Description

Creamy White Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and luscious plant-based cheese blended into a smooth, spicy chili. Perfect for chilly evenings or any season, this recipe balances richness and mild heat with aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Beans

1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids and Sauces

4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Spices and Thickening

1 teaspoon ground cumin (natural)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (natural)
1 tablespoon corn starch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (with natural gelling agent)

Dairy and Cheese

1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or diced

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and finely chop the jalapeño. Cut smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cooked chicken breasts to have all ingredients ready for cooking.
Cook the Bacon and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. In the same pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeño until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add Spices and Liquids: Sprinkle cumin and oregano into the pot, stirring to lightly toast the spices. Pour in chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
Incorporate Beans and Chicken: Add cannellini beans and shredded chicken into the pot, stirring gently. Let cook for a few minutes allowing flavors to blend harmoniously.
Thicken and Add Cheese: Mix corn starch with cold water until smooth, then stir it into the chili to thicken the mixture. Once thickened, stir in plant-based cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
Final Touches: Return the cooked smoked turkey bacon to the pot and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Use shredded chicken to help the chili soak up flavors and create a pleasing texture.
Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to perfectly blend spices and layers.
Choose a plant-based cheese that melts smoothly for a silky finish.
Do not skip the apple cider vinegar; it adds brightness that balances creaminess.
Adjust the jalapeño spice gradually by removing seeds to reduce heat if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: creamy, white chicken chili, plant-based cheese, smoky bacon, comfort food, gluten free, spicy chili, easy dinner