Easy and Delicious Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe for a Healthy Meal

A Warm Bowl of Comfort: Keto White Chicken Chili

Welcome to a delightful journey into the heart of comfort food with a keto-friendly twist! If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying, without derailing your low-carb lifestyle, our Keto White Chicken Chili is the perfect answer. This recipe is a testament to the versatility of keto cooking, offering a creamy, hearty chili that’s packed with flavor and devoid of the usual carb-heavy beans found in traditional chili recipes.

Our Keto White Chicken Chili is a sumptuous blend of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and rich cream, making it an ideal meal for those chilly evenings or when you simply crave something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a dish that proves low-carb eating doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive, but rather can be an opportunity to explore new and exciting flavors while keeping your macros in check.


Keto White Chicken Chili

The Story Behind the Chili

The inspiration for this Keto White Chicken Chili comes from a desire to enjoy traditional comfort foods while adhering to a ketogenic diet. The beauty of this chili lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved with keto-friendly ingredients. It’s a dish that I’ve refined over time, drawing from classic chili elements but reinventing them to suit a low-carb lifestyle.

Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to contribute to the overall nutritional profile, ensuring that the dish is high in healthy fats and protein while keeping the carbohydrates to a minimum. The use of olive oil, heavy cream, and Monterey Jack cheese enriches the chili with a creamy texture and provides the fat content necessary for keto dieters. Meanwhile, the chicken serves as an excellent source of lean protein, making the chili both filling and muscle-nourishing.

The aromatic spices, such as cumin and oregano, are not just flavor enhancers but also boast potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. The inclusion of green chiles and jalapeño peppers adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish, which can be adjusted to suit your personal preference. This chili is a testament to the fact that a ketogenic diet can be both delicious and diverse, with dishes that comfort the soul without compromising on health.


Keto White Chicken Chili Cooking

Mastering the Method

The key to a successful Keto White Chicken Chili lies in the method. Start by gently sautéing the onions in olive oil until they’re soft and translucent—this is the foundation of flavor. When you add the garlic and jalapeño, make sure to stir frequently to prevent burning, as this could introduce a bitter taste to your dish.

When browning the chicken, aim for a light golden color to lock in the juices and ensure each bite is tender. As you add the spices, take a moment to let them toast slightly in the pot with the chicken. This small step deepens the flavors, making the chili more aromatic and satisfying.

As you incorporate the heavy cream and cream cheese, patience is key. Stir slowly and continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture without lumps. If the chili thickens more than you’d like, a splash of chicken broth can bring it back to the perfect consistency. Remember to taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to hit that perfect balance of flavors that will make your chili truly unforgettable.


Keto White Chicken Chili Garnished

Variations to Spice Up Your Chili

Spicy Keto White Chicken Chili

For those who love an extra kick, add more diced jalapeños or a spoonful of hot sauce to your chili. This will not only elevate the heat but also introduce additional layers of flavor.

Green Veggie Keto White Chicken Chili

Enhance the nutritional value by incorporating low-carb vegetables like chopped spinach or kale. These greens will wilt into the chili, adding color, texture, and valuable micronutrients.

Creamy Avocado Keto White Chicken Chili

Top your bowl with diced avocado for an extra dose of healthy fats. The creaminess of the avocado pairs wonderfully with the richness of the chili, making it even more indulgent.

Substitutions for Every Keto Kitchen

While the recipe is designed to be keto-friendly, there are always options to tailor it to your dietary needs or preferences. For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well.

If you prefer a milder chili, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and jalapeño. You can also swap the chicken breast for thighs if you’re looking for a richer flavor and more tender meat after cooking.

For those who miss the beans in traditional chili, consider adding chopped zucchini or cauliflower florets. These vegetables mimic the texture of beans and absorb the flavors of the dish while keeping it firmly keto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the chicken and sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeño as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients, except for the heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the dairy ingredients until smooth before serving.

How can I thicken the chili without adding carbs?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by allowing it to simmer with the lid off, reducing the liquid. Alternatively, a small amount of xanthan gum can be used as a thickener.

Is this chili freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! This Keto White Chicken Chili freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat the chili?
Reheat the chili on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot throughout. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken is recommended for the best flavor and texture, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and add it later in the cooking process since it’s already cooked.

Keto White Chicken Chili

This Keto White Chicken Chili is a heartwarming dish brimming with creamy textures and zesty flavors, perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. Packed with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and rich cream, this chili is a low-carb comfort food that will keep you satisfied and on track with your dietary goals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stirring Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced about 150g
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced about 9g
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced about 14g
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces about 450g
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened about 113g
  • 1 4.5-ounce can diced green chiles about 128g
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese about 50g
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the pot, and season with cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and slowly stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese, ensuring the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  • Add the can of diced green chiles and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the chili is too thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the chili and stir until melted.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and omit the cheese.
Adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño and cayenne pepper according to your taste.
This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 25gFat: 30gFiber: 2gNet Carbs: 4g
Keyword Hearty Keto Meal, Keto Dinner, Keto White Chicken Chili, Low Carb Chili
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