What You’ll Need: The Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (4 oz) can green chilies, diced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook faster and absorb all the delicious flavors of the chili.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add the chopped green bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes, until slightly softened.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken and Add Spices
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point.
- Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This really wakes up the flavors!
Step 4: Simmer the Chili
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor!
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Add the Creaminess
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens! If you find the cream cheese isn’t melting easily, you can return the pot to low heat and stir constantly until it’s fully incorporated.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese (if using) until everything is well combined and the chili is nice and creamy.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Season the Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and extra shredded cheese.
Troubleshooting: Common Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili Problems (and Solutions!)
Problem: Chili is too thick
Solution: Add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Problem: Chili is not creamy enough
Solution: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the pot. If it’s still not creamy enough, you can add a bit more heavy cream or even a dollop of sour cream at the end.
Problem: Chili is too bland
Solution: Add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Problem: Chicken is dry
Solution: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Simmering it in the broth for the recommended time should keep it tender. You can also shred the chicken after cooking for a more tender texture.
Variations and Substitutions: Make it Your Own!
Spicy Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili:
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the chili while it’s simmering. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Smoked Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili:
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the chili while it’s simmering.
Chicken Substitutions:
You can use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply add it to the pot after sautéing the aromatics.
Dairy-Free Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili:
Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You can also omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve With Your Chili
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
- Pork rinds for dipping
- A side of Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup for extra richness.
The Keto Advantage: Why This Chili is a Winner
This Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal while staying true to your keto lifestyle. It’s low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and packed with protein, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to customize to your liking.
Storage and Reheating: Making it Ahead of Time
Storage:
Store leftover Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Freezing:
You can freeze the chili for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Keto Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of this Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious keto soup recipes:
- Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup
- Chicken Taco Soup
- Crack Chicken Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup (easy to modify for keto, just skip the tortillas!)
- White Chicken Chili
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
Final Thoughts: Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili Perfection
And there you have it – the ultimate Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili recipe! I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious and satisfying dish as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own perfect bowl. Happy cooking!
What can I do if my keto white chicken chili is too thick?
Add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this keto white chicken chili dairy-free?
Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You can also omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
How long can I store leftover creamy keto white chicken chili in the refrigerator?
You can store leftover Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Is there a way to make this chili spicier?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the chili while it’s simmering. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.

Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili Ultimate
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for extra cheesiness
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped green bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese (if using) until everything is well combined and the chili is nice and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and extra shredded cheese.
