The Creamiest Vegan White Chicken Chili Recipe Ever Made

Comfort meets plant-based magic in this creamy vegan white chicken chili recipe that will surprise even the most skeptical taste buds.

Hearty beans, tender plant-based protein, and a rich, aromatic broth come together in a delightful one-pot wonder.

The secret lies in carefully selected spices that mimic traditional chicken chili flavors without animal products.

Packed with protein and robust seasonings, this chili delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Nutritious and deeply flavorful, the dish transforms classic comfort food into a compassionate meal everyone can enjoy.

Linger over a bowl and savor the unexpected deliciousness that proves vegan cooking can be both exciting and familiar.

Vegan White Chili Packed with Plant-Based Goodness

• Quickly Craft Plant-Based Comfort: This vegan white chili transforms classic comfort food into a nutritious, animal-friendly meal that satisfies without compromising flavor.
• Boost Nutrition Effortlessly: Packed with protein-rich beans, chickpeas, and plant-based protein alternatives like jackfruit or tofu, this recipe delivers a powerhouse of nutrients in every spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow simple swaps and additions, making it perfect for personalized meal prep, weekend gatherings, or spontaneous dinner solutions.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes, straightforward cooking steps, and minimal cleanup make this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks seeking delicious, stress-free meals.

Must-Haves for Vegan White Chili Cooking

• Jackfruit or Tofu: A hearty plant-based protein that mimics the texture of chicken in this chili.

• Cannellini Beans, Chickpeas: Creamy and protein-rich beans that add substance and texture to the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor profile.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and bright pepper flavor to the dish.
• Cumin, Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Coriander: Warm and complex spices that create a rich, traditional chili seasoning.

• Coconut Milk, Vegetable Broth: Creates a creamy, flavorful liquid base for the chili.

• Corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of texture to the chili.

• Lime Juice: Brightens the overall flavor with a tangy acidity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the chili's taste.
• Fresh Cilantro, Avocado Slices: Garnishes that add freshness and richness to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and creating a base for the chili.

Stepwise Instructions for Vegan White Chili

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onion and gently cook until the onions become soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build Aromatic Base

• Minced garlic
• Green chilies
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Smoked paprika
• Coriander

Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with a delightful fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create Creamy Liquid Foundation

• Cannellini beans
• Chickpeas
• Coconut milk
• Vegetable broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Introduce Hearty Proteins

• Corn
• Jackfruit or tofu

Let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to dance and blend together beautifully.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili.

Season with salt and pepper to match your taste preferences.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chili into bowls.

Top with fresh cilantro and creamy avocado slices for a stunning presentation.

Tips for Full Flavor in Vegan White Chili Bowls

• Pull apart jackfruit with two forks to create a realistic shredded chicken-like texture, ensuring even cooking and better flavor absorption.
• Add extra protein by incorporating white beans or plant-based protein crumbles for a more substantial vegan chili.
• Adjust heat by modifying green chili quantities or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for those who love extra kick.
• Blend a portion of the beans before adding to create a thicker, richer base that mimics traditional creamy chili textures.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors develop overnight for maximum deliciousness.

Vegan White Chili – Ways to Make It Unique

• Protein Power Swap: Replace jackfruit or tofu with seitan or tempeh for a different protein texture and added nutritional boost.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, increase smoked paprika, and top with crushed tortilla chips for extra heat and crunch.
• Green Chili Lean Version: Use lean plant-based chicken alternative and reduce coconut milk for a lighter, lower-fat option.
• Mediterranean Fusion Chili: Substitute cannellini beans with chickpeas, add roasted red peppers, and sprinkle with za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

How to Present Vegan White Chili at Dinner

• Fresh Fiesta Presentation: Top the chili with crispy tortilla strips or corn chips for added crunch and texture.
• Creamy Comfort Bowl: Serve alongside warm cornbread or crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Green Goodness Topping: Sprinkle with extra chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of vegan sour cream for a vibrant finish.
• Spice Lover's Delight: Offer hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side for guests who want an extra kick of heat.

Keeping Vegan White Chili Fresh and Tasty

• Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Package chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best flavor and texture.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Reheat chili in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally and heat until steaming hot.

FAQs

• What makes this chili vegan?

The recipe uses jackfruit or tofu as a meat substitute and replaces traditional dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, creating a completely animal-product-free dish.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more green chilies, a dash of cayenne pepper, or including diced jalapeños during the cooking process to boost the spice level.

• Is this chili protein-rich?

Absolutely! The combination of cannellini beans, chickpeas, and jackfruit or tofu provides a significant protein boost, making it a nutritious meal for vegans and vegetarians.

Vegan White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white chicken chili brings Mexican-inspired comfort to plant-based dining with jackfruit and creamy cashew base. Spicy, satisfying flavors dance through this clever reimagining of classic southwestern comfort, promising deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups vegan chicken substitute or jackfruit or tofu

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams) cannellini or Great Northern beans
• 2 cans (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 can (13.5 ounces/400 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 lime (juice)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, gently caramelizing diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic, roasted green chilies, and aromatic spices – cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and ground coriander – allowing them to bloom and release their complex flavors for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in creamy coconut milk, hearty vegetable broth, cannellini beans, and chickpeas, gradually elevating the temperature until the mixture reaches a gentle, rolling simmer.
4. Incorporate tender corn kernels and shredded jackfruit or cubed tofu, allowing the ingredients to intermingle and develop depth during a 15-20 minute slow-cooking process.
5. Brighten the chili’s profile with a vibrant splash of fresh lime juice, then delicately adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance the flavors.
6. Transfer the steaming chili into serving bowls, adorning with verdant cilantro leaves and creamy avocado slices for a visually stunning and texturally rich presentation.

Notes

• Select young, tender jackfruit for the most meat-like texture and best flavor absorption in the chili.
• Drain and press tofu thoroughly to ensure it absorbs the spices and maintains a firm consistency during cooking.
• Try different plant-based protein alternatives like seitan or tempeh for varied protein sources and unique flavor profiles.
• Enhance the creaminess by blending a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot, creating a richer, more substantial chili base.

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 215 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg