The Creamiest Vegan White “Chicken” Chili Recipe Ever

Crafting a delicious vegan white chicken chili recipe can transform your dinner routine with surprising depth and comfort.

Hearty plant-based proteins mimic traditional flavors while delivering incredible nutrition.

Creamy textures emerge from unexpected ingredients like cashew cream and tender jackfruit.

Spices dance across your palate, creating warmth without overwhelming complexity.

Quick preparation means you can have a satisfying meal ready in under an hour.

Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy essence that makes this dish feel indulgent yet wholesome.

Grab a bowl and let this recipe become your new favorite comfort food adventure.

Vegan White Chicken Chili Highlights

• Craft a Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this recipe delivers a taste adventure that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Master One-Pot Cooking: Simplify your kitchen routine with a single-pot method that minimizes cleanup and maximizes deliciousness, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows endless variations like adding bacon, dark chocolate, or beer, giving you the freedom to make this chili uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Ideal for game day, family gatherings, or potlucks, this hearty chili satisfies everyone from kids to serious food lovers with its rich, warming flavors.

Ingredients For Vegan White Chicken Chili

• Onion: A flavorful aromatic that provides a sweet and savory foundation for the chili.
• Garlic: Adds depth and rich, pungent flavor to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh crunch and earthy undertone.
• Green Bell Pepper: Offers a mild, slightly sweet vegetable flavor and crisp texture.

• Vegan Chicken: A plant-based protein alternative that mimics the texture of chicken.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes that add protein, texture, and substance to the chili.

• Green Chilies: Introduce a mild, tangy heat to the chili.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides a savory liquid base with additional depth of flavor.
• Cumin, Oregano, Coriander: Aromatic spices that create a complex, warm flavor profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.

• Cashew Cream, Coconut Milk: Plant-based alternatives that create a rich, smooth texture.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet and tender vegetable that adds freshness and color.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance overall flavor.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: A garnish that provides a fresh, herbal note.

How To Make Vegan White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth. Drop in diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and sliced green bell pepper.

Cook and stir these ingredients until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Foundation

• Diced green chilies
• Crumbled vegan chicken
• White beans
• Vegetable broth
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Ground coriander
• Cayenne pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer.

Step 3: Create Creamy Comfort

• Cashew cream
• Coconut milk

Add corn kernels and blend everything thoroughly. Allow the chili to dance and develop its flavors for 20-25 minutes.

Step 4: Perfect The Seasoning

Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Squeeze fresh lime juice to brighten the entire dish.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Add The Final Touch

Scatter fresh chopped cilantro across the top of the chili just before serving.

The bright green will make the dish pop and add a fresh herbal note.

Tips For Vegan White Chicken Chili Success

• Swap traditional chicken with plant-based alternatives like jackfruit or tofu for authentic texture and protein boost.
• Enhance creaminess by blending soaked cashews with water for a richer, smoother cashew cream sauce.
• Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity, perfect for those with sensitive palates.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini for more depth and nutrients.
• Prepare chili in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

Variations For Vegan White Chicken Chili

• Southwestern Spice Boost: Replace standard spices with chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and jalapeños for a bolder, more intense flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap oregano and cumin with rosemary, thyme, and za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired chili variation.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Incorporate additional plant-based proteins like quinoa, lentils, or tempeh to increase nutritional value and texture complexity.
• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Char green bell peppers, onions, and corn before adding to enhance smoky undertones and develop deeper caramelized flavors.

Serving Suggestions For Vegan White Chicken Chili

• Comfort Bowl Bliss: Serve this vegan white chili over fluffy brown rice or quinoa for a hearty, protein-packed meal that fills you up and warms your soul.
• Weekend Nacho Party: Transform the chili into a delicious topping for crispy tortilla chips, sprinkled with dairy-free cheese and extra chopped cilantro for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Wrap Adventure: Stuff the chili into warm flour tortillas with sliced avocado and additional fresh herbs, creating a portable and satisfying lunch option that's packed with flavor.
• Stuffed Pepper Surprise: Use the chili as a delicious filling for roasted bell peppers, adding extra nutrients and turning the recipe into an elegant, colorful dinner presentation.

Storage Advice For Vegan White Chicken Chili

• Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the chili seems too thick.
• Keep garnishes like fresh cilantro separate until serving to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant flavor when reheating leftovers.

FAQs

• How can I make this chili recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure your vegan chicken substitute is certified gluten-free. Most plant-based chicken alternatives are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels.

• Is this chili spicy?

The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds mild heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting cayenne for a milder version, or adding extra for more kick.

• Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, soak dried white beans overnight and cook them before adding to the chili. This method takes longer but provides a fresher taste and can be more cost-effective.

Vegan White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white chicken chili recipe brings plant-based comfort to classic southwestern cuisine. Creamy cashew base and tender jackfruit deliver robust flavors that satisfy hungry diners craving bold, nutritious meals.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package (12-16 oz) vegan chicken strips or shredded jackfruit
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling base for the aromatic vegetables.
2. Gently sauté diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and green bell pepper until they become translucent and tender, releasing their fragrant essence.
3. Introduce diced green chilies, plant-based chicken alternative, pristine white beans, and robust vegetable broth into the pot, blending in a harmonious mix of cumin, oregano, coriander, and a whisper of cayenne pepper.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, creating a rich, complex flavor profile that develops over 10-12 minutes.
5. Pour in creamy cashew cream or coconut milk, folding in sweet corn kernels to enhance the texture and depth of the chili.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, letting the ingredients meld and intensify their collective taste.
7. Fine-tune the seasoning with a splash of fresh lime juice, and a careful balance of salt and black pepper to elevate the overall flavor.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, adding a bright, herbaceous finish to the chili.
9. Serve piping hot, allowing the vibrant aromas to entice and delight the senses.

Notes

• Swap out vegan chicken for extra white beans or tofu to boost plant-based protein and create a more budget-friendly version.
• Enhance creaminess by blending some white beans directly into the broth for a thicker, more luxurious texture without added dairy alternatives.
• Reduce spice levels by removing cayenne pepper or using mild green chilies, making the chili more kid-friendly and suitable for sensitive palates.
• Boost nutritional value by adding diced sweet potato or quinoa during simmering, which increases fiber and provides additional hearty substance to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg