Delicious Vegan White Chickpea Chili to Warm Your Soul

There’s something so cozy and comforting about a bowl of Vegan White Chickpea Chili, don’t you think? I remember the first time I stumbled upon this recipe—it was a chilly fall evening, and my kitchen smelled like a dream with all those spices mingling together. Back then, I was hunting for a hearty plant-based white chili that could please even my pickiest eaters, and let me tell you, this Vegan White Chickpea Chili quickly became our go-to family meal. The creamy texture of chickpeas combined with those warm spices felt like a big, delicious hug after a long day.

I have to confess, though, getting this Vegan White Chickpea Chili just right wasn’t an overnight success. My first attempts were a bit bland, and sometimes the beans remained a bit tough—I learned the hard way that simmering the chickpeas long enough makes all the difference! Now, it’s one of those dishes I can whip up in a flash during busy weeknights. I love the way this vegan bean chili blends into our hectic family life—simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor.

If you’re curious about plant-based white chili, I promise this recipe doesn’t skimp on heartiness or warmth. It’s got everything from tender white beans to cozy spices, all simmered to perfection for a dairy-free white chili that’s bursting with taste. Honestly, I first perfected this white chili with chickpeas after experimenting with my favorite chickpea soups like my Tuscan Chickpea Soup. You might notice some similar cozy vibes there!

Cooking this Vegan White Chickpea Chili has truly become a ritual for me—combining nourishing ingredients with a touch of family love. I’m so excited to share all my tips and tricks with you because I know how a good recipe can brighten the whole week. Ready to dive into this plant-based white chili goodness? Let’s get cooking and make your kitchen smell like mine on a crisp fall evening. If you want some inspiration or other white bean delights, check out my White Bean Soup too.


What You’ll Need for This Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Alright, friend, let’s talk ingredients because the magic of this Vegan White Chickpea Chili starts right here. I always keep these staples on hand—spices, beans, and veggies that come together to create that comforting bowl we love. Here’s exactly what I use for my Vegan White Chickpea Chili:

Ingredients laid out for Vegan White Chickpea Chili including olive oil, onions, garlic, chickpeas, spices, and broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (I prefer extra virgin for that fruity flavor)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (optional for a little kick)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (these are the star for the vegan bean chili)
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed (for creaminess in your white chili with chickpeas)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (make sure it’s low-sodium for better control)
  • 1 cup coconut milk (this keeps it creamy and dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lime (adds that bright finishing touch)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

When I’m preparing this Vegan White Chickpea Chili, I like to use canned chickpeas for convenience, but if you’re feeling ambitious, soaked and cooked dried chickpeas can work wonderfully and save a bit on cost. You can usually find good quality chickpeas and beans at your local grocery store or bulk bins for a budget-friendly option. And trust me, rinsing canned beans well is a little trick I learned along the way—it helps reduce that metallic can taste.

If you ever find yourself short on time when making Vegan White Chickpea Chili, having pre-chopped onions and minced garlic ready in the fridge is a lifesaver. Also, a tip from community friends who love this plant-based white chili is to keep extra vegetable broth or some coconut milk in the freezer to quickly boost any dish’s creaminess.

For storage, leftover Vegan White Chickpea Chili ingredients like cooked chickpeas and broth freeze pretty well if you want to prepare in advance. If you’re curious about getting creative with ingredients or want to dive into some more flavorful vegan bean chili inspirations, check out this lovely take on Vegan White Chickpea Chili from Midwest Foodie. And if you’re curious about chickpea chili recipes in general, Moon and Spoon and Yum’s version has some fun twists to try!

Let’s Make This Vegan White Chickpea Chili Together

Okay, now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to get stirring! Don’t worry if you’re new to vegan bean chili, I’ll walk you through every step as if we’re cooking side by side.

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This is where the base of your Vegan White Chickpea Chili really starts to build those cozy flavors.
  2. Add the garlic and diced jalapeños and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen should already be smelling like that inviting plant-based white chili goodness!
  3. Stir in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and coriander. Let those spices toast in the pot for about a minute, which brings out their warmth and depth. I learned the hard way with Vegan White Chickpea Chili that skipping this step can leave the flavor a bit flat.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, then add the chickpeas and cannellini beans. Give it all a good stir to combine. Now, bring your chili to a gentle simmer.
  5. Let the Vegan White Chickpea Chili simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. This is when everything melds together beautifully. You want to keep an eye on it, giving it a stir every so often. The aroma should be rich and inviting by now!
  6. About five minutes before finishing, squeeze in the lime juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste. This little citrus zing is the secret to brightening up the whole pot.

While the Vegan White Chickpea Chili is simmering, I like to tidy up the kitchen or prep any toppings—fresh cilantro, scoops of avocado, maybe some crunchy tortilla chips. If you’re a visual cook like me, you’ll know that seeing the chili thicken slightly and smelling that spicy, herby blend means you’re on the right track.

For a little kitchen shortcut, you can make this chickpea chili recipe in a slow cooker by browning your veggies and spices first, then tossing everything into the cooker for a 4-hour low setting. It’s a family-tested time saver when life gets crazy.

If you want to troubleshoot or perfect your technique, there’s a great discussion about Vegan White Chickpea Chili preparation over at the Vegan Soul Food Facebook Group—the community there is full of helpful tips!

