If you have been searching for a comforting, rich, and low-carb meal that warms you from the inside out, look no further than this Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe. It brings together creamy textures, bold spices, and hearty shredded chicken in a dish that’s both satisfying and keto-friendly. Whether you need a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this chili checks all the boxes with its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients perfectly suited for anyone following a keto lifestyle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to bringing this Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe to life. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s adding creaminess, depth of flavor, or a kick of spice, resulting in a perfectly balanced bowl of chili.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds an indulgent richness that makes the chili luxuriously creamy.
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully to provide gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the chili.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics smoothly, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Essential for seasoning, it amplifies all the other flavors.
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced: Adds a fragrant punch that complements the mild spices perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- 4 cups shredded chicken: The heart of the dish, bringing protein and hearty texture—rotisserie works wonderfully.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Provides an earthy undertone that elevates the chili’s aroma.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: This spice lends a warm, smoky note that defines the chili’s character.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and texture when softened in the pan.
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties all ingredients together while keeping sodium in check.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of sharpness, balancing the creaminess.
- 4 oz green chiles: Brings a mild tang and gentle heat; canned or fresh both work great.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The secret ingredient that makes the chili decadently smooth and thick.
How to Make Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and freshly minced garlic, cooking until they soften and become fragrant. This foundational step awakens the spices and helps build layers of flavor. Sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and sea salt, stirring constantly to toast them lightly and unleash their aromatic oils.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
Once the spices are perfectly toasted, stir in the shredded chicken. This is your protein powerhouse, so make sure it’s well coated with the spices for maximum flavor absorption. Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, which will become the flavorful cooking liquid that pulls everything together. Bring this mixture to a simmer to blend the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Green Chiles
As the chili simmers gently, slowly add the softened cream cheese by cutting it into smaller pieces and whisking them in until completely melted. This transformation is what makes the chili so uniquely creamy and velvety. Add in the drained green chiles to introduce a hint of mild heat and a subtle bite that enhances the overall profile.
Step 4: Finish with Heavy Cream and Cheese Blend
To complete the texture, stir in the heavy cream and then the Mexican blend cheese until everything is melted and bubbly. This final addition gives a silky richness and that irresistible cheesy appeal that makes this Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe such a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
When it’s time to serve, top your chili with fresh cilantro leaves, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado to add freshness and contrast to the thick, creamy chili. A squeeze of lime can brighten the flavors, offering a tangy balance that lifts every bite.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with crunchy keto-friendly sides like celery sticks or a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or cauliflower cornbread to keep things in line with keto macros while adding texture diversity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili over roasted spaghetti squash or inside low-carb stuffed bell peppers for individual servings that turn an everyday meal into a conversation starter. You can also ladle it into crispy cheese bowls for an impressive presentation that doubles as an edible container.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better, than day one.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving room for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer, making it a fantastic prep-ahead meal for busy days ahead.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its silky texture. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up, bringing it back to luscious, spoonable perfection.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Cook and shred your chicken breasts or thighs before adding them to the chili. Rotisserie chicken just adds convenience and a bit more flavor, but fresh chicken works just as well and absorbs the spices nicely.
Is this recipe really keto-friendly?
Yes, this Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe is low in carbs and rich in healthy fats due to the cream, cheese, and chicken, making it perfect for anyone following the ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I make it spicier?
Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the mix if you prefer a more fiery chili. Just go easy at first so you don’t overpower the delicate balance of flavors.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Cream cheese is essential for the signature creamy texture, but you can substitute it with mascarpone or even a full-fat Greek yogurt stirred in at the end. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use another type of cheese?
While Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully here, other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella can work—but expect slight differences in flavor and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe enough for those cozy nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and keto-approved. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl and one you’ll find yourself making on repeat. Give it a try and discover your new favorite chili that satisfies both your taste buds and your dietary goals.
Print
Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Tasty Keto White Chicken Chili is a rich and creamy low-carb dish featuring shredded chicken, a blend of spices, and a luscious cream cheese and heavy cream base. Perfect for a comforting meal that fits a keto lifestyle, it combines a flavorful Mexican-inspired taste with the creamy texture of cheese and chiles. This recipe yields four hearty servings, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 4 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked)
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz green chiles (canned or fresh, drained)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion (diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 4 garlic cloves (freshly minced)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil like avocado)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese (Kraft recommended for consistent melting)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and freshly minced garlic cloves, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in the dried oregano, freshly ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the sautéed onions and garlic, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor.
- Combine Chicken and Broth: Add the shredded chicken and reduced-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Chiles: Gradually add the softened cream cheese and green chiles to the pot, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts into the broth, creating a creamy texture.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, uncovered or partially covered, stirring occasionally. This allows flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Add Heavy Cream and Cheese Blend: Stir in the heavy cream and Mexican blend cheese until fully melted and incorporated, ensuring the chili is extra creamy and rich.
- Final Seasoning Check: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne if needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy warm. It pairs well with low-carb toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, or fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- To soften cream cheese faster, leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking or microwave in short bursts.
- Using rotisserie chicken cuts down prep time and adds extra flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but it may reduce creaminess.
- Adjust cayenne pepper level for desired spice heat; omit if sensitive to spice.
- For a dairy-free version, omit cheese and cream, substitute with coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Serve with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice or low-carb tortillas.
