The Wholesome Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a hearty white chicken chili recipe that satisfies low-carb cravings can feel like discovering culinary magic.

Comfort meets nutrition in this delightful southwestern-inspired bowl of goodness.

Protein-packed chicken simmers alongside creamy spices, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Peppers and green chiles dance with tender meat, delivering robust flavors without unnecessary carbohydrates.

Zesty seasonings blend seamlessly, promising a warm and filling experience that keeps you satisfied.

Crisp toppings like fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream add perfect finishing touches.

Why Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Is a Healthy Choice

• Simplify Meal Prep: Whip up this low-carb chili with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal solutions.
• Boost Nutrition Profile: Packed with lean protein from chicken breast, vibrant vegetables, and low-carb ingredients, this recipe supports healthy eating goals without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the spice level by adjusting jalapenos, swap cheese toppings, or add extra herbs to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Comfort Food: Delivers warm, satisfying flavors in a single pot, providing a hearty meal that comes together faster than traditional chili recipes while keeping carbohydrates in check.

Ingredients for Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides the core substance of the chili and adds a hearty texture to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that helps thicken the chili and adds a rich, smooth flavor profile.

• Onions, Jalapeno, Anaheim Peppers, Bell Pepper: A blend of peppers that create a complex, spicy base with layers of heat and depth.
• Garlic: A flavor-enhancing ingredient that adds a robust and aromatic quality to the chili.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Oregano, Coriander, Salt, Black Pepper: A harmonious mix of spices that build a well-rounded and warming flavor foundation.
• Lime Juice, Cilantro: Bright and fresh ingredients that add a zesty and herbal finish to the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Broth, Better Than Bouillon: Liquid components that provide moisture and enhance the overall flavor of the chili.
• Monterey Jack Cheese, Keto Tortilla Chips: Optional garnishes that add texture and additional flavor to the dish.

How to Make Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions, jalapeno, Anaheim peppers, and bell pepper.

Dance these veggies around until they become tender and release their delightful fragrances.

Step 2: Awaken Spicy Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Coriander
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let these spices sizzle and bloom for 1-2 minutes, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Chicken broth
• Better Than Bouillon

Stir everything together, creating a harmonious liquid base for your chili.

Step 4: Cook Tender Chicken

Drop cubed chicken breast into the bubbling mixture.

Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Swirl in softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Brighten with Fresh Touches

Squeeze fresh lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro into the chili.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

Top with optional garnishes.

Tips for Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Success

• Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breast and cut into uniform small cubes for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Toast spices briefly in the pot before adding liquid ingredients to enhance their aromatic qualities and release more complex flavors.
• Adjust jalapeño and pepper quantities based on personal heat preference by removing seeds for milder chili or adding extra for more kick.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature and cut into smaller pieces before stirring to ensure smooth, lump-free melting.
• Keep chili at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil, to prevent chicken from becoming tough and maintain the delicate protein's tenderness.

Variations on Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a lactose-free version. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or white beans. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower for more texture and nutrition.
• Slow Cooker Simplicity: Transfer all ingredients except cream cheese and cilantro to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in cream cheese alternative and cilantro before serving.
• Spice Lover's Edition: Increase jalapeno quantity, add diced green chiles, or incorporate a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair this zesty chili with a crisp side salad dressed in lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy chili.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled shrimp or crispy bacon bits to add extra protein and a delightful crunch that elevates the dish's texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Comfort: Serve in a hollowed-out bell pepper or over cauliflower rice for a nutritious, low-carb alternative that keeps the meal light and satisfying.
• Spice Level Customization: Offer small bowls of additional toppings like diced jalapeños, hot sauce, and chopped green onions so each person can personalize their chili heat and garnish.

How to Store Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated. Stir gently to maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

• Is this chili really low-carb?

Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be low-carb by using fresh vegetables, lean protein, and avoiding high-carb ingredients like beans or corn.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the heat by adding more jalapenos, using hotter pepper varieties like serrano, or including a dash of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

• What makes this chicken chili different from traditional chili?

Unlike traditional chili, this version uses white meat chicken instead of beef, features a creamy base with cream cheese, and focuses on low-carb vegetables for flavor and texture.

• How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace cream cheese with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and ensure you use dairy-free cheese for garnishing.

Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Southwestern White Chicken Chili delivers hearty comfort without carb overload. Packed with tender chicken, green chiles, and creamy richness, this dish promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ” cubes
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened and cubed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
• 2 Anaheim peppers, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced

Spices, Liquids, and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) Rotel diced tomatoes, with juice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon, chicken flavor
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1 bunch)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing diced onions, jalapeño, Anaheim peppers, and bell pepper until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and aromatic spices, stirring continuously for 60-90 seconds to awaken their robust flavors without burning.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with their natural juices, chicken broth, and flavor-enhancing bouillon, creating a harmonious liquid foundation for the chili.
4. Incorporate cubed chicken breast into the simmering liquid, allowing it to gently cook and absorb surrounding seasonings for 15-20 minutes, ensuring complete protein doneness.
5. Gradually fold softened cream cheese into the mixture, whisking until completely melted and creating a luxurious, creamy texture throughout the chili.
6. Brighten the dish with fresh lime juice and fragrant cilantro, tasting and adjusting seasonings to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
7. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, adorning with optional garnishes like crispy keto tortilla chips, melted Monterey Jack cheese, additional cilantro, and thinly sliced jalapeño rounds for added texture and zest.

Notes

• Swap jalapeños for milder poblano peppers if you prefer less heat, ensuring a gentler flavor profile for sensitive palates.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce fat content while maintaining creamy texture and adding protein boost.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store in refrigerator to streamline cooking process, saving time during busy weeknights.
• use dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests or skip chips for strict low-carb requirements.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 234 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg