After a long, busy day, nothing beats the soothing aroma of a steaming bowl of chili. But if you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, traditional chili—loaded with beans and starches—might be off the table. Enter: Keto White Chicken Chili — a creamy, satisfying, and carb-conscious version of this classic comfort food.
This dish doesn’t just mimic the original—it elevates it. Think tender chicken, roasted peppers, cauliflower for texture, and just the right amount of spice, all brought together in a rich, velvety broth. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this chili is guaranteed to nourish without compromise.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Ultra-creamy and packed with protein
✔️ Low in net carbs — only 6–7g per serving
✔️ Naturally gluten-free and grain-free
✔️ Great for meal prep, freezing, and leftovers
✔️ One-pot meal = minimal cleanup
🛒 Ingredients for Keto White Chicken Chili
This chili is made with clean, wholesome ingredients — most of which you likely already have on hand.
🥦 Vegetables:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 poblano peppers, roasted and diced
- 1½ cups cauliflower florets, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
🍗 Protein:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cups chicken bone broth (low-sodium recommended)
🧂 Spices & Seasonings:
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
🧀 Creaminess:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
🌿 Toppings (Optional but Delicious):
- Sliced avocado
- Dollop of sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Fresh lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes
👩🍳 How to Make Keto White Chicken Chili – Step by Step
🔥 Step 1: Roast the Poblanos (Optional, But Recommended)
Place poblano peppers under a broiler for 5–7 minutes, turning halfway through until the skin is blistered. Let cool, peel off the skin, and dice.
🔪 Roasting enhances the smoky flavor and depth.
🧄 Step 2: Sauté the Base
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic, diced roasted poblanos, and cauliflower. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
🍗 Step 3: Add Chicken & Broth
Add the chicken (whole or in large chunks), followed by chicken broth and all spices. Stir gently, ensuring chicken is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is fork-tender.
🔥 Step 4: Shred & Stir
Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Return to the pot. Add in cream cheese cubes and heavy cream. Stir until fully melted and incorporated. Simmer uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes until thickened slightly.
🧀 The cream cheese is the game changer — it makes the broth silky and indulgent.
🧂 Step 5: Taste & Adjust
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne if desired.
🥑 Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Bowl
Make it your own with delicious toppings:
| Topping | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| 🥑 Avocado | Adds healthy fats and creaminess |
| 🌿 Cilantro | Freshness and herbal brightness |
| 🧀 Shredded Cheese | Melts into the hot chili for richness |
| 🍋 Lime Wedges | Adds zing and cuts through the cream |
| 🌶 Jalapeños | Brings the heat |
| 🐷 Pork Rinds | Crunchy, keto-friendly topping |
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This Keto White Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but here are some fun ideas to make it a full meal:
- Pair with keto almond flour cornbread
- Serve over cauliflower rice
- Use as a filling for low-carb tortillas
- Create a DIY chili bar for gatherings
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
❄️ Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better overnight.
❄️ Freeze:
Freeze in single-serving containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔁 Reheat:
Gently reheat on stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of broth if needed. Or use the microwave at 50% power for even warming.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1½ cups)
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 21g
- Protein: 29g
- Total Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 6g
Nutrition may vary based on toppings and exact ingredients.
💬 FAQs About Keto White Chicken Chili
❓Can I use a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except cream and cream cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Shred chicken, stir in cream and cream cheese, and cook an additional 20 minutes.
❓Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium. Poblanos are usually mild, but you can add jalapeños or cayenne for extra heat.
❓Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
❓Can I skip the beans?
Yes. This version uses no traditional beans, making it 100% keto-compliant. If you’d like to add fiber, try a small amount of chopped green beans or zucchini.
🧠 Expert Tips to Perfect Your Chili Every Time
- Roast the peppers for enhanced flavor
- Use a Dutch oven for even heat distribution
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to thicken and deepen flavor
- Garnish generously—presentation matters!
- Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar at the end for a pop of acidity
🎉 Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether it’s game day, meal prep Sunday, or just a cozy winter evening, this Keto White Chicken Chili is versatile, nourishing, and downright craveable. It’s the kind of recipe that keeps you full, fueled, and guilt-free.
💚 Final Thoughts
Keto White Chicken Chili proves you don’t have to choose between flavor and nutrition. With its creamy base, rich chicken flavor, and customizable toppings, this is more than a keto meal — it’s a new comfort classic.
Ready to transform your chilly nights with a warm bowl of healthful indulgence? This chili is calling your name.
