Keto Chipotle Chicken Chowder: Creamy, Low-Carb Comfort

Keto Chipotle Chicken Chowder: A Hearty, Smoky Delight

If you're looking for a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s both satisfying and keto-friendly, this Keto Chipotle Chicken Chowder is exactly what you need. With tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and a creamy base, this chowder is the perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you want something hearty yet low in carbs. Plus, it’s packed with flavors that will leave you coming back for seconds.

The idea of chowder might make you think of heavy, carb-laden ingredients like potatoes or flour, but this recipe keeps things keto by swapping those out for cauliflower, which gives you that thick, comforting texture without the carbs. Trust me, this soup will quickly become a go-to favorite in your keto recipe rotation!

Let’s get into it, step by step, so you can enjoy this creamy, smoky, and totally delicious Keto Chipotle Chicken Chowder in no time.

Ingredients for Keto Chipotle Chicken Chowder

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this chowder. It’s simple and straightforward, and you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.

For the Chowder Base:

• 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into small cubes)

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups cauliflower florets (roughly chopped into small pieces, to replace potatoes)

• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium for better control over salt)

• 1 cup heavy cream (for a rich, creamy texture)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk if not strict keto)

• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (for that smoky heat)

• 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can, for extra flavor)

• 1 tsp cumin (adds a nice warmth)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for an additional smoky depth)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sour cream (for added creaminess)

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack, optional)

• Sliced avocado (adds a refreshing contrast to the heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Keto Chipotle Chicken Chowder

Now, let’s get cooking! This chowder is easy to make, and it comes together in no time. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches high temperature, incorporate the cubed chicken breast. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Take the chicken out of the pot and place it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the onion until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Cauliflower

Next, add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pot, stirring them in with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. The cauliflower will start to soften and absorb all the wonderful flavors from the onions and garlic.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once the cauliflower is soft, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. This step is what gives the chowder that creamy, thick texture.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Ingredients

Add the heavy cream, almond milk, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce to the soup. Stir to combine. Then, add the cumin and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 7: Return the Chicken

Now, add the cooked chicken back into the pot, stirring to combine everything. Let it all simmer together for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Once your chowder is fully heated and everything is nicely combined, it’s time to serve. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. A few slices of avocado on the side add a creamy, refreshing contrast to the smoky heat.

Macro Breakdown & Nutritional Information

This Keto Chipotle Chicken Chowder is not only delicious but also perfectly suited for a low-carb lifestyle. Here’s the macro breakdown per serving:

Per Serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 290

• Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

• Protein: 21g

• Total Carbohydrates: 8g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Net Carbs: 5g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 600mg

• Potassium: 600mg

This chowder is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, while staying low in carbs. It’s perfect for a hearty meal that doesn’t kick you out of ketosis.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Chowder

• Smooth Texture: For an ultra-smooth chowder, you can also strain the blended cauliflower mixture before adding the cream. This will give it an even silkier texture.

• Spice Level: The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring a nice smoky heat to the chowder. If you prefer a milder version, use only one chipotle pepper or skip the adobo sauce. For an extra kick, feel free to add a little cayenne pepper.

• Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in a few extra veggies, spinach, zucchini, or even bell peppers can be added along with the cauliflower. Just make sure to blend them well for the smooth texture.

• Dairy-Free Option: To make the chowder dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese. This will give the soup a slightly different flavor but will still be rich and creamy.

Keto Notes

1. Low-Carb Substitutes: The key to keeping this chowder keto-friendly is using cauliflower in place of potatoes. Cauliflower gives the soup that comforting, thick texture without the high-carb count.

2. Use Homemade Broth: For an even healthier version, consider using homemade chicken broth. It’s easy to make and can reduce the sodium content in the soup.

3. Watch the Serving Size: While this chowder is low in carbs, portion control is important when following a keto diet. A standard serving size is about 1 cup, which provides the macros listed above.

Nutritional Benefits

1. High in Protein: With 21g of protein per serving, this chowder helps to keep you full and supports muscle maintenance and repair.

2. Rich in Healthy Fats: The olive oil and heavy cream provide healthy fats that are essential for ketosis, making this a great fat-burning meal option.

3. Low in Carbs: With only 5g of net carbs per serving, this chowder is an excellent choice for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet.

4. Loaded with Vegetables: Cauliflower is a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and digestion.

Common FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This chowder stores really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more fat and flavor to the soup. Just be sure to cook them through before chopping and adding them to the chowder.

3. Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, you can skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a meaty texture.

4. How can I make this spicier? To kick up the heat, add extra chipotle peppers, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some fresh jalapeños when cooking.

Conclusion: Keto Chipotle Chicken Chowder

This Keto Chipotle Chicken Chowder is the perfect combination of creamy, smoky, and satisfying. It’s a filling, low-carb meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a delicious, comforting soup, this chowder will not disappoint.

Give this recipe a try the next time you want something cozy and warm, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite among those who love hearty, low-carb meals. Enjoy!

Happy cooking!