Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

The Best Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Days

Whipping up a delightful white chicken chili can transform weeknight dinners into cozy comfort moments.

Slow cookers make magic happen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices mingle beautifully in this simple one-pot wonder.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly ingredients blend while the crockpot does all the hard work.

Mild green chiles add a gentle kick without overwhelming delicate palates.

Nutritious and hearty, this chili brings warmth to any table with its rich, satisfying profile.

Grab a ladle and savor every spoonful of this soul-warming meal that promises to become a household favorite.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili Comfort Food

  • Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warm, delicious comfort, perfect for chilly days or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
  • Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare this crowd-pleasing dish with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels.
  • Nutritious Family Feast: Pack a protein-rich meal that satisfies hunger, combines vegetables and meat, and appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Save time on cooking and cleanup with a single-pot recipe that streamlines meal preparation and reduces kitchen mess.

Ingredients For Crockpot White Chicken Chili

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that provides the main protein base for the chili.
For the Beans and Vegetables:
  • White Beans, Corn, Green Chilies: A combination of hearty beans, sweet corn, and mild green chilies that add texture and depth to the chili.
For the Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps create the chili's base and keeps the chicken moist.
  • Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds smoothness and a velvety texture to the chili.
  • Spices: A blend of seasonings that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
For the Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded Cheese, Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh garnishes that add extra flavor, brightness, and visual appeal to the finished chili.

How To Prepare Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Gently nestle the chicken breasts into the crockpot, ensuring they’re evenly placed for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Gather your ingredients and pour in the following:
  • Chicken broth
  • White beans
  • Green chilies
  • Corn
  • Aromatic spices like cumin, garlic powder, and oregano

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic.

Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes wonderfully tender and easily falls apart.

Step 4: Shred and Transform

Using two forks, shred the chicken directly inside the crockpot.

Break it down into delightful, bite-sized pieces that will soak up all the delicious broth.

Step 5: Creamy Finale

Add cream cheese to the mixture, stirring until it completely melts and creates a luxuriously smooth texture that binds all the ingredients together.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and invite guests to personalize with toppings like:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Zesty lime wedges
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños

Helpful Hints For White Chicken Chili

  • Opt for fresh chicken breasts to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness in your chili.
  • Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding more or less green chilies and consider using mild or hot varieties based on personal preference.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier for busy weeknights.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini during the cooking process.

Flavor Options For White Chicken Chili

  • Spicy Southwest Chili: Replace green chilies with jalapeños and add diced habanero for extra heat. Incorporate black beans and red bell peppers for a robust southwestern flavor profile.
  • Creamy Herb Chicken Chili: Mix fresh chopped rosemary and thyme into the recipe. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter, tangier base.
  • Quinoa Power Chili: Substitute half the chicken with quinoa for added protein and texture. Include diced sweet potatoes and spinach for extra nutrition and color.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Chili: Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. Season with oregano and use roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Pairings To Enjoy With White Chicken Chili

  • Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty white chicken chili over fluffy rice or crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies.
  • Taco Night Twist: Transform the chili into a build-your-own taco bar with soft tortillas, additional toppings like diced avocado, and sour cream for a fun family dinner experience.
  • Game Day Nacho Extravaganza: Spread the chili over a bed of tortilla chips, top with melted cheese, jalapeños, and extra cilantro for an irresistible game day appetizer that'll score big with friends.
  • Soup Bowl Comfort: Ladle the chili into deep bowls, garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh green onions for a warming meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Proper Storage For White Chicken Chili

  • Store leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and seal tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm gently in a microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili seems too thick.
  • Divide chili into individual serving sizes before storing. This makes reheating easier and helps maintain freshness when you want a quick meal.

FAQs

  • What makes this white chicken chili different from traditional chili?

This recipe uses white beans and chicken instead of red kidney beans and ground beef, creating a lighter, creamier texture with a milder flavor profile.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The green chilies provide a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by using mild or hot green chilies, or adding extra cayenne pepper for more kick.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-sodium chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.

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Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mouthwatering white chicken chili delights home cooks seeking comfort in a hearty Mexican-inspired dish. Simple ingredients and slow cooker magic create a creamy, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) white beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can (10 oz or 280 g) diced green chilies
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (80 g) frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • shredded cheese (optional)
  • chopped cilantro (optional)
  • lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Nestle whole chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it’s mostly covered.
  3. Sprinkle green chilies, white beans, and corn around the chicken pieces.
  4. Generously season with spices, distributing them evenly across the ingredients.
  5. Cover and set the crockpot to low temperature, allowing the mixture to simmer for 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until chicken becomes fork-tender.
  6. Remove chicken and use two forks to shred the meat directly inside the crockpot, breaking it into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Cut cream cheese into chunks and stir into the hot mixture, letting it melt completely and create a rich, creamy texture.
  8. Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  9. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting green chili type or adding jalapeños for extra spiciness.
  • Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier version with reduced calories.
  • For gluten-free option, ensure chicken broth and all ingredients are certified gluten-free before preparing.
  • Maximize flavor by using fresh herbs like cilantro and squeezing lime juice just before serving to enhance overall taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 187 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 385 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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