Are you looking for a hearty, comforting dish that fits perfectly into your low-carb or keto diet? Look no further! This Easy Low Carb Keto White Chicken Chili is the perfect blend of savory chicken, creamy broth, and a slight kick of spice. It's a warming dish that's easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. In this article, you'll discover how to make this delicious chili step-by-step, along with tips, substitutions, and variations to tailor it to your taste. Read on to unlock the secrets of this mouthwatering keto-friendly recipe!
What is Keto White Chicken Chili?
Keto White Chicken Chili is a low-carb version of the classic white chicken chili, traditionally made with beans and corn. This recipe eliminates the high-carb ingredients while keeping the rich and flavorful essence of the dish. By using chicken, a creamy broth made from cream cheese and heavy cream, and a blend of spices, this chili becomes a satisfying meal that's perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. It's a high-protein, low-carb dish that delivers on taste without compromising your diet goals.
Ingredients List for Keto White Chicken Chili
To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need a combination of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to form the base of the chili.
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz of full-fat cream cheese, softened to give the chili its creamy texture.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup of heavy cream to add richness and depth.
- Green Chilies: 2 cans (4 oz each) of diced green chilies for a mild kick of heat.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped for flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced for an aromatic touch.
- Cumin: 2 teaspoons of ground cumin for that classic chili flavor.
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to enhance the savory notes.
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon of chili powder for a hint of heat.
- Cilantro: ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish.
- Lime: Juice of 1 lime for a zesty finish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
While the basic ingredients create a delicious chili, you can enhance the flavor profile with the following optional ingredients:
- Jalapeños: For those who love extra heat, add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños.
- Avocado: Diced avocado as a topping for creaminess.
- Shredded Cheese: 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream for a tangy contrast.
- Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory addition.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Keto White Chicken Chili is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations to suit different preferences or dietary needs:
- Chicken Substitutes: If you don’t have chicken breasts or thighs on hand, rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even leftover grilled chicken can be used.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream to make the dish dairy-free.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with extra firm tofu or cauliflower florets, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies, jalapeños, or chili powder according to your preference.
- Herb Variations: Try using fresh parsley or thyme instead of cilantro for a different herb flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking this Keto White Chicken Chili is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe even for beginners. Follow these steps for a delicious, satisfying meal:
- Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breasts or thighs. You can poach them in water or chicken broth until fully cooked, then shred the meat using two forks. If using rotisserie or leftover chicken, simply shred and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, oregano, and chili powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices. This step enhances the flavor of the chili.
- Create the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the diced green chilies and the cooked, shredded chicken. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and integrated into the broth. Then, stir in the heavy cream to create a rich and creamy consistency.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the chili and season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your palate.
- Simmer: Let the chili simmer on low heat for another 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly and deepen the flavors.
How to Cook Keto White Chicken Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those who prefer a more detailed guide, here’s an expanded step-by-step breakdown:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, ensure all your ingredients are prepped. Shred the cooked chicken, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and have your spices measured and ready.
- Sautéing the Base: In your large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook them slowly to develop sweetness. Add the garlic just before the onions are fully cooked to avoid burning.
- Incorporate the Spices: Adding the spices directly to the sautéed onions and garlic helps release their essential oils, making the dish more flavorful. Stir constantly to prevent the spices from burning.
- Simmering the Chicken Broth: Adding the chicken broth gradually, while stirring, ensures that the spices and sautéed ingredients are evenly distributed in the liquid. Simmering at this stage allows the chicken and chilies to absorb the flavors.
- Creamy Finish: When adding the cream cheese, make sure it’s softened at room temperature to melt smoothly into the chili. Stir continuously to avoid any lumps. Follow with the heavy cream, stirring until you achieve a silky texture.
- Final Touches: Add the lime juice, which brightens the flavors, balancing the richness of the cream and the heat from the chilies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Keto White Chicken Chili turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t melt properly and can create lumps in your chili. Always use softened cream cheese.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and stringy. Poach the chicken just until it’s done and still moist, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Adding Cream Too Quickly: Adding heavy cream while the chili is too hot can cause it to curdle. Lower the heat before incorporating the cream.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Keto White Chicken Chili is a dish that can be as visually appealing as it is delicious. Here are some tips for serving and presenting it:
- Garnish Generously: Top your chili with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a wedge of lime. These garnishes add color and enhance the flavor.
- Use the Right Bowls: Serve the chili in deep bowls to keep it warm longer. A wide-rimmed bowl allows for ample toppings without overcrowding.
- Add a Crunch: Serve with a side of low-carb tortilla chips or pork rinds to add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
How to Serve Keto White Chicken Chili
This chili is a meal in itself, but you can pair it with other keto-friendly sides for a complete feast. Here are some ideas:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the chili.
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve the chili over cauliflower rice for a hearty, grain-free option.
- Keto Cornbread: Although traditional cornbread is high in carbs, there are plenty of keto cornbread recipes that use almond flour to enjoy with your chili.
Presentation Ideas for Keto White Chicken Chili
The presentation can elevate your chili from a simple dish to a gourmet experience:
- Layered Toppings: Create a visually appealing bowl by layering the toppings. Start with the avocado, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and finish with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Color Contrast: Use garnishes that add a pop of color, like red chili flakes or green jalapeño slices, against the white background of the chili.
- Serving Platter: If serving for a group, consider serving the chili in a large, shallow dish with all the toppings in small bowls on the side, allowing guests to customize their bowls.
Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, cook and shred the chicken ahead of time. You can also chop the onions and garlic and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Storing Leftovers: This chili keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little extra cream or broth if it has thickened too much.
- Freezing: Keto White Chicken Chili is freezer-friendly. Freeze in individual portions for easy keto meals during busy weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? A: Yes! You can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: Is this chili spicy? A: The level of spice is mild, thanks to the green chilies. You can adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken? A: Absolutely. Turkey works well as a substitute for chicken in this recipe, especially leftover turkey from the holidays.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream? A: Full-fat coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative to heavy cream. It adds a slight coconut flavor that pairs well with the spices.
Conclusion
This Easy Low Carb Keto White Chicken Chili recipe is a versatile and delicious option for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal without the carbs. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and customizable to your taste. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a satisfying dish to warm up your week, this chili is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients and get cooking—your new go-to keto recipe is just a few steps away!
PrintEasy Low Carb Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe
This easy low-carb keto white chicken chili recipe is a creamy, comforting dish that’s full of tender chicken, rich broth, and just the right amount of spice. With keto-friendly ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal while staying on track with their low-carb diet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Green chiles
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in green chiles, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, and then simmer until chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken, then mix in cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Cook until the chili thickens, stirring frequently.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Use a rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.
- Garnish with avocado or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800 mg
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