Description
This easy White Chicken Chili recipe combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of cozy spices in a comforting, creamy bowl perfect for warming chilly evenings. Featuring simple pantry staples and plant-based dairy, it offers a protein-packed, flavorful meal that is customizable and quick to prepare with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Beans
- 2 cups chicken breasts, bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream (or plant-based cheese), for creaminess
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Texture Enhancer
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Plant-based sour cream, for serving
- Finely chopped scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a little oil in your pot and cook the diced onions and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This creates the flavorful foundation for the chili, awakening your taste buds from the start.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook until slightly golden. This locks in the juices and adds savory depth to the chili base.
- Build the Chili Base: Stir in ground cumin, chili powder (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and diced green chilies, allowing the spices to toast gently. Then pour in vegetable broth and add the white beans, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the plant-based cream (or plant-based cheese) and natural gelling agent to create a luscious, creamy texture. Heat gently until warmed through and perfectly blended.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro, plant-based sour cream, and chopped scallions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh ground spices for brighter flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Simmer on low heat to develop deep flavors.
- Add plant-based dairy near the end to avoid curdling.
- Adjust chili powder and green chilies to balance heat to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, easy comfort food, plant-based dairy, hearty chili, one-pot dinner