Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced finely
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 Tbsp Dried Oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional, for depth)
  • ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (4 oz / 115 g) can Diced Green Chiles (mild)
  • 3 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock or Bone Broth
  • 3 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast or Thighs
  • 1 cup Cauliflower Rice (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 oz Cream Cheese, cubed and softened
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream (Double Cream)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño. Sauté gently until the onion is translucent and soft (about 5–7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce the heat slightly. Add the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the spices are fragrant, maximizing their flavor release.
  3. Pour in the chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Stir in the canned green chiles. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in the shredded chicken. Cover the pot and allow the chili to simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the broth’s flavor.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cauliflower rice and the cubed, softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, thickening the liquid slightly.
  6. If you prefer a smoother chili, use an immersion blender to blend about ⅓ of the mixture directly in the pot, retaining some solids for texture.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for a final 5 minutes until heated through (do not boil). Remove the chili from the heat, then stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped coriander. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.