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

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful white chicken chili crockpot magic that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal bursting with flavor.

Tender chicken, creamy broth, and perfectly seasoned beans create a symphony of taste in every spoonful.

Beans and peppers mingle with aromatic spices, offering a gentle kick that’ll make you smile.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking a delicious, stress-free dinner solution.

Home kitchens will love how effortlessly this recipe comes together with just a few pantry staples.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili With Creamy, Spiced Comfort

  • Minimal Effort Cooking: Dump all ingredients in the crockpot and let it simmer without constant supervision, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals with minimal hands-on time.
  • Flexible Time Management: Choose between low (6-8 hours) or high (3-4 hours) cooking settings, accommodating different schedules and allowing meal preparation around work or daily activities.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort: Creamy, mild flavor profile appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal one-pot meal that satisfies everyone at the dinner table with minimal complaints.
  • Customizable Toppings: Easily personalize the chili with various garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños, transforming a simple dish into a fun, interactive dining experience.

Crockpot Version Of Creamy White Chili

Protein Base:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the chili, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium liquid base that adds depth of flavor and helps cook the chicken, provides moisture for the chili.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Yellow Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation that adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the chili.
  • Green Chiles: Mild and hot varieties add layers of pepper flavor and slight heat, bringing complexity to the dish.
  • Whole Kernel Corn: Adds sweetness and textural contrast to the creamy chili.
Beans and Creamy Components:
  • Great Northern Beans: Soft, creamy white beans that provide protein, texture, and hearty substance to the chili.
  • Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese, Half-and-Half: Creamy ingredients that create a rich, smooth texture and mellow out the spices.
Spices and Herbs:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Spice blend that builds layers of warmth and traditional chili flavor.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb for garnishing and adding a final burst of flavor.

Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili Process

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

Toss chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, beans, green chiles, corn, and spices into the crockpot.

These ingredients will create a flavor-packed foundation for your hearty chili.

Step 2: Slow Cook Chicken

Let the crockpot work its magic by cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, mixing it into the existing liquid.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Add softened cream cheese and half-and-half to transform the chili into a luxuriously smooth and creamy dish.

Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients blend seamlessly.

Step 5: Final Simmering

Allow the chili to simmer on low for an additional 15-20 minutes.

This extra time helps marry all the flavors and creates a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the warm, creamy chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Crispy tortilla strips
  • Sour cream
  • Diced avocado

White Chicken Chili Crockpot Tricks

  • Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and deeper flavor profile.
  • Replace cream cheese and half-and-half with coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Adjust heat by using mild or hot green chiles, or add fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
  • Temper cream cheese by stirring slowly and maintaining low temperature to ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, allowing easy meal prep for busy weeks.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili Storing It The Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chili fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth to maintain creamy consistency.
  • Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

Great Complements to Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili

  • Elevate Flavor with Fresh Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a crisp, light wheat beer or pale ale that complements the creamy, mild chili without overpowering its delicate spices.
  • Boost Texture with Crunchy Cornbread Accompaniment: Bake a slightly sweet, golden cornbread with jalapeño nibbles to provide a perfect textural contrast and enhance the chili's southwestern profile.
  • Balance Richness with Zesty Lime Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw dressed with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of honey to cut through the chili's creamy richness and add bright, refreshing notes.
  • Enhance Presentation with Garnish Variety: Top the chili with diced avocado, sharp shredded cheddar, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to create layers of flavor and visual appeal.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili Versions

  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meatless version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese, and use coconut milk instead of half-and-half to create a rich, creamy texture without dairy.
  • Protein-Packed Quinoa Style: Add cooked quinoa during the last hour of cooking to increase protein content and create a heartier meal with added nutritional value.
  • Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Remove corn and beans, increase chicken quantity, and use heavy cream instead of half-and-half to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level is mild to moderate. Green chiles add a slight kick, but you can adjust by using mild chiles or adding more for extra spiciness.

  • Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, frozen chicken works perfectly. Just add 1-2 hours to cooking time to ensure chicken is fully cooked through.

  • What if I don't have cream cheese?

You can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. Each will slightly change the flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and make sure it’s certified gluten-free if needed.

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Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting White Chicken Chili delivers a hearty Mexican-inspired bowl of pure deliciousness that simmers with rich, tender flavors. Gentle spices and creamy broth promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (15 ounces) cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (4 ounces) cans diced green chiles (one hot, one mild)
  • 1 (15 ounces) can whole kernel corn, drained

Liquids and Dairy:

  • 24 ounces chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup half-and-half

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine raw chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, white beans, diced green chiles, corn kernels, and aromatic spices in the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Cover and set the crockpot to low temperature, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for 6-7 hours, or alternatively use high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender.
  3. Carefully extract the cooked chicken from the liquid and use two forks to gently shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot.
  4. Cut cream cheese into smaller cubes to help it melt faster, then gradually incorporate the cream cheese and half-and-half into the chili, stirring consistently to create a smooth, velvety texture.
  5. Allow the chili to continue cooking on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, which helps blend the creamy elements and intensify the overall flavor profile.
  6. Ladle the hot, creamy chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for added zest.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easy-to-shred meat.
  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
  • Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creaminess.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting the type and amount of green chiles or adding jalapeños for extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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