Instant Pot Low Carb White Chicken Chili Recipe

This Instant Pot Low Carb White Chicken Chili is a total game-changer for busy weeknights! It’s hearty, rich, and loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors, all while being wonderfully low in carbs. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, it comes together quickly, delivering tender chicken, creamy broth, and just the right amount of spice with minimal effort. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just want a lighter take on chili, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy and Effortless: With the Instant Pot doing the heavy lifting, you can have a hearty, flavorful meal on the table in less than 40 minutes — no need for hours of simmering.
• Wholesome and Low-Carb: Packed with protein and fiber-rich ingredients, it’s naturally low in carbs without sacrificing any of the creamy, comforting goodness you expect from a great chili.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level exactly how you like it — mild for family dinners or fiery for spice lovers.
• Incredibly Satisfying: Rich, creamy, and packed with texture from the shredded chicken and tender veggies, it’s a bowl that feels like a hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these become juicy and shred beautifully after cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, flavorful base for the chili — go for a low-sodium version to control saltiness.
• Green Chiles: Adds a mild, tangy kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Cauliflower Rice: A smart, low-carb swap that gives body and texture without the carbs of beans or corn.
• Cream Cheese: The key to a luscious, creamy broth that feels indulgent.
• Heavy Cream: Adds an extra layer of richness and silky texture to the chili.
• Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that build a deep, savory flavor base.
• Cumin and Oregano: Classic Southwestern spices that bring warmth and earthiness.
• Chili Powder: For a touch of smoky heat — adjust to taste!
• Cilantro: Brightens up the final dish with a pop of fresh flavor.
• Lime: Just a squeeze at the end wakes up all the flavors beautifully.

Variations

• Add More Veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or zucchini toward the end for extra color and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Use diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you love your chili on the hotter side.
• Swap the Protein: Turkey or even leftover rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to keep it creamy without the dairy.

How to Make Instant Pot Low Carb White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add a little olive oil, then toss in your chopped onion and garlic. Stir them around until they’re soft and fragrant — about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Spices

Place the chicken breasts right on top of the sautéed onions. Sprinkle over the cumin, oregano, and chili powder. This direct contact with the spices helps unlock their full flavor potential.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Green Chiles

Add the chicken broth and green chiles to the pot. Give everything a quick stir to combine.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 5-10 minutes before opening the lid.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks — it should fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cauliflower rice. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy and thick.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese melts faster and blends more smoothly into the broth.
• Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower Rice: Stir it in after pressure cooking to maintain a nice texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t have the same bright, fresh pop that really lifts this dish.
• Double the Batch: This chili freezes beautifully — make extra to stash away for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking.

How to Serve

This chili is hearty enough to stand alone, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate it even more:

Garnishes:

Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, extra cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra kick.

Side Dishes:

Pair with a crisp green salad or a few low-carb tortillas on the side for scooping.

Make It a Party:

Serve it with a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own bowl exactly how they like it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the chili completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This chili is a freezer’s best friend! Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can easily make it on the stovetop — just simmer the chicken until fully cooked, then shred and proceed with the recipe as written.

Is this recipe spicy?
The chili is mildly spicy thanks to the green chiles and chili powder. If you prefer more heat, add jalapeños or extra chili powder to taste.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just add 5 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time. No need to thaw first.

What can I use instead of cauliflower rice?
If you’re not worried about carbs, white beans make a great, hearty substitute. Otherwise, simply leave it out for a thinner, brothier chili.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Low Carb White Chicken Chili brings big, bold flavor without the carb overload, and it’s so easy you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re eating low-carb or just looking for a creamy, comforting meal with minimal fuss, this chili delivers every time. Don’t wait — gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and dive into a bowl of pure cozy deliciousness!

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