If you love chili but need a low-carb option that still packs serious flavor, this Keto White Chicken Chili is your answer. It’s creamy, rich, slightly spicy, and loaded with tender shredded chicken, making it the perfect comfort food. Unlike traditional chili, which is heavy on beans and tomatoes, this version is lighter but still just as satisfying.
This is one of those recipes that people try once and immediately add to their weekly rotation. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a family, or just want something warm and cozy on a cold night, this dish hits the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love This Keto White Chicken Chili
- Low in Carbs, High in Flavor – Every bite is packed with delicious, creamy goodness without unnecessary carbs.
- Super Easy to Make – Just toss everything in a pot and let it cook!
- Meal Prep Friendly – It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Customizable – Adjust the heat level, toppings, or consistency to match your preferences.
Let’s get right into it.
Ingredients You Need
Most of these are kitchen staples, and the rest are easy to find at any grocery store.
For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional, but adds a nice depth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or white cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Extra shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it starts to soften. Toss in the garlic and stir for another minute, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices toast for about 30 seconds. This helps to bring out their flavors and makes a huge difference in taste.
Step 3: Build the Base
Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced green chilies. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let this come to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just shred it with your hands or two forks and drop it into the pot. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese. Keep stirring until it melts completely into the broth. Pour in the heavy cream and stir again. You’ll see the chili transform into a thick, creamy, rich dish right before your eyes.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Finally, sprinkle in the shredded cheese and stir until fully melted. If the chili is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more broth to thin it out.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices.
Tips for the Best Keto White Chicken Chili
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – This saves time and adds a great flavor boost.
- Don’t Skip the Spices – They give this chili its signature taste.
- Adjust the Thickness – Add more broth if you want it thinner, or let it simmer longer to thicken.
- Let It Rest – The flavors develop even more if you let it sit for a bit before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
This chili stores beautifully and might even taste better the next day.
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Variations to Try
Even though this chili is already amazing, you can switch things up depending on what you have on hand.
- Make It Spicier – Add extra jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or hot sauce.
- Use Different Cheese – Pepper Jack or Gouda can add a nice twist.
- Try a Slow Cooker Version – Toss everything (except the cheese and cream) in a slow cooker on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in the cheese and cream at the end.
What to Serve with Keto White Chicken Chili
This chili is a meal on its own, but if you want something on the side, try:
- Keto Biscuits – Soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping.
- Cauliflower Rice – A great way to soak up the flavors.
- Avocado Salad – A fresh, cooling contrast to the creamy chili.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There’s a reason this recipe is a staple for keto eaters. It’s creamy, filling, and packed with protein, but it doesn’t feel like “diet food” at all. The blend of spices, cheese, and shredded chicken makes every bite satisfying.
Unlike regular chili, which can feel heavy, this white version is rich without being overwhelming. The best part? It’s so easy that even beginners can make it without any issues.
Conclusion
This Keto White Chicken Chili is the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s comforting, delicious, and completely guilt-free. Whether you’re on a strict keto diet or just looking for a new favorite, this recipe is worth keeping in your back pocket.
Try it out, play around with the toppings, and make it your own. You won’t regret it.
PrintKeto White Chicken Chili Recipe
This Keto White Chicken Chili is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors! Made with tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, and the perfect blend of spices, this low-carb chili is an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner. It’s thick, rich, and satisfying without the extra carbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex, Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or white cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Spices – Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices cook for about 30 seconds to bring out their flavors.
- Build the Base – Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced green chilies. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add the Chicken – Stir in the shredded chicken and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Make It Creamy – Lower the heat and stir in softened cream cheese until melted. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.
- Add the Cheese – Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted. If the chili is too thick, add a bit more broth.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, jalapeños, sour cream, or extra cheese.
Notes
- For extra spice – Add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- For a thinner chili – Add more broth until you get the consistency you like.
- Make it in a slow cooker – Add everything except the cream, cheese, and heavy cream to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in dairy at the end.
- Storage – Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving ( (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420 Sugar: 3g Sodium: 780mg Fat: 32g Saturated Fat: 18g Unsaturated Fat: 10g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 6g Fiber: 2g Protein: 28g Cholesterol: 105mg