Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili: Your Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food Recipe
Are you searching for the ultimate warm, hearty, and satisfying meal that effortlessly fits into your ketogenic lifestyle? Look no further than this incredible **Keto White Chicken Chili**! It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl of pure, low-carb comfort food, expertly crafted to be quick, easy, and bursting with rich, savory flavors. Whether you’re battling a cold day chill or simply craving a fulfilling, guilt-free dinner, this chili delivers every time. Forget the beans and corn that typically load up traditional chili with carbs; our keto version focuses on luscious cream, tender chicken, and a harmonious blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you perfectly on track with your health goals. Get ready to add a new favorite to your weekly rotation!
Why This Keto White Chicken Chili Will Become Your New Favorite
This isn’t just another keto recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum enjoyment with minimal effort. Here’s why this creamy white chicken chili is destined to become a staple in your low-carb kitchen:
- Unmatched Comfort: Its rich, creamy texture and warming spices provide the quintessential comfort food experience, perfect for any season, especially chilly evenings.
- Effortlessly Keto-Friendly: With a focus on high-fat dairy, protein-rich chicken, and flavor-packed spices, this recipe keeps net carbs exceptionally low without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness. It’s ideal for maintaining ketosis while still enjoying hearty meals.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: From prep to plate, this delightful chili comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you need a delicious meal in a flash without extensive cooking.
- Incredibly Flavorful: A thoughtful combination of savory chili powder, earthy cumin, aromatic garlic, and mild green chilis creates a depth of flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. Each spoonful is a journey of well-balanced spices.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to your preference, experiment with different keto-friendly cheeses, or load up on your favorite low-carb toppings to make it uniquely yours every time you prepare it.
- Satisfying & Filling: Packed with ample protein and healthy fats, a single serving of this chili will leave you feeling completely satiated and energized, helping you avoid those unwanted carb cravings and keeping you full for hours.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili holds up wonderfully in the refrigerator and freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili
Crafting the perfect keto white chicken chili starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich flavor and creamy, comforting texture while keeping it perfectly low-carb. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each item is essential for this fantastic recipe:
- Shredded Chicken: This is the lean, protein-packed star of our chili. You have options here: easily cook and shred your own boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or save precious time by picking up a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Both methods work wonderfully to provide tender, juicy chicken pieces.
- Onion Powder: Delivers a foundational, savory onion flavor that penetrates the entire chili without adding the bulk or texture of fresh onions, which can be higher in carbs.
- Chili Powder: An absolutely essential spice for that classic chili warmth, depth, and a vibrant color. It forms the aromatic backbone of the dish.
- Garlic Powder: A staple in savory cooking, garlic powder enhances all the other flavors and adds a consistent, pungent aroma throughout the chili.
- Cumin: Provides an earthy, slightly smoky, and distinctly Southwestern flavor profile that is characteristic of any great chili, elevating it beyond just a creamy soup.
- Salt & Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing and bringing out all the delicious flavors of the ingredients, ensuring the chili isn’t bland but perfectly seasoned.
- Butter: Used at the start to sauté the aromatics, butter provides a rich fat base that infuses the initial flavors and contributes to the overall decadent mouthfeel of the chili.
- Garlic Cloves (minced): Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic punch and a more vibrant, sharp flavor compared to garlic powder alone, providing a wonderful depth to the sautéed base.
- Green Onions (white bases chopped, green parts for garnish): The white parts are gently sautéed with garlic to add a mild, sweet onion flavor, while the vibrant green tops are reserved to provide a fresh, crisp, and visually appealing garnish just before serving.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the essential liquid base of the chili, adding savory chicken flavor and helping to create the perfect pourable yet rich consistency. Choose a low-sodium option if you are monitoring salt intake.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to the chili’s luxurious, velvety texture and high-fat content, making it wonderfully keto-friendly and incredibly satisfying. Don’t substitute with lighter creams for a true keto experience.
- Cream Cheese: If you are on keto, be sure to use full-fat cream cheese. It melts into the broth and heavy cream, adding a delightful tanginess and significant thickness, which transforms the chili into an incredibly rich and smooth concoction.
- Sriracha: Offers a customizable touch of heat and a subtle sweet-tangy kick that complements the creaminess. This is highly flexible; feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference or substitute with another favorite hot sauce.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded): This semi-hard cheese melts beautifully, contributing significantly to the chili’s overall creaminess and adding a mild, buttery flavor. You can use other shredded cheeses like Colby Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend if you’d prefer. For the best melt and lowest carb count, we strongly recommend shredding cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking starches.
