This low sodium white chicken chili is full of tender chicken, creamy white beans, and colorful vegetables in a rich, salt-free broth. The mix of smoked paprika, cumin, and lime gives bold flavor without added salt. It’s creamy thanks to low sodium cream cheese and ideal for anyone following a DASH diet or aiming to reduce blood pressure. A great comfort food that supports cardiovascular health.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed:

1 tablespoon olive oil: for cooking.
1.5 lbs chicken breast: diced, no salt added.
1 large onion: chopped.
4 cloves garlic: minced.
3 stalks celery: chopped, adds crunch.
2 bell peppers: sliced, any color.
1 jalapeño: sliced, remove seeds for less heat.
1 tablespoon cumin: for earthy flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: for depth.
1 teaspoon no salt chili powder: store-bought or homemade.
2 (14-ounce) cans no salt added white beans: drained and rinsed.
6 cups no salt added chicken broth: low sodium broth for base.
4 ounces low sodium cream cheese: softened.
2 limes: juiced for brightness.
Toppings: fresh cilantro, green onion, jalapeño (no salt toppings).

How To Make Low Sodium White Chicken Chili:

Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and celery. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened. Add bell peppers and jalapeño and cook 5 more minutes.

Add Spices and Beans:
Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and no salt chili powder. Add white beans and low sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

Simmer the Chili:
Return chicken to the pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add Cream Cheese and Lime:
Uncover and stir in the low sodium cream cheese and fresh lime juice. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, green onions, and extra jalapeño if desired.

Recipe Tips:

Use pre-cooked no salt chicken for faster prep.
Look for low sodium or sodium-free cream cheese.
Use fresh lime for the best salt-free flavor boost.
Make your own chili powder blend without salt.
Adjust jalapeño for heat preference.

How to Store & Reheat:

Room Temperature: Do not leave out longer than 1 hour.
Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in pot or microwave until hot.

Nutrition Facts (approx. per 2-cup serving):

Calories: 310
Sodium: 180mg
Protein: 27g
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 24g
Fibre: 6g
Sugar: 3g

FAQs:

Can you make white chicken chili low sodium?
Yes! Use no salt added beans and broth, and a low sodium cream cheese. Skip salty toppings.

What gives chili flavor without salt?
Spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and lime add bold flavor without added salt.

Is white chicken chili good for heart health?
Yes, this low sodium version supports cardiovascular health with lean protein and no added salt.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook chicken and sauté veggies first. Then transfer all ingredients (except cream cheese and lime) to slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours, stir in cream cheese and lime at the end.

What are good low sodium toppings?
Fresh cilantro, green onion, lime juice, and jalapeño slices are all sodium-free.

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