White Chicken Chili (AIP, Paleo)

Hey there! Let’s whip up something cozy, creamy, and totally satisfying: White Chicken Chili. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and fits right into AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) and Paleo diets. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and skips the usual chili staples like tomatoes and beans. Instead, we go for a luscious coconut cream base, a pop of lime, and tender chicken thighs. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest—perfect for a chilly night or when you need something nourishing. Ready to get started? Let’s do this!

Recipe Highlights

Time Commitment

• Prep + Cook Time: About 40 minutes start to finish.
  Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep session.

Servings

• Makes 4–5 servings.
  Cooking for a crowd? Just double the recipe!

Skill Level

• Beginner-friendly! No fancy techniques here—just basic sautéing, simmering, and shredding.

What You’ll Need

• A big pot (like a Dutch oven or stockpot).
• Tongs for handling chicken.
• Forks for shredding.
• Basic kitchen tools like a cutting board and knife.

No fancy cookware? No worries—any large pot will work.

Meal Prep Friendly

Want to make it ahead? Totally doable. It stores well in the fridge or freezer. Just leave the garnishes (like avocado) off until you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the lineup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil).
• 1 large yellow onion, diced.
• 2 cups celery, diced.
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced.
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (chicken breasts work too—but thighs give more flavor).
• 2.5 teaspoons sea salt (adjust to taste).
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh grated ginger).
• Zest and juice of 1 lime.
• 3 cups chicken bone broth (low sodium, AIP-friendly).
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (save some for garnish).
• 2 cups full-fat coconut cream (for that dreamy texture).
• Optional garnishes: Avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or green onions.

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Build the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs right into the pot. Sprinkle in the sea salt, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, ginger, and lime zest. Let the chicken brown for about 5 minutes, flipping it around to coat it in all those spices.

Step 3: Simmer Time

Pour in the lime juice, bone broth, and chopped cilantro. Give it a good stir. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 20–25 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and soak up that flavor.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Use tongs to pull the chicken out of the pot. Grab two forks and shred it into bite-sized pieces—it should fall apart easily. Pop the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Add the Creaminess

Turn up the heat to medium and stir in the coconut cream. Let it warm up and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 6: Taste Test

Give it a taste and adjust the salt, if needed. Every broth is different, so make it just right for you.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve up your chili in bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Avocado slices? Extra cilantro? Maybe a sprinkle of green onions? Go wild!

Ways to Customize It

• Veggie Swap: Don’t love celery? Sub with fennel, zucchini, or carrots.
• Spice It Up: If you’re not AIP-strict, add black pepper or a pinch of cumin for extra kick.
• Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with jackfruit or mushrooms (it’ll be a bit different, but delicious).

Serving & Storing Tips

• Leftovers?
  Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating:
  Warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
• Meal Prep Tip:
  Freeze it without the garnishes for the best results. Add fresh toppings when you serve!

I can’t wait for you to try this! It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s flexible—add your own twist to make it yours. Let me know how it turns out or if you discover a fun variation! Happy cooking!

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