Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe

Craving a hearty, warming meal that’s both delicious and low in carbs? Look no further than this Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe! This dish combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and a blend of spices to create a satisfying chili that’s perfect for those watching their carb intake. Whether you’re on a keto diet, managing your carbohydrate consumption, or simply looking for a lighter version of a classic comfort food, this white chicken chili will hit the spot. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and everything you need to make this dish a success.

What Is Low-Carb White Chicken Chili?

Low-Carb White Chicken Chili is a lighter, healthier version of traditional white chicken chili, specifically designed to be lower in carbohydrates. This dish swaps out high-carb ingredients like beans and corn for low-carb alternatives while maintaining the rich, creamy texture and bold flavors that make chili so comforting. The result is a creamy, mildly spiced soup filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and plenty of flavor—all without the extra carbs. This chili is perfect for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or paleo diet, but it’s so tasty that even those who aren’t will love it!

Ingredients List for Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious low-carb chili:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (plus more for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced avocado, lime wedges, and sour cream (optional for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Low-Carb White Chicken Chili recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a different texture.
• Broth: For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth with bone broth. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
• Creaminess: If you prefer a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and cream cheese. Just be aware that it will slightly alter the flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or chili powder. For a milder chili, omit the jalapeño altogether.
• Vegetables: Add low-carb vegetables like cauliflower rice, zucchini, or spinach to bulk up the chili without adding carbs.
• Cheese: Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the process of making this Low-Carb White Chicken Chili. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect result:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced green chilies. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
4. Season the Chili: Add the cumin, coriander, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Make It Creamy: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the broth. Then add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
6. Add the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until it’s fully melted and the chili is creamy and smooth.
7. Final Adjustments: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the chili is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth.
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, additional shredded cheese, sliced avocado, lime wedges, and sour cream if desired.

How to Cook Low-Carb White Chicken Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a more detailed breakdown of each step, follow this guide to ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Begin by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and seeding and mincing the jalapeño if you’re using it. Having everything prepped before you start cooking will make the process smoother.
2. Sautéing for Flavor: Sautéing the onions until they’re soft and translucent helps develop the base flavor of the chili. Adding the garlic and jalapeño towards the end ensures they don’t burn and retain their flavor.
3. Cooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken directly in the broth allows it to absorb all the flavors of the chili. Once the chicken is tender, shredding it helps distribute the meat evenly throughout the chili.
4. Incorporating the Spices: Adding the spices after the chicken is cooked ensures that the flavors remain vibrant and don’t become muted during the cooking process. Be sure to stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
5. Creating Creaminess: Softened cream cheese melts more easily into the broth, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Adding the shredded cheese gradually and stirring constantly helps prevent it from clumping and ensures a velvety finish.
6. Final Touches: After adding the cream and cheese, let the chili simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Low-Carb White Chicken Chili turns out just right, avoid these common mistakes:

• Curdling the Dairy: When adding cream and cheese, make sure the heat is low to prevent the dairy from curdling. Stir constantly as you add these ingredients to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. If using rotisserie chicken, add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
• Inadequate Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season the chili well. The flavors of the spices should be bold and balanced, so taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can elevate your Low-Carb White Chicken Chili from a simple meal to a restaurant-quality dish. Here are some tips:

• Garnish with Fresh Ingredients: Brighten up the chili with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. These garnishes not only add flavor but also make the dish look more appealing.
• Serve with Low-Carb Sides: For a complete meal, serve the chili with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice, a simple green salad, or keto-friendly cornbread.
• Layered Presentation: Start with a base of avocado slices in the bowl, then pour the chili over the top. Garnish with cheese, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a layered, visually appealing presentation.

How to Serve Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

This chili is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion:

• Casual Dinner: Serve the chili in large bowls with all the garnishes set out on the table, allowing everyone to customize their own bowl.
• Entertaining: For a more formal setting, serve the chili in smaller bowls or cups as a starter, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese.

Presentation Ideas for Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

Get creative with your presentation to make your Low-Carb White Chicken Chili even more enticing:

• Edible Bowls: Serve the chili in hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun and edible presentation. This also adds a pop of color to the dish.
• Garnish Boards: Create a small garnish board with avocado, cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges, allowing guests to add their favorite toppings to the chili.

Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Keto-Friendly: To make this chili even more keto-friendly, be sure to use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. The higher fat content not only enhances flavor but also helps with satiety.
• Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth or let the chili simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? Yes! Add all the ingredients except the cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
2. Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely. Leftover chicken works great in this recipe. Simply shred it and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm it through.
3. How can I thicken the chili? To thicken the chili, you can reduce the broth or add a small amount of xanthan gum, which is a low-carb thickening agent.
4. Is this chili dairy-free? You can make this chili dairy-free by substituting the cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and using dairy-free cheese alternatives.
5. Can I freeze this chili? Yes, this chili freezes well. Just be sure to leave out the dairy until you’re ready to reheat and serve, as cream and cheese can sometimes separate when frozen.

Conclusion

This Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the carbs. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or paleo diet, or simply want a healthier version of a classic comfort food, this chili has you covered. With its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a steaming bowl of this flavorful chili tonight!

Print