- Diced Green Chilis (canned, undrained): These mild chilis provide an authentic, subtle pepper flavor and a slight textural element without overwhelming heat. Leaving them undrained ensures all their aromatic liquid and flavor are incorporated into the chili.
Chef’s Tips & Expert Advice for the Best Keto White Chicken Chili
Elevate your keto white chicken chili from good to truly extraordinary with these expert tips and insights from our kitchen:
- Customizing Your Heat Level: You can absolutely use any hot sauce you like if you don’t have Sriracha on hand. This chili is also amazing with the classic flavors of Frank’s Red Hot, Louisiana Hot Sauce, or Tapatío for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile. For those who crave more intense heat, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper, tasting as you go until it reaches your desired spice level.
- Achieving Perfectly Shredded Chicken: The texture of your shredded chicken makes a difference. You can easily cook your own chicken breasts or thighs until they are fork-tender (boiling, baking, or Instant Pot are all great methods), then shred them using two forks. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed is also a fantastic hack for shredding large batches quickly. Alternatively, buying a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shredding it yourself is a fantastic time-saver for busy days. If you have an Instant Pot, this recipe for Instant Pot shredded chicken is super easy and yields consistently tender, flavorful results!
- Choose Quality Cheese for Optimal Melt: While pre-shredded cheese offers convenience, it often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch. These agents can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly and can add hidden carbs. For the creamiest, smoothest chili, we highly recommend buying a block of Monterey Jack (or your preferred cheese) and shredding it yourself. This ensures superior melting quality and a purer low-carb profile. Allow the shredded cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the pot to prevent clumping.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The final 20-minute simmering period on low heat is absolutely crucial for this recipe. It’s during this time that all the individual flavors meld together perfectly, creating a harmonious and complex taste, and the chili thickens to its ideal creamy consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the cheese and cream from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Thickening Your Chili (If Needed): This chili naturally thickens beautifully thanks to the heavy cream and cream cheese. However, if you prefer an even thicker consistency, you can simply allow it to simmer uncovered for a bit longer, allowing more liquid to evaporate. For an extra low-carb boost in thickness, a tiny pinch of xanthan gum (start with 1/8 teaspoon) can be whisked into a small amount of the hot liquid, then stirred back into the pot. Use sparingly, as it’s very potent!
- Garnish for Freshness and Flavor: Never underestimate the power of garnishes! Freshly chopped green onions (the green parts), a generous dollop of full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a vibrant squeeze of fresh lime juice can all add incredible layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to your finished chili.
More Delicious Keto Recipes to Explore
If you’re loving the low-carb lifestyle, we have plenty more delectable keto recipes that are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Expand your repertoire and keep your meal plans exciting with these fantastic options:
- Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip – A crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s rich, spicy, and perfectly dippable for your next game day or party.
- Keto Egg Drop Soup – A light, comforting, and incredibly quick soup, ideal for a starter or a simple, nourishing meal.
- Keto Chocolate Mousse – Indulge your sweet tooth with this airy, rich, and absolutely guilt-free chocolate dessert that’s perfect for a keto treat.
- Keto Mug Brownie – A single-serving treat that satisfies deep chocolate cravings in mere minutes, making it a perfect quick dessert.
If you loved this recipe as much as we did, don’t forget to leave us a review below. ★ Follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, too!
For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Keto White Chicken Chili
Cheryl Malik
Print
SaveSaved!
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup green onion chopped, white and green parts separated
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded, at room temperature
- 2 4-ounce cans diced green chilies 8 ounces total, undrained
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine the generously shredded chicken with chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until the chicken is thoroughly and evenly coated with this aromatic spice blend. This crucial first step ensures every bite of chili is packed with deep, consistent flavor.
-
In a sturdy stockpot or a thick-bottomed Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and begins to sizzle gently, add the minced garlic and the finely chopped white parts of the green onions. Sauté them, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they become wonderfully fragrant and slightly softened, which should take approximately 3 minutes.
-
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and sriracha into the pot with the sautéed aromatics. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated, creating a luxurious, creamy base. Once smooth, carefully add the pre-seasoned shredded chicken, the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and the canned diced green chilis (including their liquid). Stir everything together until well combined and the cheese begins to melt into the creamy sauce.
