If you’re searching for a comforting bowl that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, let me introduce you to this incredible Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken and just the right touch of spice. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you want something hearty without the carbs, this chili feels indulgent yet keeps you right on track with your keto goals. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a fast favorite in your repertoire!

Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a straightforward list of ingredients that work in harmony to create a rich, satisfying chili. Each component plays a vital role: from the sautéed onions bringing sweetness and depth, to the creamy Monterey Jack cheese adding smooth richness, every bite bursts with taste and texture.

Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing onions and garlic with its mild, fruity flavor.
Medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chili with that unmistakable aromatic punch.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: The lean protein that makes this chili both filling and keto-friendly.
Chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid foundation for simmering all the ingredients together.
Heavy cream: Gives the chili its rich, silky texture without adding carbs.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts perfectly to create luscious creaminess and a mild cheesy flavor.
Diced green chilies (4 ounces): Adds subtle heat and a hint of brightness; choose mild or hot based on your preference.
Ground cumin: Brings a warm and earthy depth that’s essential in chili seasoning.
Chili powder: Adds vibrant and smoky spice notes.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor and complements the fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Boosts the overall savory profile with concentrated onion flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal finish.

How to Make Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sweetness, which forms a beautiful base for the chili. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it releases a wonderful aroma—this little step makes all the difference.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, add your diced chicken breasts to the pot. Cook until the pieces turn opaque and are no longer pink inside, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken will soak up the aromatics and seasoning, making every bite tender and flavorful without dryness.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This broth is essential for creating that comforting, hearty feel. Once simmering, stir in the heavy cream to introduce creamy richness. The combination of broth and cream builds a luscious texture that’s surprisingly light for such a satisfying dish.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese, Chilies, and Spices

Gently fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it melts completely and the chili becomes luxuriously creamy. Next, add the diced green chilies along with the ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. These spices bring the signature warmth and mild heat to your Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili, elevating it beyond ordinary chicken dishes.

Step 5: Let It Thicken and Meld

Allow your chili to simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the flavors marry beautifully and thickens the chili just enough without becoming too heavy. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and the texture looks creamy and inviting.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the pot from heat and give your chili a quick taste to adjust seasoning if needed. For those who like a little extra kick, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This extra heat is a fun way to personalize your Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili and keep things exciting.

How to Serve Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a classic garnish that adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal contrast to the creamy chili. If you like, you can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheese, or add a dollop of sour cream for creamy tang. These little finishes make each serving feel special and customizable.

Side Dishes

Since this chili is low carb, pairing it with keto-friendly sides works beautifully. Crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even some crunchy cheese crisps make excellent companions. These sides add texture contrast and keep your meal interesting without adding unwanted carbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chili in individual small bowls topped with avocado slices or a sprinkle of crushed pork rinds for crunch. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out bell peppers or low-carb bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress any guests or family members.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili keeps incredibly well in the fridge. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for even tastier meals later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away, freezing works perfectly too. Portion your chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space on top to allow for expansion. It freezes well for up to 2 months, making it a handy meal to pull out when you need a quick and nourishing dish.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Since it contains dairy, reheating slowly helps prevent the cream and cheese from separating, ensuring your chili maintains that wonderful creamy texture you fell in love with.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add a bit more richness and stay juicy throughout cooking. Just dice them up and follow the same cooking steps. They might need a touch more cooking time, so keep an eye on them.

Is this recipe spicy?

This white chicken chili has a gentle warmth from the green chilies and spices, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily tailor the heat by choosing mild or hot chilies and adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you want more kick.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Heavy cream is key for that creamy texture and low-carb content. If you want a lighter version, full-fat coconut milk could be an alternative, but it will change the flavor slightly and may add a subtle coconut note.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Because it stores well in both fridge and freezer, you can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy convenient, keto-friendly meals throughout the week.

Can I add vegetables to this chili?

Definitely! Diced zucchini or spinach are great low-carb options that can be stirred in during the simmering step for extra nutrition and texture without overpowering the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili is the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out, blending creamy comfort with keto-friendly simplicity. It’s adaptable, easy to make, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Don’t wait to give it a try—you might just find it’s your new go-to meal when you want something both satisfying and health-conscious.

Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Keto & Low Carb White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Made with tender chicken breasts, Monterey Jack cheese, and a blend of spices, this chili is hearty yet light, offering a comforting meal with bold Southwestern flavors. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for meal prepping or a cozy dinner.

Instructions

Heat the Olive Oil and Sauté Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook until no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream to combine everything smoothly.
Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Mix in the diced green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Simmer the Chili: Let the chili simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows it to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve: Remove the chili from heat and serve it hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
Optional Enhancements: For more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chili during step four.
Storage Tips: This chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer preservation.
Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner or thicker chili, simply add more chicken broth or more cream respectively until you reach your desired consistency.

Notes

You can substitute Monterey Jack with other low-carb cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Make sure to use full-fat heavy cream to maintain keto compliance and creaminess.
If you want a spicier chili, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper as suggested.
This chili pairs well with cauliflower rice or a side salad to keep the meal low-carb.
Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave; add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
Fresh cilantro adds a bright note but can be omitted if unavailable.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American Southwestern