stir in the creamy (plant-based) cheese along with a natural gelling agent to achieve a rich and smooth consistency. Cook until everything is heated through and the chili has thickened nicely.
Final Touches and Serve: Return the cooked turkey bacon to the pot and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the White Chicken Chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Use freshly ground cumin and oregano to amplify flavor over pre-ground options.
Do not overcook the chicken to keep pieces tender and juicy.
Simmer chili gently instead of boiling to better meld flavors.
Slightly mash some white beans to thicken chili without losing creaminess.
Adjust heat gradually by adding spices slowly and tasting to reach desired warmth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, plant-based cheese chili, turkey bacon chili, creamy chicken chili, protein-packed chili, cozy dinner recipe