PERFECT KETO WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

Craving a bowl of creamy, comforting chili but trying to stick to your keto goals? Look no further! This Keto White Chicken Chili is packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and won’t kick you out of ketosis. Get ready for a warm, delicious bowl that’s both healthy and unbelievably tasty – I promise, you won’t even miss the carbs!

Gather Your Keto-Friendly Ingredients

What You’ll Need:

• Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Jalapeño: 1-2, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Cumin: 2 teaspoons
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Optional Toppings: Avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cilantro, shredded cheese, crushed pork rinds

Ingredient Notes & Keto Swaps

• Chicken Choice: Chicken thighs will work as well, just be mindful of the slightly higher fat content. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time – just shred it and add it in during the final stages.
• Spice Level: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of jalapeño. For milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes completely. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack provides great flavor and meltability. You can substitute with Colby Jack, Pepper Jack (for extra spice), or even a blend of cheeses.
• Cream Cheese: Using full-fat cream cheese is essential for the creamy texture and keto-friendliness. Let it soften before adding it to the chili to prevent clumping.
• Broth: I recommend using a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can also use homemade broth if you have it.
• Toppings: Toppings are where you can really customize your chili! Avocado adds healthy fats and creaminess, while sour cream (or Greek yogurt) provides a tangy contrast. Crushed pork rinds are a fantastic keto-friendly alternative to tortilla chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Keto Chili

Getting Started: Sautéing the Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Building the Flavor: Cooking the Chicken

1. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and sear on all sides until lightly browned. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is submerged.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Creating the Creamy Base: Shredding and Blending

1. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board.
2. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
4. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, Monterey Jack cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Stir well until the cream cheese and cheese are melted and the chili is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a completely smooth chili, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the chili before adding the chicken back in.

Finishing Touches: Simmering and Serving

1. Let the chili simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or spices to your preference.
3. Serve hot and garnish with your favorite keto-friendly toppings, such as avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cilantro, shredded cheese, or crushed pork rinds.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto White Chicken Chili

Preventing a Grainy Texture

Sometimes cream cheese can cause a slightly grainy texture in chili. To avoid this, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the pot. You can also whisk it with a little bit of warm chicken broth before adding it to the chili to help it incorporate more smoothly.

Thickening Your Chili

If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a small amount of xanthan gum. Start with just 1/4 teaspoon and stir it in well. Xanthan gum is a powerful thickener, so use it sparingly to avoid a gummy texture.

Making it Ahead of Time

This Keto White Chicken Chili is a great make-ahead dish! The flavors actually develop and deepen as it sits. You can prepare the chili up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You might also be interested in Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili if you want to make it with even less effort.

Freezing Instructions

Keto White Chicken Chili freezes very well. Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the chili will expand as it freezes. Thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious. You can also explore similar flavors in Creamy Keto Green Chili Chicken for a different twist.

Spice It Up! Variations and Add-Ins

Spice Level Adjustments

As mentioned before, you can adjust the spice level of this chili by adding more or less jalapeño, or by including or removing the seeds and membranes. For a milder flavor, you can also use poblano peppers instead of jalapeños. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Adding Vegetables

While this recipe focuses on keeping the carb count low, you can add certain keto-friendly vegetables to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Cauliflower rice, chopped bell peppers (especially green bell peppers), or even some chopped spinach can be added without significantly increasing the carb count. Just be mindful of your overall carb intake.

Bacon Boost

Everything’s better with bacon, right? Adding some cooked and crumbled bacon to your Keto White Chicken Chili will add a smoky, salty flavor that takes it to the next level. Just be sure to use sugar-free bacon to keep it keto-friendly. Don’t forget to check out White Chicken Chili Recipe for more ideas.

Other Flavor Enhancements

• Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can brighten up the flavors and add a tangy zing.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a classic chili topping that adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Avocado Oil: Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil for a slightly different flavor profile.

Why This Keto White Chicken Chili is a Game-Changer

This isn’t just another keto recipe; it’s a flavor explosion that satisfies your cravings without derailing your diet. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping you full and energized. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your liking with different spices, vegetables, and toppings. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, consider the High Protein White Chicken Chili recipe.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients you use and your serving size.

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories: 350-450
• Net Carbs: 5-7 grams
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams

Give it a Try!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of this incredible Keto White Chicken Chili. I promise, it will become a new favorite in your keto recipe rotation. Feel free to adjust the spices and toppings to create your perfect bowl of chili. And for another delicious option, try the White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese! Enjoy!

PERFECT KETO WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

This Keto White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. Packed with protein and healthy fats, this chili is incredibly satisfying and customizable with your favorite keto-friendly toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Avocado, sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, crushed pork rinds

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Two forks
• Immersion blender (optional)

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and sear on all sides until lightly browned.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is submerged.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
7. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
8. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board.
9. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
10. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
11. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, Monterey Jack cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
12. Stir well until the cream cheese and cheese are melted and the chili is smooth and creamy. Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture (optional).
13. Let the chili simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
14. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
15. Serve hot and garnish with your favorite keto-friendly toppings, such as avocado, sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, or crushed pork rinds.

Notes

For a smoother chili, ensure cream cheese is fully softened before adding. To prevent graininess, whisk softened cream cheese with a little warm broth before adding to the chili. To thicken the chili, add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum sparingly. Chili can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage. Adjust spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or cayenne pepper. Keto-friendly vegetables like cauliflower rice or chopped bell peppers can be added. For extra flavor, add cooked and crumbled sugar-free bacon.