Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe

Looking for a delicious, hearty, and low-carb meal that’s perfect for any day of the week? This Low-Carb White Chicken Chili recipe is exactly what you need! With its rich blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this chili is also keto-friendly, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet. Keep reading to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish that will satisfy your cravings without the extra carbs!

What is Low-Carb White Chicken Chili?

Low-Carb White Chicken Chili is a delicious twist on the traditional chili recipe, featuring chicken, white beans, or in this case, no beans at all, and a creamy broth. Unlike the typical chili that’s tomato-based and uses red meat, this version is lighter in color and texture, with a focus on lean chicken and a blend of flavorful peppers. The absence of beans makes it a perfect option for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, without sacrificing the comforting, hearty qualities that make chili such a beloved dish.

Ingredients List for Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

To create this delectable Low-Carb White Chicken Chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This healthy fat serves as the base for sautéing your vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• 1 ½ cups yellow onion, chopped: The onions provide a sweet and savory depth of flavor, essential for any good chili.
• 1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped: Jalapeños add a touch of heat to the chili, balancing the creaminess with a bit of spice. (Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.)
• 2 Anaheim peppers, seeds and ribs removed, chopped: These peppers are mild and slightly sweet, complementing the jalapeños and adding layers of flavor.
• 1 bell pepper, chopped: Bell peppers contribute a sweet, mild flavor and a slight crunch to the chili, enhancing its texture.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the chili with a robust, aromatic flavor that permeates every bite.
• 1 tablespoon cumin: This earthy spice is a cornerstone of chili seasoning, giving the dish its warm, smoky undertone.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder: Chili powder adds heat and complexity, tying all the flavors together.
• 2 teaspoons oregano: Oregano introduces a slightly bitter, herbal note that complements the other spices.
• 2 teaspoons coriander: This spice offers a lemony, floral flavor that brightens the chili.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Salt enhances all the flavors and ensures the seasoning is balanced.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A bit of black pepper adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
• 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes, with juice: These tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness, as well as a bit of liquid to help build the chili’s broth.
• 3 cups chicken broth: The broth serves as the base liquid, ensuring the chili is both flavorful and hearty.
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon, chicken flavor: This concentrated paste intensifies the chicken flavor, making the chili even richer.
• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes: Lean chicken breast is the protein star of this dish, providing tender bites throughout the chili.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes: Cream cheese gives the chili its signature creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Lime juice adds a burst of freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Cilantro lends a bright, herbal finish to the chili, complementing the spices and creaminess.

Topping Suggestions:

• Keto Tortilla Chips: These provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy chili.
• Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded: This cheese melts beautifully into the chili, adding another layer of creaminess.
• Fresh Cilantro, chopped: More cilantro for garnish brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Jalapeño, sliced: For those who like extra heat, add some sliced jalapeños on top.

Substitutions and Variations

This Low-Carb White Chicken Chili is quite versatile, and you can easily adjust the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs.

• Protein Substitutions: Instead of chicken breasts, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor. Ground turkey or ground chicken could also be substituted for a different texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use coconut cream for a different kind of richness.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other low-carb vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more variety and nutritional value.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of jalapeño or skip it altogether. For extra heat, add more jalapeños or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Herb Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use parsley or green onions for a milder, yet still fresh, finish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Low-Carb White Chicken Chili is a straightforward process that even beginner cooks can master. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the onions, jalapeño, Anaheim peppers, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and set aside. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions, jalapeño, Anaheim peppers, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
4. Incorporate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is mostly cooked through and has taken on some color.
5. Add the Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, Rotel diced tomatoes with their juice, and the tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon. Stir everything together, ensuring the bouillon paste dissolves fully into the broth.
6. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
7. Incorporate the Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese cubes to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy texture.
8. Finish with Lime Juice and Cilantro: Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. This will brighten up the flavors and add a fresh, herbal note to the chili.

How to Cook Low-Carb White Chicken Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Low-Carb White Chicken Chili involves a few simple steps that anyone can follow. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time:

1. Preparation is Key: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This includes chopping the vegetables, mincing the garlic, and cutting the chicken into cubes. This way, you can focus on cooking without having to pause and prep in the middle of the process.
2. Sautéing for Flavor: The first step in building the flavor of this chili is sautéing the vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the onions, jalapeño, Anaheim peppers, and bell pepper. Cook them until they are soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Spicing Things Up: Once the vegetables are soft, add the minced garlic and all your spices. Cooking the spices briefly in the hot oil before adding the chicken helps to release their full flavor, making your chili more aromatic and flavorful.
4. Cooking the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook it until it’s browned on the outside. This step seals in the juices of the chicken and ensures it remains tender throughout the cooking process.
5. Building the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Better Than Bouillon. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to fully cook.
6. Creamy Finish: The final step is adding the cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened and cut into cubes so it melts quickly and smoothly into the chili. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated, giving the chili a rich, creamy texture.
7. Final Touches: Right before serving, stir in the lime juice and cilantro. These fresh ingredients add brightness and balance to the rich, creamy chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a straightforward recipe like Low-Carb White Chicken Chili, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure the best results:

• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: If the cream cheese is not softened before adding it to the chili, it may not melt properly, leading to lumps instead of a smooth, creamy texture.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Make sure to cook them just until they are no longer pink in the center before adding the liquid ingredients.
• Forgetting to Adjust the Spice: If you’re sensitive to spice, be sure to adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili powder to your liking. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add extra.
• Skipping the Lime Juice and Cilantro: These ingredients might seem like finishing touches, but they are essential for balancing the richness of the chili and adding a fresh, vibrant flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can elevate your Low-Carb White Chicken Chili from a simple meal to a memorable dining experience. Here’s how to serve and present your chili for maximum impact:

How to Serve Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

Serve the chili hot, straight from the pot, in individual bowls. You can offer a variety of toppings on the side so that everyone can customize their bowl to their liking. Consider offering:

• Keto Tortilla Chips: Serve these on the side or crumble them on top for added crunch.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: A handful of shredded cheese on top will melt into the hot chili, adding extra creaminess.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Jalapeño Slices: For those who enjoy extra spice, sliced jalapeños make a great topping.

Presentation Ideas for Low-Carb White Chicken Chili

• Garnish with Cilantro: A few sprigs of fresh cilantro on top of each bowl add a pop of color and a professional touch.
• Use Colorful Bowls: Serving your chili in brightly colored or rustic bowls can enhance the visual appeal.
• Add a Lime Wedge: Place a lime wedge on the rim of each bowl for an extra splash of color and a hint to your guests that they can add more citrus if desired.

Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you perfect your Low-Carb White Chicken Chili:

• Use Fresh Spices: Spices lose their potency over time. For the most flavorful chili, make sure your spices are fresh.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer for the full 15-20 minutes ensures the flavors develop fully and the chicken becomes tender.
• Adjust Consistency as Needed: If the chili is too thick for your liking, you can add a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
• Make It Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Low-Carb White Chicken Chili?
A: Yes, this chili freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables and spices as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream cheese in the last 30 minutes.

Q: What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes?
A: If you don’t have Rotel, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of diced green chilies for similar flavor.

Q: How can I make this chili spicier?
A: To increase the heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier chili powder.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
A: Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken. Simply add it during the simmering stage to warm it through, since it’s already cooked.

Conclusion

Low-Carb White Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the extra carbs. With its rich blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy broth, this chili is sure to satisfy your taste buds while keeping your diet on track. Whether you’re following a keto plan or just looking for a delicious dinner option, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this incredible chili!

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