Tired of the same old keto dinners that feel more like a chore than a delight? Do you dream of a comforting bowl of warmth that’s rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, all while keeping those carbs in check? Well, put down that sad salad, because your taste buds are about to embark on a joyride! Get ready to discover the magic of our Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili – a dish so luxurious and easy, it’ll make you question why you didn’t try it sooner. It’s the perfect blend of savory chicken, aromatic spices, and a velvety smooth, cheesy broth that will wrap you in a cozy embrace. Say goodbye to carb-loaded compromises and hello to your new favorite low-carb comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another keto recipe; it’s a game-changer! Here are four fantastic reasons why this Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Seriously Speedy & Simple: With the genius hack of using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, this chili comes together in just 45 minutes from start to finish. Weeknight meals just got a whole lot easier!
- Unbelievably Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream and cream cheese creates a luscious, velvety broth that’s truly irresistible. Paired with a symphony of spices and tangy green chiles, every spoonful is a flavor explosion.
- Perfectly Keto-Friendly: Boasting only 4g net carbs per serving, this chili is a dream come true for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. It’s rich, satisfying, and won’t kick you out of ketosis!
- Hearty & Wholesome Comfort: Forget sacrificing comfort for health. This chili delivers all the cozy, hearty goodness you crave on a chilly evening, packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.
Ingredients with Measurements
- 🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧅 1 small onion, chopped (white or yellow recommended for color, but red works great too!)
- 🌿 1 teaspoon oregano
- 🌶️ 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🖤 ½ teaspoon pepper
- 🧡 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 🔥 ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!)
- 🥣 4 cups chicken stock
- 🥫 4 ounces canned green chiles
- 🥛 ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 🧀 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 🍗 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (makes it super easy!)
Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe
- Warm the olive oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it starts to look translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking until the garlic is lightly browned and the onion is fully tender.
- Next, add the oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper to the pot. Sauté for just one minute to help release their wonderful flavors.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the canned green chiles. Give it a good stir, then turn up the heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the chili cook, uncovered, for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the stock will reduce by at least one-third, making the chili richer.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, cubed cream cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chili is thoroughly heated through and the cream cheese has completely melted into the creamy base. (Tip: Cutting the cream cheese into smaller pieces or breaking it up with a spatula helps it melt faster!)
- Remove the pot from the heat and get ready to serve! Top your bowl with your favorite healthy additions like a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh avocado slices. Enjoy!
Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It
While this Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili is fantastic on its own, dressing it up is part of the fun! Here are some creative and delicious ways to present and serve your chili:
- Classic & Creamy: A generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option), a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, and a few slices of ripe avocado are the perfect trio to enhance the creaminess and add fresh flavor.
- Cheesy Indulgence: For cheese lovers, go beyond the basic! Top with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even some crumbled cotija cheese for a salty, tangy kick. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy, umami depth without extra dairy.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a few rings of fresh or pickled jalapeños, a dash of your favorite keto-friendly hot sauce, or a sprinkle of extra cayenne pepper to your bowl. A squeeze of fresh lime juice will brighten all those flavors beautifully.
- Crunch Factor: While traditional chili often has corn chips, you can get a great crunch with keto-friendly alternatives! Crush some pork rinds over your chili for a salty, savory crisp. Roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can also provide a healthy textural contrast.
- Herbaceous Freshness: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs! Besides cilantro, consider a touch of fresh parsley or even a few sprigs of dill for an unexpected, bright note.
- “Chili Bowl” Style: Serve your chili in a bread bowl made from your favorite keto bread recipe for a fun and edible presentation. Just hollow out a small keto bun or roll and fill ‘er up!
How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last
One of the best things about this Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili is how well it stores, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep!
- Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Freezing: This chili freezes surprisingly well, despite the dairy! To freeze, ensure it’s completely cooled. Transfer individual portions or the whole batch to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop. Stir well during reheating to ensure the cream cheese reincorporates smoothly.
FAQs Sections
- Is this Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili truly keto-friendly?
Yes! With only 4g net carbs per serving and a high fat and protein content, this recipe is perfectly suited for a ketogenic or low-carb diet. - Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred about 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Simply boil or bake the chicken until cooked through, then shred it. Add it to the chili at step 5. - How can I make this chili spicier?
To amp up the heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion, or stir in a dash of your favorite keto-friendly hot sauce at the end. - What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I omit the cayenne pepper?
Yes, the cayenne pepper is entirely optional. You can leave it out completely for a milder chili without sacrificing any flavor. - My cream cheese isn’t melting smoothly. What should I do?
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it, and cut it into smaller cubes. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until it melts fully. If you still have lumps, you can remove a cup of the chili, blend it until smooth, and then stir it back into the pot. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Achieving the same creamy texture without dairy can be tricky. You could experiment with full-fat coconut milk (canned, not refrigerated beverage) instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly. - Can I add other vegetables to this white chicken chili?
Certainly! For keto-friendly options, you could add diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), spinach, or even cauliflower florets during the simmering stage. Remember to account for any additional carbs. - Is this chili good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep! It stores well in the refrigerator for several days and also freezes beautifully, making it convenient for grab-and-go meals throughout the week. - What is chicken stock, and can I use broth instead?
Chicken stock is typically made from bones, giving it a richer, more gelatinous texture and deeper flavor. Chicken broth is usually made from meat and is lighter. You can definitely use chicken broth as a substitute, but stock will contribute to a richer final product. - Why do you recommend white or yellow onion for color?
White or yellow onions will blend seamlessly into the “white” aesthetic of the chili. Red onions will also work but may tint the chili a slightly purplish hue. Flavor-wise, any onion works great!
Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili
This creamy, low-carb white chicken chili is perfect for a cozy keto-friendly meal. Packed with flavor from aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy broth, it's an easy and satisfying dinner.
Equipment
- Soup Pot
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped (white or yellow recommended for color, but red works great too!)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 4 ounces canned green chiles
- 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (makes it super easy!)
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it starts to look translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking until the garlic is lightly browned and the onion is fully tender.
- Next, add the oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper to the pot. Sauté for just one minute to help release their wonderful flavors.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the canned green chiles. Give it a good stir, then turn up the heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the chili cook, uncovered, for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the stock will reduce by at least one-third, making the chili richer.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, cubed cream cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chili is thoroughly heated through and the cream cheese has completely melted into the creamy base. (Tip: Cutting the cream cheese into smaller pieces or breaking it up with a spatula helps it melt faster!)
- Remove the pot from the heat and get ready to serve! Top your bowl with your favorite healthy additions like a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh avocado slices. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to top with your favorite healthy additions like a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh avocado slices.
Nutrition per serving (1 of 6):
- Calories: 281
- Total Carbs: 5g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 24g