Hearty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe

Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm, comforting bowls of hearty keto white chicken chili dance with robust flavors that satisfy low-carb cravings.

Creamy and packed with tender chicken, this recipe eliminates traditional beans while keeping all the zesty southwestern spirit.

Spices swirl through a rich broth, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet completely diet-friendly.

Each spoonful delivers a bold blend of green chiles, jalapeños, and aromatic seasonings that warm you from the inside out.

The protein-packed chili offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess without unnecessary carbohydrates.

Cheese melts seamlessly into the broth, adding depth and richness that makes this dish truly irresistible.

Dive into this delicious keto-friendly meal that proves healthy eating never means sacrificing flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 496 kcal

Servings: 7

Keto White Chicken Chili Grocery List

For Base and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertones to build deep flavor complexity.
  • Onion: Delivers a sweet, aromatic foundation that creates depth and rounds out the chili's savory profile.
  • Garlic: Adds intense, pungent notes that elevate the overall taste and provide robust aromatic elements.
For Liquid and Spice Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a hearty, protein-rich liquid base that intensifies the chicken's natural flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Introduces luxurious creaminess and helps balance the spicy elements with smooth richness.
  • Green Chiles: Brings a mild, bright pepper flavor with subtle heat and vibrant color.
  • Cumin: Provides warm, earthy undertones characteristic of authentic southwestern cuisine.
  • Oregano: Contributes a slightly bitter, herbaceous note that complements the chili's robust profile.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Offers optional fiery kick for those who enjoy extra heat.
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall seasoning with classic, clean mineral notes.
For Protein and Creamy Finish:
  • Shredded Chicken: Serves as the primary protein, delivering tender, lean meat throughout the chili.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates ultra-smooth, velvety texture and adds tangy richness.
  • Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing creamy depth and classic southwestern cheese flavor.

Tools You’ll Need for Keto White Chicken Chili

  • Dutch oven: Perfect for starting and simmering this creamy, hearty chili.
  • Cutting board: Essential for dicing onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient chopping.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices like cumin and oregano.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures correct liquid measurements for broth and cream.
  • Cheese grater: For shredding Mexican blend cheese if not pre-shredded.

Cooking Directions for Keto White Chicken Chili

  • Aromatic Base

Warm olive oil in a sturdy pot, gently sautéing diced onions until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance. Follow with minced garlic, allowing its rich essence to bloom and fill the kitchen with warmth.

  • Liquid Foundation

Pour in a blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, incorporating zesty green chiles. Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, and a touch of cayenne for depth. Let the mixture bubble and dance, simmering slowly to concentrate flavors and create a luxurious consistency.

  • Cheese Transformation

Reduce heat and introduce cream cheese and shredded Mexican blend, stirring until they melt into a silky, velvety sauce. The dairy creates a luscious backdrop that elevates the entire dish.

  • Protein Finale

Fold tender shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, allowing it to absorb the complex flavors. Let everything simmer briefly, thickening into a comforting, hearty chili that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

Tricks to Maximize Flavor in Keto White Chicken Chili

  • Creative Twists and Helpful Hints
  • Replace chicken with ground turkey or shredded pork for a delightful protein variation that keeps the low-carb magic alive.
  • Dial the heat by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños for those who love a spicier kick without compromising the keto profile.
  • Garnish with crispy bacon bits, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or extra shredded cheese to elevate texture and flavor complexity.
  • Prepare this chili in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for quick future meals that taste just as delicious when reheated.

Serving Suggestions for Keto White Chicken Chili

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this white chicken chili in deep ceramic bowls that showcase its creamy texture and rich color, perfect for a satisfying meal.
  • Protein Power Topping: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, or chopped green onions on top to add crunch and enhance the flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Side Companions: Pair with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a small side salad to keep the meal keto-friendly and nutritionally balanced.
  • Spice Level Customization: Offer hot sauce or additional cayenne pepper on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat according to their personal preference.

Keeping Keto White Chicken Chili Fresh

  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Freezer Batch Preparation: Portion chili into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze flat for up to 3 months, creating convenient grab-and-go meal options for busy weeks.
  • Reheating Magic: Gently warm chili on stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Microwave works in a pinch, but can reduce texture quality.
  • Ingredient Prep Hack: Shred chicken and chop vegetables in advance to streamline cooking process. Prepped ingredients can stay refrigerated for 1-2 days, making weeknight cooking faster and easier.
Print
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Hearty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe

Hearty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty white chicken chili brings comfort with low-carb Mexican-inspired flavors packed with tender chicken and creamy spices. Home cooks will savor this protein-rich, dairy-friendly meal perfect for keto dieters seeking delicious wellness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups shredded chicken
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
  • 3 ½ cups chicken broth (reduced sodium)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • ½ cup green chiles, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base: Heat Dutch oven and drizzle olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a golden cooking surface for developing rich flavor foundations.
  2. Aromatics Development: Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness and establishing depth.
  3. Liquid Composition: Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, and green chiles into the pot, whisking vigorously to blend the liquid components smoothly and create a cohesive cooking environment.
  4. Spice Integration: Sprinkle cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper throughout the liquid, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings and generate a complex flavor profile.
  5. Simmering Phase: Bring mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat and allow liquid to simmer for 40 minutes, concentrating flavors and encouraging gradual thickening of the chili’s base.
  6. Cheese Incorporation: Reduce temperature and fold cream cheese and Mexican blend cheese into the mixture, stirring continuously until cheeses melt completely and render a luxurious, silky consistency.
  7. Final Fusion: Gently add shredded chicken, allowing protein to integrate seamlessly with the creamy base and absorb surrounding seasonings during a concluding 5-minute gentle simmer.

Notes

  • Optimize Oil Temperature: Heat olive oil just until it shimmers to prevent burning and ensure proper flavor development without smoking.
  • Master Cheese Melting Technique: Add cream cheese and shredded cheese off direct heat, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
  • Spice Balance Matters: Adjust cayenne and black pepper gradually, tasting as you go to control heat level without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.
  • Simmer Smartly: Maintain a low, consistent simmer during the 40-minute reduction to concentrate flavors and prevent liquid from evaporating too quickly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 496
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 685 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 151 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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