How I Love to Serve This Vegan White Chickpea Chili

A bowl of Vegan White Chickpea Chili garnished with cilantro and avocado

Let me share my favorite ways to enjoy this Vegan White Chickpea Chili—because the right accompaniments can take your cozy bowl to the next level. My family especially loves this Vegan White Chickpea Chili when I serve it with a side of warm cornbread or over fluffy brown rice. The cornbread adds that sweet, crumbly contrast to the creamy, spicy white chili with chickpeas, and for us, it just feels like coming home.

On chilly evenings, I also like to offer my vegan bean chili alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette—something light to balance the hearty flavors. Sometimes we pile on vegan cheese shreds or diced avocado on top, which creates this lovely creamy texture that everyone raves about. For a bit of crunch, tortilla chips or roasted pepitas are always a hit.

This Vegan White Chickpea Chili makes an appearance on weekend gatherings or when we have friends over—and they always ask for this chickpea chili recipe. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser because it’s filling, dairy-free, and suits a whole range of dietary needs. Plus, it works beautifully as a festive dish during fall or winter holidays.

If you have extra Vegan White Chickpea Chili, it stores beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge, and reheats like a charm on the stove or microwave. I like to switch things up by using leftovers as a topping for baked potatoes or even mixing it into some grains for a wholesome lunch bowl. You can peek at some serving ideas on my other favorite soups like my Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe which shares that same comforting vibe.

Seasonally, I’ve played around with swapping out jalapeños for mild green chilies or adding roasted corn in late summer to tie in more fresh flavors. It’s fun to tweak this vegan bean chili and keep it feeling fresh all year round.

Your Vegan White Chickpea Chili Questions Answered

Q1: Can I make this Vegan White Chickpea Chili in a pressure cooker?
You definitely can! I’ve done it by adding all ingredients to the instant pot, sealing it, and cooking on high for about 15 minutes. Just remember to do a natural release so everything finishes tender and flavorful. It speeds up the cooking and keeps that lovely texture intact.

Q2: How spicy is this Vegan White Chickpea Chili?
That really depends on your jalapeño choice and if you keep the seeds. I usually keep it mild for the kids by removing seeds, but if you like some heat, leave them in or add a pinch of cayenne.

Q3: I don’t have coconut milk—can I substitute something else?
Yes! Cashew cream or unsweetened almond milk with a splash of vegetable broth works fine. The coconut milk adds richness, but either substitution keeps the dish dairy-free white chili status intact.

Q4: How do I store leftovers of Vegan White Chickpea Chili?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in portions. I like freezing small batches for quick meals later on. Just thaw and reheat gently on the stove.

Q5: Can I add other veggies to the Vegan White Chickpea Chili?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes, zucchini, or even kale make great additions. Just chop them small and add them early in the cooking process so they soften well.

Q6: Any tips for thickening Vegan White Chickpea Chili?
If you want a thicker chili, mash some of the chickpeas against the side of the pot as it cooks. I’ve also stirred in a spoonful of masa harina (corn flour) at the end for that authentic chili thickness.

Q7: Is this Vegan White Chickpea Chili kid-friendly?
Totally! The mild spices and creamy texture usually go over well. My kids love eating it with a side of bread to dip into the rich broth.

If you’re curious about more reader questions and helpful tweaks, here’s a great Vegan White Chickpea Chili discussion filled with personal stories and hacks. And if you want another version to play with, Moon and Spoon and Yum’s chickpea chili has some lovely variations to try at home.

My Final Thoughts on This Vegan White Chickpea Chili

This Vegan White Chickpea Chili holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just about feeding my family—it’s about comfort, connection, and those simple kitchen moments we all treasure.

My Vegan White Chickpea Chili Pro Tips:

  • Always toast your spices first for deeper flavor.
  • Rinse canned chickpeas well to avoid any tinny taste.
  • Don’t skip the lime juice at the end—it brightens the whole bowl!

I’ve tried several variations of this Vegan White Chickpea Chili with my family, like using white kidney beans for a slightly different texture, adding roasted poblano peppers for a smokier flavor, or stirring in fresh spinach at the end to sneak in some greens. My husband loves the smoky version; my daughter is all about the creamy lime finish.

I hope you feel inspired to make this Vegan White Chickpea Chili your own and share it with the people you love. Remember, cooking is about joy and nourishment, and there’s no “perfect” way—just your way. If you want more cozy recipe ideas, don’t forget to swing by my Tuscan Chickpea Soup or the White Bean Soup pages for more plant-based comfort food.

I can’t wait for you to fill your kitchen with the inviting aromas of this vegan bean chili and to hear all about your tasty results. Here’s to warm bowls, family smiles, and plenty of cozy nights ahead with your own Vegan White Chickpea Chili!

If you want to see even more friendly Vegan White Chickpea Chili takes, the community over at the Vegan Soul Food Recipe Group is a treasure trove of ideas and support. Cooking with friends online always feels like having a neighbor right there in the kitchen.

Happy cooking, dear friend!

  Print

Vegan White Chickpea Chili

This hearty Vegan White Chickpea Chili is a comforting, protein-packed dish featuring creamy chickpeas and warming spices, perfect for a nutritious plant-based meal.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced green chilies
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, jalapeño, and green bell pepper. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat vegetables with spices and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add chickpeas, white kidney beans, diced green chilies, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens slightly.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, blend half of the chili before serving, or top with vegan sour cream and avocado slices for a richer flavor.

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