Paleo Chicken Chili
Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe – A healthy, low-carb, low-fat, high-flavor, no bean chili recipe that will make your house smell like heaven. (Assuming heaven smells SPICY.)
Why We Love Healthy White Chicken Chili
Last time I checked it’s still January…. How’s your healthy New Year’s Resolution coming along?
Sorry. Didn’t mean to stick my finger in an open wound — no judgment from me.
We’ve been eating pretty clean around here, but I will tell you, my resolve might be slipping because Valentine’s cupcakes and chocolate-covered goodies are showing up in my dreams at night.
Last night’s dream is a little hazy, but I do remember a table full of petit fours, moody music, and, oh yes, I had purple hair. I am not sure what that was all about, but the petit fours looked sensational!
But, back to healthy. Chili is one of my favorite winter comfort meals and this healthy version of dairy free white chicken chili is no exception. Using very little oil, skinless chicken breast, and plenty of veggies, this paleo-friendly chili at the top of my list of new recipes this month.
My family loves this no-bean chili, and they have no idea they are eating “healthy food.” Which, of course, makes it doubly satisfying for me. It even makes great leftovers!
What Ingredients Are In A No Bean Chili Recipe?
Usually, white chicken chili is loaded with heavy cream, sour cream, and cheese.
My dairy free no bean white chicken chili recipe is thickened with a touch of creamy coconut milk and arrowroot powder. Arrowroot powder is a wonder thickening agent that is a great substitute for cornstarch for those on a grain-free diet.
Other ingredients used are:
- boneless skinless chicken breast (could swap for ground turkey or chicken if desired)
- diced onion
- bell pepper, any color will do
- jalapenos, for spice
- garlic… I mean, everything tastes better with garlic
- ground cumin
- coriander
- chicken broth
- green chiles, for more spice
What To Serve with Paleo Chicken Chili
As wonderful as it sounds to serve this no bean chili with some fresh Honey Cinnamon Cornbread or Tortilla Chips, I am attempting to keep my New Year’s resolution… at least for a couple of weeks. But don’t worry. There are plenty of delicious, hearty side dishes that will ensure you don’t even miss the carbs.
Instead, try Magic Mug Low Carb Bread, Baked Plantains, Sweet Potato Cakes, or even Baked Beet Chips as a comforting side dish without the naughty ingredients and the guilt. And while you’re at it, why not finish the night with some Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies or Freedom Cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
No special measures need to be taken. Put your chili in an air-tight container or freezer-safe bag and pop it in the freezer. This should keep your chili fresh for up to six months. When you’re ready to reheat it, allow it to thaw, then rewarm on the stovetop for 7-10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of water or broth if the base is too thick.
Yep! Sauté the onions, peppers, jalapeño, garlic, and then chicken on the stove as instructed below. Then, add everything to the crockpot, whisking in the arrowroot powder. Cover and slow cook for at least 2 hours on high. However, you could leave the mixture on low for up to 6 hours.
Typically, chili is made with chili powder, tomatoes, and some form of beef or red meat. Alternatively, white chili uses green chiles and is often made with chicken, white beans, and a creamier dairy-based broth. In this recipe, we’ve managed to eliminate the dairy and the beans for a healthier meal. But don’t worry; it is still just as delicious!
See The Recipe Card Below For How To Make Paleo White Chicken Chili. Enjoy!
Other Paleo-Friendly Recipes You Might Like:
- Paleo Chinese Dumplings (Potstickers)
- The Best Paleo Lasagna
- Paleo Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- Easy Chicken Piccata
- Paleo Ginger-Spiced Mixed Nuts from I Heart Umami
No Bean Chili Recipe with Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped (any color)
- 1-2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 14 ounces chopped green chiles
- 3 tablespoons thick canned coconut milk, unsweetened
- 3 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- chopped green onions and cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Chop the chicken and veggies. Then place a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil, onions, peppers, jalapeño, and garlic.
- Sauté for 5 minutes, then add the chicken, salt and spices. Sauté another 5-8 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through. Add the broth, green chiles, and coconut milk. Whisk in the arrowroot powder and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Then take a potato masher (or ladle) and smash the chicken pieces to shreds. Serve topped with green onions and cilantro.
I made this tonight, absolutely delicious! And a nice zing.
Is there another substitute for the arrowroot powder?
Hi Belinda,
You can use cornstarch in the place of arrowroot powder, but it is not considered “paleo.”
SO SO good! I swapped a chopped Poblano in place of the jalapeño so my kiddos could eat it!! So much flavor and so easy! Thank you for my new favorite soup recipe!!
I am not a lover of traditional chili so I was skeptical to even try this recipe, but I love it and have made it several times now! Perfect for Whole30 and perfect on a cold winter day.
I believe paleo diet should be an important staple in every diet plan.It would be great if you could do a more in-depth discussion about the diabetes diet recipes. I had it done a couple months ago, and let’s just say that my diet is now very limited (most meat, and about 8 veges/fruits)! It was a huge blow. I reacted to most of Array 4 foods and have been off them for 1.5 years
Very excited to give this chili a try! Looks so tasty
Wow, this recipe is amazing! During the process of making it, I wasn’t sure if it would have much flavor, but by the end of the cooking process all of the flavors came though, and it is absolutely delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
This is delicious! I made it this morning so it would be ready for dinner tonight when I get home late. I had to have a bowl for lunch as soon as it was done cooking. My husband is going to love it! Thanks!
Thanks, this sounds great & easy. If we make the Paleo White Chicken Chili, how long would you say it would keep in the fridge?
Thanks!
Hi there! I’d say for about 1 week. Happy Cooking!