Description
White Chicken Chili is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Enhanced with natural spices, green chilies, and a natural gelling agent, this hearty yet healthy chili is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 cups chicken breast, cubed
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies (natural flavoring)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based)
Liquids and Sauces
- 4 cups chicken broth (natural flavoring)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Juice of 1 lime (natural flavoring)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (natural flavoring)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (natural flavoring)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Thickening Agents
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cut the chicken breast into small cubes to ensure quick cooking and even flavor absorption.
- Cook the Bacon and Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy and fragrant. Remove the bacon and set aside. Add the chicken cubes to the pot and sauté until golden on all sides, sealing in moisture.
- Build the Flavor Base: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the chicken drippings, cooking until soft and translucent. Stir in the green chilies, cumin, oregano, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to develop rich, natural flavors.
- Add Beans and Broth: Mix in the cannellini beans and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer and stir in the natural gelling agent to thicken the chili to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the plant-based cheese until melted and creamy. Return the turkey bacon to the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of lime juice to brighten and balance the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor.
- Simmer the chili gently for at least 20 minutes to develop depth.
- Cook chicken just until tender to avoid toughness.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth for a soupier chili or more natural gelling agent for creamier texture.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime juice for a vibrant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: White Chicken Chili, Plant-Based Cheese, Turkey Bacon, Cannellini Beans, Comfort Food, Healthy Chili, Gluten Free