-
Reduce the heat to low and allow the chili to gently simmer for at least 20 minutes. This essential simmering time is crucial for allowing all the incredible flavors to meld together and for the chili to thicken to a perfect, rich consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking, especially with the cheese and cream. Taste and season generously with additional salt and pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile. For serving, ladle the warm, creamy chili into bowls and garnish with the vibrant reserved green parts of the green onions, along with any other desired toppings. Enjoy this comforting low-carb masterpiece!
Notes
- Hot Sauce & Spice Customization: You have full control over the heat! If Sriracha isn’t available, or you prefer a different flavor, feel free to use any hot sauce you like. This chili is also amazing with the zesty kick of Frank’s Red Hot, the classic Louisiana Hot Sauce, or the robust flavor of Tapatío. For a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of Sriracha, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even include some fresh, finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat, left in for more) when sautéing the aromatics. Always taste and adjust to your personal preference.
- Shredded Chicken Versatility: The recipe calls for shredded chicken, and you have several convenient options. You can prepare your own chicken breasts or thighs by boiling, baking, or cooking them in an Instant Pot until tender, then shredding them with two forks. For a fantastic time-saving shortcut, simply purchase a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and shred its meat. Both methods yield delicious results for this chili.
- The Importance of Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the absolute best results in terms of texture and flavor, I highly recommend buying a block of Monterey Jack cheese (or your preferred cheese like Colby Jack or cheddar) and shredding it yourself just before use. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents such as cellulose or potato starch, which can not only add unnecessary carbs but also prevent the cheese from melting smoothly, resulting in a slightly gritty or separated texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully, creating a wonderfully creamy and cohesive chili. Ensure your cheese is at room temperature before adding to the pot to further reduce the risk of clumping.
- Storage & Meal Prep Made Easy: This white chicken chili is an excellent candidate for meal prepping! To store leftovers, allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this chili also freezes exceptionally well for up to 2-3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (lay bags flat to save space). When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
- Reheating for Creaminess: When reheating, whether from the refrigerator or thawed from the freezer, the best method is gently on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the dairy-based sauce from scorching or separating. If the chili has thickened considerably upon cooling, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid reheating too quickly or at very high temperatures to maintain its smooth, creamy texture.
- Adding Extra Keto-Friendly Vegetables: While this chili is intentionally simple and low-carb, you can certainly incorporate more keto-friendly vegetables if you wish to boost its nutritional value or add more texture. Consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering until just wilted. Diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) can also be sautéed alongside the garlic and green onions in step 2 for added flavor and nutrients. Just remember to stick to low-carb options to keep the recipe keto-compliant.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.
Serving Suggestions for Your Keto White Chicken Chili
This creamy keto white chicken chili is incredibly satisfying and delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of low-carb toppings and side dishes to elevate your meal and add extra texture and flavor. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your garnishes!
- Fresh Herbs: A generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro or additional vibrant green parts of green onions adds a burst of freshness, color, and aromatic flavor.
- Creamy Additions: A dollop of full-fat sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a decadent swirl of extra heavy cream can enhance the richness and provide a cooling, tangy contrast to the chili’s slight spice.
- Avocado: Sliced or diced ripe avocado adds healthy monounsaturated fats, a silky creamy texture, and a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the chili wonderfully.
- Extra Cheese: A final dusting of freshly shredded Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or crumbled cojita cheese is always a welcome addition for cheese lovers.
- Heat Boosters: For those who love an extra kick, a few thin slices of fresh or pickled jalapeños, a dash of your favorite fiery hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can easily kick things up a notch.
- Crispy Elements: A sprinkling of crispy, crumbled bacon bits or a few crushed keto-friendly pork rinds can provide a satisfying crunch and added savory depth.
- Citrus Zest: A bright squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors and adds a wonderfully zesty, acidic finish that cuts through the richness.
- Low-Carb “Cornbread”: Serve alongside a slice of keto cornbread for a truly comforting and classic chili experience without the carbs.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Longevity
This Keto White Chicken Chili is not only fantastic freshly made but also excellent for meal prep, as many find that its flavors deepen and meld even more beautifully the next day. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious leftovers safely and conveniently.
Refrigeration:
Allow your homemade chili to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety. Store the chili securely sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You may notice the chili will thicken considerably when chilled due to the high content of cream and cheese – this is completely normal.
