Description
Warm up with this creamy and flavorful White Chicken Chili featuring tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a blend of comforting spices. Enhanced with plant-based cream cheese and natural ingredients, it offers a rich, velvety texture and a perfect balance of mild heat and savory depth. Ideal for any season, customizable to your spice preferences, and accompanied by fresh cilantro for brightness, this recipe makes a hearty, satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Beans
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 3 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Liquids and Creaminess
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 4 oz plant-based cream cheese
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cumin (natural)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped onion, minced garlic, and smoked turkey bacon pieces until fragrant and the onion is translucent, forming the aromatic foundation for the chili.
- Add Spices and Liquids: Sprinkle in cumin and oregano, stirring for about a minute to toast the spices. Pour in the vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and diced green chilies, stirring well to combine all flavors.
- Incorporate Chicken and Beans: Fold in the shredded chicken breasts and drained white beans. Let the mixture simmer gently until heated through and the flavors meld beautifully, about 10 minutes.
- Add Creaminess and Thicken: Stir in the plant-based cream cheese and natural gelling agent, mixing until fully incorporated to achieve a rich, creamy, and thick texture that coats every spoonful.
- Final Touches: Allow the chili to cook for a few more minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for brightness and fresh herbal notes.
Notes
- Use cooked, shredded chicken to make assembly quick and ensure tender, juicy pieces throughout the chili.
- Simmer gently to prevent the plant-based cream cheese from curdling and to maintain a smooth texture.
- Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of natural gelling agent according to your preference for consistency.
- Add fresh cilantro only just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and color.
- This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: White Chicken Chili, creamy chili, plant-based cream cheese, white beans, green chilies, comforting meal, healthy dinner, southwestern chili