Quick Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Cooking a hearty white chicken chili in your crockpot can turn an ordinary weeknight into a delightful culinary adventure.

Slow-simmered flavors meld together, creating a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.

Tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of spices promise a meal that satisfies every taste bud.

Green chiles add a subtle kick, while the rich broth promises depth and complexity.

Minimal prep work means you can toss ingredients together quickly and let the magic happen.

Fragrant and filling, this chili becomes a go-to recipe for those seeking a hassle-free, delicious dinner.

Grab a bowl and savor every spoonful of this amazing comfort food.

White Chicken Chili in the Crockpot

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Dump all ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the cooking, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families and working professionals.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, creamy texture, and mild spices, this chili appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or potluck events.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Top with various garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips to create a personalized dining experience that suits individual taste preferences.
  • Hands-Off Cooking: Minimal effort required with the slow cooker method, allowing you to walk away and return to a delicious, fully prepared meal without constant monitoring.

Ingredients for Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean meat that provides the primary protein source for the chili.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • White Beans, Corn, Green Chilies, Onion, Garlic: A hearty combination that adds texture, sweetness, and mild heat to the chili.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a deep, complex flavor profile for the dish.
Creamy Additions:
  • Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that introduce a rich, smooth texture and enhance the overall creaminess of the chili.
Broth:
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid base that helps cook the ingredients and adds depth to the chili.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Cilantro: A bright, herbaceous topping that provides a fresh contrast to the rich chili.

How to Prepare White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Toss Everything Into Crockpot

Gather all ingredients and dump them directly into your crockpot. Your ingredients will include:
  • Chicken breasts
  • Chicken broth
  • White beans
  • Corn
  • Green chilies
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix the ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Let The Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become super tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Shred The Chicken

Once cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into soft, delicate shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot.

Step 4: Create Creamy Perfection

Add cream cheese and heavy cream into the crockpot.

Stir and let everything melt together beautifully. Continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the chili reaches a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of brightness.

Grab a spoon and savor every single bite of this comforting meal.

Tips to Boost Crockpot White Chicken Chili

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easy-to-shred meat in your chili.
  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and adjust seasoning to your taste.
  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors and enhance the overall taste profile.

Flavor Variations on White Chicken Chili

  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Dairy-Free Edition: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream to create a lactose-free option.
  • Spicy Southwest Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and mix in fire-roasted green chilies for an extra hot and bold flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Protein Boost: Eliminate corn and beans, replace with cauliflower rice and add extra protein like diced chicken thighs for a keto-friendly adaptation.

What Goes Well with White Chicken Chili

  • Comfort Corner Feast: Gather friends and family around a steaming pot of this hearty chili, perfect for cozy game nights or weekend gatherings.
  • Toppings Galore Station: Set up a DIY topping bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and extra cilantro for personalized bowls.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion into meal prep containers for easy lunches, freezing well for up to 3 months and providing quick, delicious weekday meals.
  • Bread Buddy Pairing: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or crispy tortillas to soak up the rich, creamy chili and add delightful texture.

Storing Crockpot White Chicken Chili Correctly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Keep the chili in a shallow container to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags for up to 3 months.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies and spices. If you prefer less heat, use mild green chilies or reduce the amount of chili powder.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

  • What can I substitute for chicken breasts?

You can use chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken as alternatives. If using rotisserie chicken, add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

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Quick Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Quick Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

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

Description

White chicken chili elevates comfort cooking with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty green chiles. Southwestern-inspired flavors meld effortlessly, promising hearty satisfaction you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can corn, drained
  • 1 (4 ounces/113 grams) can diced green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Dairy:

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even base layer.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the meat, ensuring complete coverage of the chicken.
  3. Layer white beans, corn, green chilies, diced onion, and minced garlic around and over the chicken.
  4. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly across the ingredients.
  5. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender.
  6. Carefully extract chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Return shredded chicken back into the crockpot, mixing thoroughly with existing ingredients.
  8. Add cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring gently to help ingredients melt and integrate smoothly.
  9. Continue cooking for an additional 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
  10. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays moist during slow cooking.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning according to taste preferences.
  • Keep cream cheese at room temperature before adding to prevent lumpy texture and ensure smooth blending.
  • For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 231 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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