Description

This Creamy White Chicken Chili is a rich and comforting dish made with smoky turkey bacon, tender chicken, white beans, and smooth plant-based cheese. Enhanced with a bright hint of apple cider vinegar and aromatic spices, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a cozy meal that warms you up on chilly nights or impresses guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

6 slices smoked turkey bacon
1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

Beans and Vegetables

2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies

Liquids and Sauces

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

Dairy and Texture

1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (mozzarella-style or cheddar-style)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Spices

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the smoked turkey bacon and build flavor: In a large pot over medium heat, fry the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered drippings in the pot. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until soft and fragrant, forming the savory base of the chili.
Brown the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides. This seals in the juices and forms a flavorful base layer.
Add beans, green chilies, and broth: Stir in the white beans, chopped green chilies, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Introduce plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent: Reduce the heat to low. Add shredded plant-based cheese and the natural gelling agent to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the mixture achieves a creamy, smooth texture.
Finish with apple cider vinegar and spices: Stir in the apple cider vinegar and add ground cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed. Let the chili simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh onion and garlic to enhance the flavor depth.
Smoked turkey bacon adds richness and smoky notes to the dish.
Stir consistently when adding plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent for even melting and texture.
Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar carefully to balance richness with brightness.
Simmer the chili slowly to bring out the best combination of flavors and textures.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, turkey bacon chili, plant-based cheese chili, comforting chili, gluten free chili