Green Chili Sauce: Keto-Friendly Condiment?

Green chilli sauce is a spicy Mexican sauce that can be served with enchiladas, tacos, and more. It is made by roasting green peppers and adding them to the sauce. The keto version of this sauce is low carb and sugar-free. It can be used in a variety of dishes such as keto green chilli chicken enchiladas, keto chilli verde, and keto Colorado green chilli. These dishes are perfect for those following a keto diet as they are low in carbohydrates and can be easily adapted to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Keto Green Chile Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 (7-oz) can fire-roasted diced green chiles
• 1 tsp garlic paste (or minced garlic)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional:

Sour cream

Method:

First, add the diced chiles to a small blender or food processor, along with the garlic, onion powder, and ground cumin. Blend until smooth.

Next, transfer the mixture to a saucepan and add the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer for 5 minutes.

Finally, stir in the sour cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too hot, add a little extra sour cream.

Serving Suggestions:

This keto green chile sauce is a spicy Mexican sauce that can be served with enchiladas, tacos, shrimp, guacamole, or nachos. It can also be drizzled over low-carb options like shrimp tacos or used as a dipping sauce.

Variations:

For a heartier meal, you can try making Keto Green Chile Chicken, a fun Southwestern-flavoured casserole. Simply mix cream cheese, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, stir in the green chilis and cover chicken breasts with the mixture before baking.

Another option is to make Keto Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce. This recipe uses softened cabbage leaves instead of tortillas and is filled with shredded chicken, onions, and cheese, topped with the green chile sauce.

Storage:

The keto green chile sauce can be stored in the fridge, covered, until required.

Keto Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Green chili sauce is keto-friendly, and here is a recipe for Keto Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas that you can try!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 2 cups chopped fresh roasted green chiles, or canned
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 low-carb tortillas cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Add the chicken broth to a large pot over high heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the chicken thighs. Cook for 12 minutes. Remove the thighs and set them aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces. Transfer to a large bowl.

Add the green chiles, sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the shredded chicken. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the tortilla strips and crisp for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir to avoid burning.

Transfer the chicken mixture to a large baking dish. Apply the cilantro liberally to the top of the chicken mixture, then add the tortilla strips.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Green Chili Peppers and Ketosis

Green chili peppers are a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into a ketogenic diet. Not only do they add a kick of flavour and colour to your meals, but they also offer various health benefits and can be prepared in numerous ways. This spicy vegetable is a versatile addition to your keto diet, and this guide will outline the benefits of green chili peppers and provide some mouth-watering keto-friendly recipe ideas.

Health Benefits of Green Chili Peppers

Green chili peppers are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A, K, and B6, as well as potassium, manganese, and folate. They also contain capsaicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting properties. Capsaicin is responsible for the spicy kick of chili peppers, and it has been linked to several health benefits, including pain relief and improved heart health.

Keto-Friendly Green Chili Recipes

Keto Green Chili Chicken

A hearty and comforting one-pan meal, this keto green chili chicken is a cheesy low-carb casserole with under 4 net carbs per serving. It's an easy weeknight dinner option that can be prepared in 30 minutes. The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, butter, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, almond milk, heavy cream, cream cheese, canned green chilies, spices, and cooked shredded chicken. It can be served with a side salad or cauliflower rice for a truly keto-friendly feast.

Keto Green Chile Sauce

This spicy Mexican sauce is the perfect accompaniment to enchiladas, tacos, and more. It's low carb and sugar-free, and you can make it with canned fire-roasted diced green chilies, garlic paste, onion powder, ground cumin, chicken broth, and sour cream. Simply blend the ingredients, heat them in a saucepan, and season to taste. This sauce adds a burst of flavour to any keto Mexican dish.

New Mexico Green Chile Pork Stew (Chile Verde)

A warming and satisfying stew, this Chile Verde is perfect for cold winter days. It's made with pork loin, ground cumin, granulated garlic, pure ground chile powder (optional), onion, canned Hatch green chilies, and water. You can serve it with low-carb wraps, cauliflower rice, or even a fried egg for a unique breakfast option. This stew is a simple yet delicious way to incorporate green chili peppers into your keto diet.

Keto Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

These enchiladas are a creative and tasty way to enjoy the combination of green chili peppers and chicken. By swapping traditional tortillas for zucchini noodles, this dish becomes low-carb and gluten-free. The filling is made with cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. The enchiladas are then baked until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. They can also be frozen for a quick and easy keto-friendly meal anytime.

Keto Colorado Green Chili

Also known as Chili Verde, this Colorado Green Chili is a regional speciality that will keep you warm during chilly months. It typically includes pork roast butt, loin, or any fatty piece of pork, salt, pepper, garlic, green chilies, diced tomatoes, tomatillos, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, ground cumin, erythritol or sweetener of choice, and cream cheese. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for batch cooking and can be made ahead of time for convenient keto meals.

Incorporating green chili peppers into your ketogenic diet is a tasty way to add variety to your meals while also reaping the health benefits of this spicy vegetable. Whether you enjoy them in a sauce, stew, or as part of a hearty casserole, green chili peppers are a fantastic keto-friendly ingredient.

Keto-Friendly Alternatives to Green Chili Peppers

Green chili peppers are indeed keto-friendly, but if you're looking for alternatives, there are several keto-compatible options that can add a similar kick to your meals. Here are some suggestions:

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a great substitute for green chili peppers if you're seeking a similar level of heat. With approximately 0.61 grams of net carbs in a 1-gram serving, it's a perfect keto-friendly option. Cayenne pepper is excellent for adding to your meat rubs, soups, or even your morning keto smoothie for an extra punch of flavour.

Paprika

If you're looking for a milder alternative, paprika is a fantastic choice. It imparts a lovely smoky flavour to your dishes and has around 0.2 grams of net carbs per gram. Try using it in keto-friendly chicken or fish recipes for a delightful twist.

Jalapenos

Jalapenos offer a distinct flavour and milder heat compared to green chili peppers. A whole jalapeno pepper contains only about 0.5 grams of net carbs, making it a great low-carb option. They are especially popular in the keto community when stuffed with cream cheese and baked as an appetiser.

Red Pepper Flakes

For a similar heat level to green chili peppers but with a different flavour profile, red pepper flakes are a great choice. They contain around 0.5 grams of net carbs per gram, making them a keto-compatible alternative. Sprinkle them on your keto pizza or pasta for an extra zing.

Chili Powder

Chili powder is another excellent way to add heat and flavour to your keto dishes. It is made from ground chili peppers and other spices, and a single teaspoon contains only 1.4 grams of net carbs. Use it in your taco meat, chilli con carne, or any dish that needs a boost of spice.

Fresh Herbs

In addition to these pepper alternatives, fresh herbs can also add a similar flavour profile to your keto meals. Spices like cumin, oregano, and cilantro are commonly used in dishes that feature green chili peppers, and they can help you achieve a similar taste without the heat.

Keto Green Chili Chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Chicken thighs
• Mild canned diced green chilis
• Full-fat cream cheese
• Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt
• Oregano
• Avocado oil

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded romaine
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Green onions
• Jalapenos

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pat the chicken dry. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, salt, and oregano. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken.

Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and chopped green chilis. Spread this mixture over the chicken and top with the shredded cheese.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the centre of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160° F. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This Keto Green Chili Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Salads with cheddar, bacon, ranch, and avocado
• Cauliflower rice
• Crispy zucchini fries
• Bacon-wrapped green beans
• Keto-friendly biscuits or dinner rolls
• Low-carb wraps or tortillas
• Enchiladas or quesadillas

Frequently asked questions