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Keto Green Chile Chicken Chili - Creamy, Comforting, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles (mild or hot)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained (optional for a red-tinged broth; omit for ultra-low carbs)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped scallions, extra lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  2. Build the base: Stir in the garlic and jalapeño (if using). Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring so the garlic doesn’t brown.
  3. Toast the spices: Add cumin, coriander, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the edges turn opaque. No need to fully cook through yet.
  5. Add chiles and broth: Stir in the diced green chiles and the drained tomatoes (if using). Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.
  7. Make it creamy: Stir in the cream cheese, a few cubes at a time, until fully melted and smooth. Add the heavy cream and simmer uncovered 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  8. Finish with freshness: Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat. If you want it thicker, simmer a few more minutes; for thinner, splash in more broth.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, scallions, and extra cilantro as you like.