Creamy Low Carb Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe

The Easiest Low Carb Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe Ever

Whipping up a delectable keto white chicken chili brings comfort and flavor to your weeknight dinner table.

Creamy textures and bold spices dance together in this protein-packed meal.

Tender chicken chunks nestled among aromatic ingredients create a satisfying bowl of warmth.

Jalapeños and green chiles add just the right kick without overwhelming your palate.

Cheese melts into silky swirls, enhancing every spoonful with rich, tangy goodness.

Nutritious and filling, this chili delivers maximum taste with minimal carbohydrates.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Dive into a bowl that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.

Why This Low Carb Keto White Chicken Chili Is a Must-Try

  • Quick Family Dinner: Packed with protein and bold flavors, this low-carb chili transforms weeknight meals into a delicious adventure kids and adults will love.
  • Minimal Ingredient Prep: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Keto-Friendly Comfort: Delivers rich, creamy texture without carb-heavy beans, satisfying those seeking a nutritious meal that supports low-carb dietary goals.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pot cooking method, allowing more time to enjoy the meal and less time washing dishes.

Key Ingredients for Keto White Chicken Chili

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main substance of the chili and delivers hearty flavor.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onions, Garlic: A flavor foundation that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the chili.
Herbs and Spices:
  • Green Chiles: Provide a mild heat and vibrant flavor to the dish.
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika: Spices that create a complex and warm flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chili.
Liquid and Creamy Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the base liquid and adds rich chicken flavor.
  • Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that create a creamy, luxurious texture and add richness.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and providing a smooth cooking base.
Garnish:
  • Shredded Cheese, Fresh Cilantro: Toppings that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished chili.

How to Make Low Carb White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Pan

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the pan, cooking and stirring until the meat turns a golden brown color and develops a nice sear on the outside.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in these flavorful ingredients:
  • Green chiles
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken with the spices and release their rich, intense flavors.

Step 4: Create the Broth Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and let the chili simmer gently, allowing the chicken to cook completely and the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Shred and Smooth

Remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add:
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream

Stir continuously to create a creamy, luxurious texture.

Step 6: Thicken and Perfect

Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the chili reaches a rich, thick consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Fresh chopped cilantro

Enjoy your comforting, low-carb keto white chicken chili!

Tips for a Flavorful and Creamy Keto Chili

  • Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and healthy.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of green chiles or using mild peppers for sensitive palates.
  • Meal prep this chili by storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, which enhances flavor development.
  • Boost nutritional value by adding diced zucchini or cauliflower florets for extra low-carb vegetables without changing the chili's core taste.

Flavor Twists to Try with This Chicken Chili

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with cauliflower or tofu chunks for a plant-based version that maintains the chili's creamy texture and spicy flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream to create a lactose-free, keto-friendly option.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and complexity.
  • Mediterranean Inspired: Incorporate ground lamb, use Greek yogurt as a topping, and sprinkle with mint for a unique cultural variation that keeps the low-carb approach.

Serving Ideas to Enjoy Keto White Chicken Chili

  • Cozy Meal Companion: Pair this chili with cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb dinner that satisfies hunger without extra carbohydrates.
  • Weekend Game Day Delight: Serve in small bowls as an appetizer during sports watching, topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for added crunch.
  • Hearty Lunch Solution: Pack in a thermos for a warm midday meal at work or school, keeping the cream cheese and heavy cream separate until ready to eat to maintain perfect texture.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Starter: Present in small ceramic ramekins as an impressive first course, garnishing with a delicate cilantro leaf and a few drops of hot sauce for sophisticated guests who enjoy subtle heat.

How to Keep Keto Chicken Chili Fresh Longer

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the chili completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Use shallow containers to help the chili cool faster and more evenly.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 2-3 months.

FAQs

  • Is this chili spicy?

The heat level is mild with green chiles, but you can adjust spiciness by adding more or less chili powder and green chiles.

  • Can I use different meat instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken work perfectly as alternative protein options.

  • How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

  • What are the main low-carb ingredients that make this chili keto-friendly?

Chicken, green chiles, spices, chicken broth, cream cheese, and heavy cream are all low-carb ingredients that keep this recipe within keto guidelines.

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Creamy Low Carb Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe

Creamy Low Carb Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Keto white chicken chili delivers a hearty southwestern-style meal packed with protein and rich flavors. Spicy jalapeños, tender chicken, and creamy broth create a satisfying low-carb comfort dish you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs

Aromatics and Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Dairy:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns golden and begins to brown.
  3. Incorporate green chiles, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, increasing heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
  5. Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks, then return the meat to the simmering liquid.
  6. Blend cream cheese and heavy cream into the chili, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture.
  7. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
  8. Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls and top with freshly shredded cheese and chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most velvety texture that helps thicken the chili without adding extra carbs.
  • Opt for bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for deeper flavor and more tender meat that shreds easily.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy consistency while adding a subtle tropical note.
  • Prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking and reduce overall kitchen time, making this a perfect weeknight meal for busy keto dieters.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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