Keto Spoonful

Hey There, Cozy Foodie! Let’s Make Magic in Your Slow Cooker

Picture this: It’s a crisp autumn evening, rain tap-dancing on your window, and you’re wrapped in your fuzziest blanket. Your stomach growls, dreaming of something warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying—but you’re keto, and ugh, not another basic chicken dish. Sound familiar? Friend, I’ve been there (probably while glaring at my third egg scramble of the day). That’s why I’m obsessed with this White Chicken Chili. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a velvety, spice-kissed broth with just the right kick, all while clocking in at only 4 net carbs per bowl. No babysitting the stove, no carb-counting stress—just dump, simmer, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. It’s comfort food that hugs you back, fuels your body, and tastes like a happy little secret. Ready to make your kitchen smell like a keto fairy tale? Let’s go!

The Chili That Saved My Sanity (and My Taste Buds)

Okay, real talk: My early keto days were… chaotic. I once tried to “keto-fy” my grandma’s famous potato soup. It involved cauliflower, tears, and a smoke alarm solo. I needed a win—badly. Then, one snowy Tuesday, my slow cooker became my hero. I tossed in chicken, broth, and whatever spices I had (plus a hopeful brick of cream cheese). When I lifted that lid? Clouds parted. Angels sang. The first spoonful was pure magic—creamy, spicy, and soul-warming. I brought it to a girls’ night, holding my breath as my carb-loving friend tried it. She demanded the recipe before finishing her bowl! That chili wasn’t just dinner; it was my “aha!” moment: keto could be joyful, unapologetically delicious, and crazy-easy. Now, it’s my go-to for game days, sick days, or “I just need a hug in a bowl” days. And guess what? It’s about to be yours too.

Your Flavor Dream Team (Plus My Chef-y Secrets!)

Grab these simple staples—I bet most are in your kitchen already! Pro tip: Quality matters here. Since we’re using minimal ingredients, make ’em count.

• Chicken breasts (2 lbs): Lean and shreds like a dream! Swap for thighs if you want extra richness (hello, juicy fat!).
• Chicken broth (3½ cups): Your flavor foundation! Use bone broth for a protein boost and silky texture.
• Green chiles (4 oz can): Mild, tangy kick! Don’t drain—that liquid gold adds depth. 🔥 Spice lover? Add diced jalapeños!
• Heavy whipping cream (½ cup): Creates lush creaminess. For dairy-free, coconut cream works (adds a subtle sweetness).
• Onion powder + Garlic powder (1 tsp each): The dynamic duo! No chopping tears—just instant savory bliss.
• Cumin + Oregano (1 tsp each): Earthy warmth + herby brightness. Fresh oregano? Chop 1 tbsp instead.
• Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp): Gentle heat you can control. Omit if sensitive, or double for “whoa!” moments.
• Sea salt + Black pepper (½ tsp each): Season as you go! I use pink Himalayan—it’s my kitchen crush.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed): The star! Cubes melt evenly. Use full-fat for keto heaven. Dairy-free? Kite Hill cream cheese-style spread rocks.Print

  Keto White Chicken Chili

  

  Print Recipe

  This white chicken chili is rich, cozy, and full of flavor with tender chicken, warm spices, and creamy goodness. It’s a low-carb favorite that simmers away while you go about your day—perfect for chilly nights or easy meal prep.

  • Author: MadisonReynolds
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 3–4 hrs
  • Total Time: ~4 hrs
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner

  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  2 lbs chicken breasts

  3½ cups chicken broth

  1 (4 oz) can green chiles

  ½ cup heavy whipping cream

  1 tsp onion powder

  1 tsp garlic powder

  1 tsp cumin

  1 tsp oregano

  ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

  ½ tsp sea salt

  ½ tsp ground black pepper

  8 oz cream cheese, cubed

  Instructions

  Assemble in Slow Cooker: Add chicken breasts, broth, green chiles, cream, and all spices to the slow cooker. Top with cubed cream cheese.

  Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours (or low for 6–7 hours) until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  Shred & Stir: Shred chicken using two forks. Stir well to fully blend the cream cheese and broth into a creamy chili.

  Serve Hot: Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

  Nutrition

  • Calories: ~280
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Protein: 26g

Let’s Build Your Keto Comfort Masterpiece

Seriously, if you can dump ingredients into a pot, you’ve got this. I’ll walk you through every step with my favorite hacks!

1. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Add chicken breasts, broth, green chiles, cream, and all spices to the slow cooker. Now, top with cubed cream cheese—don’t stir it in yet! (Why? It prevents clumping and lets it melt lazily into perfection.) Chef’s tip: Rub the chicken with spices first for extra flavor penetration!
2. Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours. Chicken should shred easily with a fork. No peeking! Lifting the lid adds 15-20 mins cooking time. Use this break to nap, dance, or stalk foodie TikTok. 😉
3. Shred & Stir: Grab two forks—shred chicken right in the pot! (Less mess = more joy.) Now, stir vigorously! You’ll see the broth transform into creamy, dreamy goodness as the cream cheese fully incorporates. Hack: For ultra-smooth chili, use a hand mixer for 10 seconds—but I love it rustic!
4. Serve Hot: Ladle into bowls while steaming. Don’t skip garnishes! They add texture and freshness. (P.S. Chili thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth if reheating.)

Bowl Up the Cozy

This chili is a canvas for fun! Serve in deep bowls with:

• A shower of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
• Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions
• A dollop of cool sour cream or tangy Greek yogurt
• Avocado slices or keto tortilla chips (for crunch!)

Pair with a simple side salad or roasted broccoli. Perfect for meal prep—it tastes even better next day!

Shake It Up! 5 Delicious Twists

Make it your own with these easy swaps:

1. Buffalo Bliss: Stir in ¼ cup hot sauce + blue cheese crumbles at the end. Game day MVP!
2. “Everything but the Kitchen Sink” Veggie Load: Add 1 cup chopped zucchini or cauliflower rice with the broth.
3. Pork Power: Use shredded rotisserie pork or leftover turkey! Just adjust cooking time (shredded meat needs only 1-2 hours).
4. Thai-Inspired: Swap cumin for 1 tbsp curry paste + garnish with lime and cilantro.
5. Instant Pot Speed Run: Cook on high pressure for 15 mins, natural release 10 mins. Shred and stir!

Madison’s Extra Sprinkle of Love

This recipe evolved from my “desperation dinner” to my most-requested dish! Early versions used canned soup (🤦‍♀️), but ditching it for real cream cheese was a game-changer. Funny story: Once, my dog Boomer stole a whole block of cream cheese off the counter mid-prep. We had to improvise with mascarpone—surprisingly delicious! Now I guard ingredients like a keto ninja. Pro tip: Freeze leftovers in jars for instant comfort on busy nights. It’s my edible security blanket.

Your Chili Questions, Answered!

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes! But add 1-2 hours to cooking time. For best results, thaw first—it cooks more evenly.

Q: Why is my chili too thin/thick?
A: Thin: Simmer uncovered 30 mins to reduce. Thick: Stir in broth ¼ cup at a time. Remember—it thickens as it cools!

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream, and use Kite Hill or Miyoko’s cream cheese. Taste and adjust spices—coconut adds mild sweetness.

Q: Help! My cream cheese won’t blend smoothly.
A: Cube it small and let it sit on top (don’t stir early!). After shredding chicken, whisk vigorously or use a hand mixer for 10 seconds.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, 8 Servings)

Calories: ~280 | Protein: 26g | Fat: 18g | Net Carbs: 4g

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 3–4 hrs | Total Time: ~4 hrs

This Keto White Chicken Chili is everything you need for a comforting, fuss-free meal. With its rich, creamy texture and just the right kick of spice, it’ll keep you satisfied without throwing you off track. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal-prep winner, this chili proves that keto can be delicious, comforting, and surprisingly easy. With a handful of simple ingredients and your slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to!