diff --git a/lib/galaxy/dependencies/__init__.py b/lib/galaxy/dependencies/__init__.py
index 79526e490304..42d2ea49a339 100644
--- a/lib/galaxy/dependencies/__init__.py
+++ b/lib/galaxy/dependencies/__init__.py
@@ -280,6 +280,9 @@ def check_influxdb(self):
     def check_tensorflow(self):
         return asbool(self.config["enable_tool_recommendations"])
 
+    def check_openai(self):
+        return self.config.get("openai_api_key", None) is not None
+
     def check_weasyprint(self):
         # See notes in ./conditional-requirements.txt for more information.
         return os.environ.get("GALAXY_DEPENDENCIES_INSTALL_WEASYPRINT") == "1"
diff --git a/lib/galaxy/dependencies/conditional-requirements.txt b/lib/galaxy/dependencies/conditional-requirements.txt
index 8d8a5d9bd55c..28335c054a96 100644
--- a/lib/galaxy/dependencies/conditional-requirements.txt
+++ b/lib/galaxy/dependencies/conditional-requirements.txt
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ python-pam
 galaxycloudrunner
 pkce
 total-perspective-vortex<3
+openai
 
 # For file sources plugins
 fs.webdavfs>=0.4.2  # type: webdav
diff --git a/lib/galaxy/webapps/galaxy/api/chat.py b/lib/galaxy/webapps/galaxy/api/chat.py
index a2fbc1a8d387..1bbbe1dab3e9 100644
--- a/lib/galaxy/webapps/galaxy/api/chat.py
+++ b/lib/galaxy/webapps/galaxy/api/chat.py
@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@
 """
 import logging
 
-import openai
+try:
+    import openai
+except ImportError:
+    openai = None
 
 from galaxy.config import GalaxyAppConfiguration
 from galaxy.exceptions import ConfigurationError
@@ -31,7 +34,7 @@ class ChatAPI:
     def query(self, query: ChatPayload) -> str:
         """We're off to ask the wizard"""
 
-        if self.config.openai_api_key is None:
+        if openai is None or self.config.openai_api_key is None:
             raise ConfigurationError("OpenAI is not configured for this instance.")
         else:
             openai.api_key = self.config.openai_api_key