Freezing:
For longer-term storage, this creamy chili freezes exceptionally well. Once fully cooled, ladle individual portions into freezer-safe containers, heavy-duty freezer bags, or even silicone muffin molds for easy single servings. If using freezer bags, lay them flat to freeze; this saves space and allows for faster thawing. The chili can be stored safely in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Always label containers with the date for best practice. Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator for optimal results before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop (Recommended): The best and most gentle way to reheat your chili is on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and to prevent the dairy-rich ingredients from scorching or separating at the bottom of the pot. If the chili has become too thick after chilling or freezing, simply add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired, smooth consistency.
- Microwave (Quick Option): For a quick reheat of individual portions, you can use the microwave. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chili is heated through to your satisfaction. As with stovetop reheating, if it’s too thick, add a little liquid.
A gentle, slow reheating process is key to maintaining the chili’s luxurious, creamy texture, especially for dairy-based dishes. Avoid reheating too quickly or at excessively high temperatures, as this can sometimes cause the cream and cheese to break or separate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto White Chicken Chili
Here are some common questions about making, customizing, and enjoying this delicious keto white chicken chili, along with helpful answers to ensure your success:
Is this white chicken chili truly keto-friendly?
Absolutely, yes! This recipe is meticulously crafted to be very low in net carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it perfectly suited for a ketogenic diet. Unlike traditional chilis that often contain high-carb ingredients such as beans, corn, or added sugar, our version thoughtfully relies on heavy cream, full-fat cream cheese, and flavorful shredded cheese for its rich, satisfying texture and incredible flavor, ensuring a low net carb count per serving. To maintain strict keto compliance, always double-check the labels of your purchased ingredients for any hidden sugars, starches, or unwanted fillers, particularly in pre-shredded cheeses or chicken broths.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Many people prefer chicken thighs for chili as they tend to be naturally fattier and more flavorful, which can further enhance the richness and depth of the chili. Chicken thighs are also an excellent choice for a keto diet due to their higher fat content. Simply cook and shred them using the same methods you would for chicken breasts.
How can I make this chili spicier, or alternatively, milder?
Customizing the heat level is easy! To make this chili spicier, you can increase the amount of Sriracha, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or include a finely diced fresh jalapeño (seeds and inner membranes removed for moderate heat, or left in for maximum heat) when sautéing the garlic and green onions. You can also stir in a dash of your favorite hotter hot sauce at the end. For a milder chili, simply reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit it entirely if you prefer no heat at all. The diced green chilis are quite mild and typically won’t add significant spice.
What if my chili is too thin or too thick after cooking?
The consistency of your chili can be easily adjusted. If your chili turns out too thin for your liking, simply let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing some of the excess liquid to reduce and thicken naturally. The cream and cheese will also continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Conversely, if your chili becomes too thick (which often happens after refrigeration), you can easily thin it out by stirring in a small amount of extra chicken broth or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired, perfect consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this keto white chicken chili?
While traditional white chicken chili recipes are usually quite minimalist regarding vegetables (focusing on the chilis and aromatics), you can certainly add other keto-friendly options to boost nutrients and flavor without compromising the low-carb nature of the dish. Consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or finely chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering, stirring until just wilted. You could also sauté some diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) with the garlic and white parts of the green onions in step 2 for added color and flavor. Remember to avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or corn if you are strictly adhering to a ketogenic diet.
Why is my cheese clumping or not melting smoothly when I add it to the chili?
Cheese clumping or failing to melt smoothly can occur for a few reasons. Firstly, if the chili base isn’t hot enough, the cheese won’t melt properly. Secondly, adding cold cheese directly from the refrigerator to a hot liquid can cause it to seize. Thirdly, as mentioned in our tips, pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting. To avoid this, ensure your chili is at a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) before adding cheese. Add freshly shredded, room-temperature cheese in small batches, stirring constantly until each batch is fully melted and incorporated before adding the next. This gradual process will ensure a silky, creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free or gluten-free diets?
This particular recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure no hidden gluten in your spices or hot sauce (always check labels). However, this recipe relies heavily on dairy products (heavy cream, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese) for its signature creamy texture and flavor. Therefore, it is unfortunately not suitable for dairy-free diets without significant and often challenging modifications to dairy-free substitutes, which may alter its core characteristics and flavor profile considerably.