Description

Creamy White Chicken Chili is a rich, satisfying, and flavorful comfort dish featuring tender chicken breasts, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Enhanced with a natural gelling agent for perfect texture, this chili offers a harmonious blend of savory warmth and cozy creaminess, making it a delightful staple for any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Beans and Vegetables

2 cups great northern beans (with liquid)
1 can (4 oz) green chilies (natural)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Juice of 1 lime

Dairy and Thickening

1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
1 to 2 teaspoons natural gelling agent

Spices and Herbs

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a large heavy-bottom pot until crisp and fragrant. Remove bacon pieces and set aside, reserving some bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with reserved bacon fat. Sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
Add Spices and Chicken: Stir in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt; toast spices gently for 1 minute. Add diced chicken breasts and cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes.
Combine Beans and Broth: Pour in great northern beans with their liquid, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), green chilies, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
Simmer with Natural Gelling Agent: Gradually sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while stirring continuously to prevent clumps. Reduce heat and let simmer gently until chicken is fully cooked and chili has thickened to a creamy consistency, about 20-25 minutes.
Stir in Plant-Based Cheese and Lime: Turn off heat and gently fold in shredded or cubed plant-based cheese for smooth richness. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir to brighten flavors.
Finish with Fresh Cilantro and Bacon: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and crispy smoked turkey bacon over the chili for contrast and extra flavor.

Notes

Use low and slow simmering to develop deeper flavors and tender chicken.
Add the natural gelling agent gradually while stirring to avoid clumps.
Reserve and use bacon fat to sauté the aromatics for enhanced smoky depth.
Adjust chili consistency by adding more broth for thinner or simmering longer for thicker texture.
Taste and adjust salt, spices, and lime juice before serving according to preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, comfort food, gluten free, creamy chili recipe