White Chicken Chili Recipe Without Corn: The Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Bowl

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI RECIPE -CORN. You ever get a craving for a cozy, creamy bowl of chili, but you want it light and low carb without any corn? That was me last week, standing in the kitchen after a long day, craving comfort without the heavy feeling. So I whipped up my go-to White Chicken Chili Recipe Without Corn, and wow, it hit every note. Warm, satisfying, and secretly wholesome. If you want to control your spice and really dial in flavor, I highly recommend making your own spice blend with this homemade chili seasoning. It makes a big difference in such a simple recipe.

Why Skip the Corn? (Beyond Dietary Restrictions)

I love corn in a lot of dishes, but it can crowd the bowl here. Skipping corn does more than trim carbs. It changes the texture and lets the creaminess shine. Without those little pops of sweetness, the flavors of chicken, green chiles, and warm spices step forward. You get a silkier spoonful and a richer, savory base. The broth clings to the shredded chicken instead of fighting with kernels.

Think of it like tuning a song. Corn adds a bright note, but sometimes you just want a mellow, cozy chorus. In this version, the creamy base and soft aromatics lead the way, which makes every topping you add feel more intentional. Fresh cilantro tastes brighter. A squeeze of lime feels bolder. A spoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream tastes richer. If you want to compare flavor ideas across a few takes, you might enjoy these inspiring bowls too: creamy white chicken chili variations.

Also, cutting corn means a steadier, lighter energy after you eat. I love a bowl that warms me up without slowing me down. This White Chicken Chili Recipe Without Corn is exactly that: cozy vibes with a clean finish.

The Base Recipe: 3 Cooking Methods

You only need simple ingredients and a little patience. Once you learn the backbone of this White Chicken Chili Recipe Without Corn, you can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot. I rotate methods depending on my day. If I am short on time, pressure cooker wins. If it is Sunday, slow cooker all day.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced, to taste
• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup canned diced green chiles
• 1.5 teaspoons chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin, plus salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
• Optional: 1 can rinsed white beans for non keto version
• Finishers: lime juice, cilantro, shredded cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream

Craving another cozy spoonable dish for the week? Bookmark this restaurant style classic too: copycat chicken enchilada soup. And if dinner planning is your sport, the full category of quick options helps a ton: easy dinner recipes.

Stovetop Method (about 30 minutes)

Warm oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Sauté onion with a pinch of salt for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and jalapeño and cook 30 seconds. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, and green chiles. You will smell the spices bloom and it will already smell like dinner.

Nestle in the chicken and pour in broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Pull chicken out, shred it with two forks, and return to the pot. Lower heat and whisk in cream cheese and half and half until smooth. Do not boil once dairy is in. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice. That is it.

Slow Cooker Method (about 4 hours)

Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, spices, green chiles, chicken, and broth to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken shreds easily. Shred the chicken right in the crock. Stir in cream cheese and half and half during the last 20 minutes with the lid tilted so steam escapes. This prevents curdling and gives you that velvety texture.

Instant Pot Method (about 15 minutes)

Use Sauté to cook onion, garlic, and jalapeño in oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in spices and green chiles. Add chicken and broth. Seal and pressure cook for 10 minutes, then quick release. Shred chicken, switch back to Sauté on low, and whisk in cream cheese and half and half. Keep the pot on low heat until the soup is silky. Again, do not boil after adding dairy.

Food safety note: chicken should reach 165 F internal temperature. If you are new to pressure cooking, this method is practically foolproof once you learn the release timing.

I made this on a rainy weeknight and my kids asked for seconds. We skipped beans and corn, used a little extra lime, and it felt indulgent without being heavy. Definitely a repeat.

Keto & Low-Carb Adaptations

The natural creaminess of this White Chicken Chili Recipe Without Corn makes it easy to keep carbs low. The biggest carb sources are beans and dairy quantity. You can totally enjoy a creamy bowl with satisfying toppings and still hit low carb goals.

Here is a quick net carbs breakdown for a dairy rich, bean free bowl per serving, based on common groceries. These are estimates and you should check your labels. Onion and green chiles together land around 4 to 6 net carbs. Cream cheese and heavy cream contribute about 2 to 3 net carbs. Broth and chicken are basically carb free. With toppings like avocado and a tiny squeeze of lime, you are often in the 6 to 9 net carbs range per hearty serving. If you add a half cup of white beans to your portion, add around 10 to 12 net carbs.

Want beans but still keep carbs smart? Try these swaps:

Lupini beans: very low net carbs and firm. Rinse them well and add near the end so they stay tender but not mushy.

Edamame: shelled edamame brings protein and a pleasant bite. Add frozen edamame straight into the pot for the final 5 minutes and you will get that bean like texture without the carb spike.

For extra richness without more carbs, blend a small portion of the broth with cream cheese and return it to the pot. Or whisk in a teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken if you are completely dairy shy.

If high protein is your thing, this roundup can help you plan the week: high protein chicken ideas. It pairs well with a rotation that includes this chili, especially when you meal prep a few chicken bases.

Texture Troubleshooting Guide

Sometimes creamy soups act fussy. Here is how I fix common issues so your bowl stays silky and satisfying.

Too thin? Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce slightly. Whisk in 2 ounces more cream cheese in small cubes. Or stir in a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water if you are not strict low carb. Keto friendly option: sprinkle in 0.25 teaspoon xanthan gum while whisking constantly, then wait 2 to 3 minutes to see the full thickening effect.

Cream cheese not melting? Bring it to room temp first or cut into very small cubes. Add it off heat, whisking until smooth, then return the pot to low heat. In an Instant Pot, use low Sauté to avoid scalding.

Prevent curdling: Dairy and high heat do not love each other. Once you add cream or half and half, keep the heat gentle. Avoid a rolling boil. If it separates a little, an immersion blender usually brings it back together without changing flavor. Also, add citrus at the end. Stir lime juice in off heat to keep the dairy stable.

Flat flavor? Salt matters a lot here. Add a pinch at a time, then brighten with lime. A touch of ground coriander or a small knob of butter stirred in at the end can round everything out. You can also customize your spice blend using that reliable chili seasoning recipe to control heat and depth.

White vs Red Chili: Nutrition Showdown

Both have their place. Red chili leans tomato forward and often includes beans by default. White chili goes creamy and green chile based. If you are counting carbs or prefer a gentler spice, white chili without corn usually wins for an everyday bowl. If you want lycopene rich tomatoes and a smoky vibe, red chili wins Saturday night. I like to think of them as cousins with different personalities.

Below is a comparison snapshot for an average serving of each style, assuming moderate toppings and no corn. Actual numbers vary by brand and add ins.

Either way, you cannot lose. But for a lighter, cozy weeknight, the White Chicken Chili Recipe Without Corn gives you creamy comfort with fewer carbs and a soft, mellow heat.

10-Minute Toppings Bar Guide

Make it fun. A quick toppings bar turns a simple pot into a cozy night with choices. Keep everything bite sized and fresh. I set out small bowls and let everyone build their own perfect bowl. Ten minutes and it is a party.

• Fresh: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced green onion
• Bright: lime wedges, quick pickled jalapeños
• Creamy: shredded Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Crunch: crushed low carb tortilla chips or pork rinds
• Heat: extra jalapeño, hot sauce, or a dash more chili seasoning

Pro tip: keep a warm bowl of the base on the stove so the dairy toppings melt when they hit the heat. For a spicier night, spike individual servings with a pinch from your homemade blend so you do not overwhelm the whole pot.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

This recipe was born for meal prep. The flavors actually deepen overnight. If you want weekday lunches, cook a full pot, cool it to room temp, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Add lime and fresh herbs right before serving so they taste bright. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if it is thick.

Freezing works well too, especially if you keep dairy flexible. For the cleanest thaw, freeze the chili before adding cream and cream cheese. When you reheat, stir in dairy at the end for that silky finish. If you do freeze with dairy, it can look slightly separated after thawing, but a whisk or brief blend brings it back. For other make ahead chicken ideas that reheat beautifully, try these oven baked chicken thighs as a protein anchor. They slide into soups and salads just as easily.

Common Questions

Can I make it dairy free? Yes. Use full fat coconut milk for creaminess and skip the cream cheese. Add a teaspoon of nutritional yeast for a savory boost if you like.

How do I keep it low carb without beans? Skip beans and add extra shredded chicken or edamame for texture. Thickening with a tiny pinch of xanthan gum helps keep it creamy.

What cut of chicken is best? Thighs give more flavor and stay juicy. Breasts are lean and shred well. Both work. I go with what is on sale.

How spicy is it? Mild as written. Use more jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne if you want heat. Balance with extra lime and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Can I add veggies without corn? Absolutely. Diced zucchini or cauliflower rice folded in at the end keep it light but add body.

A Final Warm Bowl You Will Make Again

If you want a cozy, flexible dinner that still fits your goals, this White Chicken Chili Recipe Without Corn delivers. It is creamy without being heavy, flavorful without a long ingredient list, and comforting enough to make any weeknight feel special. Keep a batch of that homemade chili seasoning on hand and you can make this anytime. If you are in the mood to compare styles, you might also peek at this friendly family take on white chili for more ideas: Aunt Ginger’s White Chicken Chili recipe from Hello Adams Family. Now grab a spoon, squeeze a little lime, and enjoy that cozy bowl tonight.