Easy White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

White chicken chili can make your slow cooker shine like a culinary superhero on busy weeknights.

Comfort arrives in unexpected ways with this hearty meal.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken and gentle spices.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this effortless or delicious.

Beans and green chiles create a robust backdrop for simple ingredients.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

We guarantee this recipe will become your new go-to comfort classic that everyone will request again and again.

White Chicken Chili in the Slow Cooker for Cozy Nights

• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker does all the hard work, letting you set it and forget it without constant monitoring.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Bomb: Mild spices and creamy texture make this chili appealing to kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.
• Quick Prep, Minimal Effort: Dump ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away, and return to a delicious, hearty meal with minimal kitchen time and cleanup.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Flexible toppings like cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños allow each person to personalize their bowl and enjoy their perfect chili experience.

White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Hearty, lean protein that adds substance to the chili, best when fresh and boneless.
• Shredded Cheese: Creamy topping that adds richness and extra protein, great for classic white chili style.

• White Beans: Soft, creamy base that provides protein and texture, choose canned or pre-soaked beans.
• Green Chilies: Mild pepper adding subtle heat and depth, typically found in mild or medium canned varieties.
• Onion: Aromatic base that builds flavor foundation, sweet when slow-cooked.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that adds depth to the chili.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice essential for authentic chili flavor, ground version works best.
• Oregano: Classic herb that brings herbal notes, dried version preferred for slow cooking.
• Chili Powder: Adds gentle heat and complex flavor, standard blend recommended.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky undertone that enhances overall depth, adds warmth without intense heat.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that balances all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Subtle heat and sharpness, freshly ground preferred.
• Cayenne: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers.

• Cream Cheese: Rich, smooth ingredient that creates velvety texture.
• Sour Cream: Tangy component that adds creaminess and slight tang.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic finish that lifts entire dish's flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro: Optional herb for fresh, bright topping.
• Jalapeños: Optional spicy garnish for extra heat.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy topping for textural contrast.

White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Instructions

Step 1: Toss Chicken and Spices Into Slow Cooker

Place chicken breasts inside the slow cooker.

• Onion
• Garlic
• White beans
• Green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure spices coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Mixture

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.

The chicken should become super tender and easily fall apart.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker.

Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into soft, bite-sized shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Lime juice

Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the cheese melt completely and blend with the other flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Scoop the chili into serving bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crispy tortilla chips

Enjoy your comforting and zesty white chicken chili!

Slow Cooker Tips for White Chicken Chili

• Slice chicken breasts into even, thick pieces for consistent cooking and juicier results.
• Cut cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
• Adjust cayenne pepper carefully – start with a tiny pinch for mild heat, then gradually increase to suit your tolerance.
• Replace cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Rinse canned white beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove excess starch, helping maintain a cleaner, fresher chili flavor.

White Chicken Chili Reheat Guide

• Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.

Satisfying Pairings for White Chicken Chili

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The bright, acidic white wine cuts through the creamy chili and complements its zesty green chili and lime flavors, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Cornbread Jalapeño Muffins: These spicy-sweet side companions enhance the chili's warmth, providing a perfect textural contrast with their golden, crumbly exterior and soft interior.
• Top with Crunchy Tortilla Strips: These crispy additions bring a delightful textural element, adding a satisfying crackle and salty note that elevates the chili's creamy richness.
• Match with Mexican Lager Beer: A cold, light beer like Modelo or Corona neutralizes the chili's heat, offering a clean, crisp counterpoint that refreshes the palate between spoonfuls.

White Chicken Chili Cozy Options

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and sour cream with coconut milk and cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap white beans with cauliflower florets and add extra protein by increasing chicken quantity for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced bell peppers, increase cayenne pepper, and incorporate fresh jalapeños for an extra heat-packed rendition of the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Protein Bowl: Substitute chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra firm tofu, using vegetable broth to create a hearty meatless chili.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the green chilies and optional cayenne. For a milder version, use mild green chilies and skip the cayenne. For more heat, add extra cayenne or fresh jalapeños.

• Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can add frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker. Just increase cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

• What type of beans work best?

White beans like cannellini or great northern beans are perfect. They hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture. Avoid canned beans with added salt to control seasoning.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrients. Choose lean chicken breasts for lower fat content.

Easy White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting White Chicken Chili simmers quietly in slow cookers, merging Mexican-inspired flavors with hearty ingredients. Creamy, zesty, and packed with tender chicken, this chili delivers a soul-warming meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 (15 ounces) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 ounces) can diced green chilies
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by layering chicken breasts at the bottom, creating a foundational protein base for the chili.
2. Sprinkle chopped onions and minced garlic over the chicken to infuse aromatic flavors throughout the dish.
3. Gently pour white beans and diced green chilies around the chicken, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Season the mixture with cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne for a robust and complex flavor profile.
5. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are slightly submerged and well-moistened.
6. Cover the slow cooker and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, enabling the chicken to become supremely tender and flavors to meld together.
7. Carefully extract the chicken and use two forks to shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces, then return it to the cooking liquid.
8. Introduce cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh lime juice into the chili, stirring gently to create a rich, velvety texture.
9. Let the chili rest for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the dairy components to fully integrate and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
10. Ladle the chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat.
• Reduce spiciness by cutting cayenne pepper or using mild green chilies for sensitive palates.
• Make dairy-free by replacing cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream alternative.
• Prep ingredients night before and store in refrigerator to save morning cooking time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg