Paleo Chicken Chili
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Feb 19, 2025 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 Pancakes (Coconut Flour Pancakes)
- 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.
Can you make this in the crock pot?
If not, I’m thinking maybe doing the chicken in the crock pot so it is shredded and then adding it to the soup?
In your answer to the crock pot, I just threw all the ingredients in, sorry that these people didnt get back to you. I dont understand why they haven’t gotten back to anyone. I just wanted to let you know to go ahead and use the crock pot it will be fine.
Hey nancy, no problems with the arrowroot being added with he rest of get ingredients? I’m gonna throw this in the crockpot in the morning. Hoping for the best :)
I have to make diabetic meals for my parents. They are both diabetics. I get more recipe ideas from paleo dishes now because that seems to be the trend. My parents will love this chili!
I just made this tonight. I substituted Great Lakes Gelatin for the arrowroot since I couldn’t find it at my local market. It was delish. Perfect on a cold night.
Very excited to give this chili a try! Looks so tasty
Looks divine!
That looks amazing!
Love that this is Paleo! Such a healthy meal :)
I just made some chicken green chili too! I love your idea of coconut milk as a thickner!
Keep the paleo recipes coming, Sommer! So excited to try this chili!!
White chicken chili is one of my favorites!
I’ve been eating pretty good….. unless I’m at work, there’s always a frieking cake laying around! grrr. I’ve never made white chicken chili but it looks so darn good! Pinned to make next week.
Pass me a spoon!! I adore white chicken chili. Definitely need to make it more!