Description
Creamy White Chicken Chili with smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese is a rich, comforting dish that offers a smoky depth and luscious creaminess. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, it uses simple ingredients to deliver bold, hearty flavors with a smooth, indulgent texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and juicy
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g., agar or pectin)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot to infuse the base flavors.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. These aromatics build the chili’s savory depth.
- Add Chicken and Spices: Season chicken breasts lightly with cumin and oregano before adding to the pot. Cook until the outside is sealed but not fully cooked through, locking in juiciness and flavor.
- Incorporate Beans and Green Chilies: Add white beans and diced green chilies to the pot along with chicken broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Finish Creaminess: Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld beautifully. Stir in plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent until melted and smooth, creating the creamy texture that defines this chili.
- Season and Garnish: Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar and adjust salt to taste. Top with crispy smoked turkey bacon and fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use a rich, flavorful chicken broth (natural) for the best base taste.
- Do not overcook chicken to maintain moisture and tenderness.
- Incorporate the natural gelling agent slowly to achieve smooth creaminess without clumping.
- Start with mild green chilies and increase heat gradually to match your preference.
- Allow the chili to rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors marry well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, gluten free
