Welcome the Flavors of Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe
Nothing beats a cozy bowl of chili on a brisk evening, and this Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, mildly spicy, and extra comforting. I love how this chili feels hearty enough for family dinner yet light enough to keep things keto-friendly and guilt-free. It’s a bright twist on classic chili, swapping beans for tender chicken and creamy textures that bubble alluringly in the pot.
This dish is perfect any night of the week but especially on those evenings when you want to impress your family or friends with minimal fuss. You’ll enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as the cumin and oregano slowly toast in the pan, teasing your taste buds before the first spoonful.
Whether you’re new to keto cooking or a seasoned pro, this keto white chicken chili recipe is satisfyingly simple to make and endlessly adaptable. Get ready to cozy up and savor a bowl of rich, golden crisp comfort!
Daisy’s Top Tips
- Flavor Builder: Toast your spices briefly before adding liquids to deepen the aroma and flavor.
- Texture Magic: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for juicy, tender bites and a fast prep.
- Budget Friendly: Broth cubes or homemade chicken broth work wonderfully here to save dollars.
- Time Saver: Use canned green chiles to add a subtle kick without extra chopping.
Market Basket & Pantry Picks

Picking the right ingredients is half the fun—and the flavor secret—of this Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe. You want fresh aromatics like onions and garlic that release their fragrance as they soften. The spices—cumin, oregano, and a hint of cayenne pepper—create those warm, toasty notes I adore. Rotisserie chicken keeps things easy but tasty, and that cream cheese melting into the broth lends the chili a silky smooth finish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing aromatics – choose extra virgin for sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh gives the best pungent punch.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion work well; sweet onions add subtle sweetness.
- 1 tsp oregano: Dried oregano adds earthiness and depth.
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin: Toast lightly beforehand for richer flavor.
- 1 tsp salt: Adjust to taste; kosher salt is preferred.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper brings brightness.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds smoky warmth and color.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For a gentle heat kick.
- 4 cups chicken stock: Homemade or low-sodium store-bought for control over saltiness.
- 4 oz can green chiles: Adds mild tang and subtle spice.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Brings creamy, rich texture balancing spices.
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed: Melts into luscious silkiness.
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Perfect for quick prep and juicy protein.
Smart Shopping Ideas
Look for green chiles in the Hispanic foods aisle or fresh if you want a punchier flavor. If you can’t find rotisserie chicken, grill or roast chicken breasts in advance and shred — it keeps the chili juicy. For stock, a rich homemade chicken broth makes this dish sing, but low-sodium store-bought is a great shortcut. Finally, check your spice jars — fresh spices always lift the dish punchily!
Cook Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe Step by Step
Let’s dive in—this recipe is so rewarding, full of fragrant spices and creamy comfort. Preparing it step-by-step ensures you’ll enjoy every flavorful spoonful.
- Sauté aromatics: Warm olive oil over medium-low heat, then add chopped onion. Cook gently until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant and just beginning to brown.
- Toast spices: Sprinkle in oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Stir continually for about 1 minute to release their aromatic oils.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken stock and canned green chiles. Mix well, raise heat to medium-high until you see a gentle low boil bubbling.
- Simmer and reduce: Lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer, uncovered. Let the chili simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced by roughly a third, thickening the base beautifully.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Turn heat to medium, then add heavy whipping cream, cubed cream cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Stir often, letting the creamy cheese melt fully into a bubbly, luscious sauce over 10-15 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from heat and ladle into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro if you like. Dive in while it’s warm and comforting.
Serving the Dish with Flair

Serving this Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe feels like a warm hug. I love setting out a small toppings bar with shredded cheese, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro for everyone to garnish their bowls. It makes mealtime interactive and festive, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Serve It Up Right
- Perfect Pairings: Serve alongside a crunchy keto-friendly salad or cauliflower rice to round out the meal.
- Plating Magic: Add a swirl of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro for an inviting presentation.
- Leftover Love: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, reheat gently on the stove to keep flavors fresh.
- Occasion Twist: Spice it up for parties by topping with jalapeños and a squeeze of lime.
Fun Variations with Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Swap the rotisserie chicken for shredded turkey for a festive holiday twist.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder for smoky heat.
- Stir in chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes for a green boost.
- Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Top with crushed pork rinds or toasted pepitas for a delightful crunch.
- Mix in a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the chili and stir well to re-incorporate melted cheese.
- Freezer Tip: For best texture after freezing, omit cream cheese until reheating, then stir it in fresh.
Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe FAQs
- Can I make this chili without cream cheese? Yes! You can swap cream cheese with more heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy alternative. The texture will be a bit lighter but still creamy.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Absolutely! The chili freezes well, just be sure to thaw it slowly and reheat gently to keep the creaminess intact.
- What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken? No worries! Cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs; seasoned and cooked chicken works great.
- Can I add beans to this chili? For a true keto version, it’s best to skip beans due to their carb content, but you can add low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower for bulk.
- How spicy is this keto white chicken chili recipe? It’s mildly spiced; feel free to adjust cayenne or paprika to your heat preference.
Keto White Chicken Chili Recipe
This Keto White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, a blend of spices, and creamy ingredients like heavy whipping cream and cream cheese, it offers a rich and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
Spices
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquids and Additions
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 4 oz can green chiles
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
Protein
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Add olive oil to a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and continue cooking until the garlic starts to brown and the onion is fully translucent.
- Add Spices: Stir in oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sauté the mixture for 1 minute to release the flavors of the herbs and spices.
- Add Liquids and Chiles: Pour in the chicken stock and add the canned green chiles. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Simmer to Reduce: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, leaving the pot uncovered. Simmer the chili for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken stock has reduced by at least one-third. This concentrates the flavors and thickens the chili.
- Add Cream and Chicken: Lower the heat to medium. Add the heavy whipping cream, cream cheese cubes, and shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot. Stir regularly and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the chili is fully heated through and the cream cheese has completely melted and blended into the chili.
- Serve: Remove the chili from heat and serve immediately. Top with your choice of cheese, sour cream, or other keto-friendly garnishes as desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, but leftover cooked chicken works as well.
- Optional cayenne pepper adds heat; adjust quantity based on spice preference.
- For a thicker chili, simmer longer to reduce more liquid.
- Serve with keto-friendly toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices.
- This chili freezes well—cool completely before storing in airtight containers.