I first tried white chicken chili when I was bored of meat and bean red chili. This version is creamy and has a mild spice that bring out the chicken taste. Instead of a tomato base, its made with chicken broth and cream so natural flavors stays. You can top it with cilantro, avocado or cheese to make it even more yummy. It's great for dinner or a party because it warm you up and dont feel heavy.
With more people wanting to eat healthier, low-carb diets are real popular. They say it help with weight loss, blood suguar and even the heart. By eating less carbs, folks can keeps energy up and still eat tasty food. Low-carb white chicken chili is perfect for that, cause you get warm, creamy chili but low in carbs.
This article will give you a easy low-carb white chicken chili recipe that tastes so good and still fits your diet plan. You dont need fancy skills, just follow the steps and tips for your own twist. Soon youll have a bowl of chili that warms your soul and wont ruin your carb count.
What is White Chicken Chili?
White chicken chili is a different kind of chili thats light colored and not tomato based. It use chicken broth and sometimes sour cream or heavy cream to get creamy texture. The chicken pieces stay juicy and a mix of spices gives it flavour and warmth.
The ingrediens are bit different from regular chili. You dont usually see kidney beans here. Instead you get white beans or if you want really low-carb you can add zucchini or bell peppers. Green chilies and spices like cumin and paprika give it some heat and depth. You can also add toppings to make it look good and taste even better.
Benefits of a Low-Carb Diet
Low-carb diet is getting big because people lost weight faster and feel less hunggry. When you cut carbs, your body use fat for energy, so it help burning fat and keep energy steady all day. You can end up feeling less tired and kinda in control.
Also, eating less carbs can be good for your heart. It lower bad cholesterol and trigicerides, which maybe reduce heart disease risk. This low-carb white chicken chili fits well in that diet. It give you plenty of protein and taste great but low on carbs so you dont feel guilty.
Key Ingredients for Low-Carb White Chicken Chili
To make a tasty low-carb white chicken chili, you need the right things. Here they are:
Chicken
You can use chicken breast or thighs. Breast got less fat and thighs got more flavor. Thighs stay juicier, but both work good here.
Broth
Use low-sodium chicken broth so it not too salty. A good broth give a flavorful base that dont overpower the other stuff.
Vegetables
Low-carb veggies like bell peppers and zucchini are great. They add texture and nutrients without adding many carbs. They soak up the spice flavors too.
Spices and Seasonings
Spices are important. You need:
- Cumin: gives earthy warmth.
- Paprika: adds mild smoke feel.
- Oregano: gives bit of mediterranean taste.
These together bring that cozy chili taste.
Optional Add-ins
You can top your chili with:
- Avocado slices for creaminess.
- Cilantro for fresh bright taste.
- Shredded cheese for richness.
- Sour cream for tang.
Play around with this to find your fav combo.
Detailed Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 ounces) green chilies
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream
Directions
- Prep ingredients: Chop onion and dice chicken into bite size peaces. Mince the garlic so the flavor comes out.
- Cook the chicken: In a big pot over medium heat, put some oil if you want. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes till brown. Take chicken out and set aside.
- Sauté veggies: In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Cook 3-4 minutes till onion looks clear. This step give good aroma.
- Add spices: Stir in green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano. Cook 1 minute to wake up the spices.
- Combine everything: Put chicken back in pot and pour in chicken broth. Stir it and bring to a light boil.
- Simmer: Turn heat low and let simmer 15-20 minutes. This helps flavors mix good.
- Finish: Stir in heavy cream for a richer chili. Taste it and add salt and pepper if you think it needs more.
Cooking Tips
- If you like spicier chili, add jalapeños or more chili powder.
- You can make a big batch and freeze leftovers for later.
- For a vegetarian twist, use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken and adjust cook time.
Nutritional Information
Here is what each serving look like:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 6g
Regular white chili can have over 600 calories and more carbs cause of beans and lots of cream. This version keep the taste but cut the carbs down.
Serving Suggestions
To go with your chili, try:
- Fresh garden salad with zesty dressing.
- Low-carb bread or rolls for dip.
- Veggie sticks with creamy dip.
If you have guests, put the chili in a big bowl and let everyone pick their own toppings. It look cooler and people get to choose.
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions about low-carb white chicken chili:
- Can I make this ahead of time? Sure, you can make it earlier and just warm it up when you ready. It even taste better next day.
- How long does it last in the fridge? Keep it in a airtight container for 4-5 days.
- Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is natually gluten-free so its good for people who cant handle gluten.
- Can I use a slow cooker? Yes, just cook onion and garlic first then put everything in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
- What can replace the chicken? You can use tofu, tempeh or canned beans for a meatless version.
Conclusion
Eating a warm bowl of low-carb white chicken chili dont have to mean giving up flavor or your diet. This recipe fill you up and keep carbs low so you enjoy a yummy, wholesome meal. Try it and share how it went!
Low-Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 stirring spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 can (14 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, rinsed and drained For a lower carb version, you can omit.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt To taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- as needed garnish fresh cilantro For garnish.
- as needed for serving lime wedges For serving.
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until they start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced green chilies, chicken broth, great northern beans (if using), cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes. If desired, stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
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