Chili is the perfect comfort food. Thick and hearty, it's perfect for warming up on a cool day. This keto white chicken chili recipe is a twist on the classic. It's comforting, flavorful, and so satisfying.
Low-carb chili is always a good idea, and this keto chicken chili is a fun way to mix things up.
With southwestern flavors, it is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein and healthy fats!
Give this easy recipe a try, and let me know what you think!
Ingredients for Making Low Carb White Chicken Chili
- Oil: I used avocado oil for almost all of my keto cooking, but feel free to use your favorite keto-friendly oil. Butter can also be used.
- Onion: Yellow onion is my preference in this recipe, but you could also use white onion or red onion..
- Garlic: I used 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, but you could also use ½ teaspoon garlic powder, depending on your preference.
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work in this recipe.
- Broth: Use homemade or store-bought broth.
- Green chiles: Mild green chiles are what I used, but feel free to use canned hot green chilis if you want to dial up the heat.
- Spices: I used oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. If you don't like heat, feel free to omit the cayenne. Onion powder is also a nice addition.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese. A blend of heavy cream and xanthan gum is also an option if you don't want to use cream cheese.
- Lime Juice: Wait until the cooking is done to add the lime juice. It adds acidity and a touch of freshness.
Tips & Tricks
- To save time, you can buy pre-chopped onion and pre-minced garlic. Rotisserie chicken may also be used if you are in a hurry.
- Broth can get expensive, but it is easy to make with kitchen scraps. Homemade broth has much more flavor and will take this white keto chili to the next level. Check out my Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth recipe for details.
Serving Suggestions
Serve low-carb white chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, and cilantro. Avocado slices are also an excellent addition.
You can serve the low-carb chicken chili over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is white chicken chili keto?
No, in most cases, white chicken chili has beans and other high-carb ingredients.
This keto white chicken chili recipe is a low-carb version that is just as flavorful and comforting as the original.
Is chili bad for a keto diet?
Most of the time, chili is high in carbs, thanks to the beans.
What can you use to thicken keto white chili?
There are several low-carb options for thickening soups and chili.
Here, we use cream cheese. This adds a creamy richness and also thickens the chili.
In the absence of cheese, the best option for thickening is xanthan gum.
If you decide to make this keto chili without cream cheese, I recommend whisking ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum into the broth before returning the chicken to the pot.
Tools Needed to Make
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- Saucepan
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place in a pot on the stove over low heat until warm.
You could also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Freezing
This chili freezes well. Simply place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. I like to use my souper cubes for freezing.
To thaw, place in the fridge overnight or for at least 8 hours before reheating.
How to Make Keto White Chicken Chili
First, start by heating your oil in a large saucepan.
Next, add in your onion and cook for 5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
After that, combine the chicken thighs or breasts, broth, green chilis, oregano, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the saucepan and shred it with forks.
Next, add the cubed cream cheese to the liquid. Cook over low heat until the cheese melts, about 4 minutes.
Then, return the chicken to the pot and cook for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Finally, stir in the fresh lime juice. Serve this keto chili recipe warm with sour cream, cheese, lime wedges, jalapeños, and cilantro. Enjoy!
Low Carb Soup Recipes to Try
- This Low Carb Cauliflower Soup is creamy, flavorful, and low in carbs. It's the perfect meal for a cold winter day! Plus, it's easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
- If you are looking for a bowl of comfort with minimal prep time, you are going to love this Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Keto Pumpkin Soup is simple to make and has a surprising complexity of flavor.
- You won’t miss the paste in his Keto Chicken Soup. It is like a hug in a bowl!
- For a hearty meal that always satisfies, this Keto Meatball Soup is perfect!
Keto White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ¾ cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 - 4.5 ounce can chopped green chilis undrained
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- For serving: sour cream shredded cheese, lime wedges, jalapeño, cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- When the oil is warm, add the onion, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan, and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken, broth, green chilis, oregano, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper to the pan.
- Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the saucepan, and shred it with forks.
- Add the cubed cream cheese to the liquid.
- Cook, over low heat, until the cheese melts, about 4 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pot, and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice.
- Serve warm with sour cream, cheese, lime wedges, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Greta
I love this Mexican chicken soup. It came out super delicious. Thanks for the recipe!!
Wendy Polisi
I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
Paula
This was super easy and really great! Loved that it’s a healthier version of chili, and was perfect for a chilly, winter evening.
Glenda
This was the creamiest most delicious white chili I ever eaten! My taste buds are still doing a happy dance about it! Thanks for sharing the scrumptious recipe!
Journa Liz Ramirez
I love the flavors present in this recipe! This is a highly recommended chili recipe.