Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipes That Will Blow

Ever wondered how a mouthwatering white chicken chili could become your weeknight dinner superhero?

Tender chicken simmers alongside creamy beans in a delightful slow cooker magic.

Comfort meets convenience when spices dance through this effortless meal.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a warm embrace for hungry souls.

Pantry staples transform into something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Gentle cooking coaxes deep flavors from simple components, promising a satisfying feast.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili With Rich Depth

  • Unleash Effortless Cooking: This slow cooker white chicken chili transforms complex meal preparation into a hands-off culinary adventure. Simply toss ingredients, walk away, and return to a delicious, hearty dinner.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Chopping takes mere minutes, and the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. Busy home cooks can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Gatherings: This chili adapts beautifully for game day, family dinners, or casual weekend get-togethers. Its customizable heat level and simple toppings make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
  • Nutrition-Packed Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and a punch of flavor from spices, this recipe offers a balanced, wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet nutritious.

What You Use For Slow Cooker White Chili

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that becomes tender in slow cooker, perfect for a hearty chili.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and additional chicken flavor for the chili.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • Cannellini Beans, Pinto Beans: Creamy and protein-rich beans that add texture and substance.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the chili.
  • Garlic: Provides robust, savory undertone to the dish.
  • Jalapeno: Optional ingredient for heat and extra spiciness.
Seasonings and Cheese:
  • Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice essential for authentic chili flavor.
  • Dried Oregano: Herbal note that complements the chili's profile.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warmth.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning.
  • Salsa Verde: Tangy green sauce that adds moisture and zesty flavor.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild, creamy cheese for topping and extra richness.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Veggies

Finely chop the onion into small pieces.

Mince the garlic until it’s almost paste-like.

If you’re adding heat, carefully dice the jalapeño into tiny bits.

Step 2: Build the Slow Cooker Base

Place whole chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Layer on top with these ingredients:
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced jalapeño
  • White beans
  • Ground cumin
  • Dried oregano
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Black pepper

Pour salsa verde and chicken broth over all ingredients, ensuring everything is well-covered.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

The chicken is ready when it’s completely tender and easily falls apart.

Step 4: Shred and Mix

Carefully remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker.

Using two forks, shred the meat into soft, pulled pieces.

Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to blend with other ingredients.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Scoop the steaming chili into serving bowls.

Sprinkle generously with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Tips

  • Adjust cayenne pepper and jalapeño quantities to match your spice tolerance, creating a personalized flavor profile.
  • Replace chicken breast with turkey or rotisserie chicken for variety and convenience, maintaining the chili's delicious essence.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some beans or stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Skip the cheese topping and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests.
  • This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead dinner option for busy weeks.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Warming Up Leftovers Right

  • Store leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
  • Heat individual portions in microwave-safe dishes, stirring midway through and checking temperature to ensure even heating throughout the chili.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

  • Savor Creamy Cheese Companions: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or crumbled queso fresco on top for a tangy cheese twist that complements the chili's rich flavors.
  • Craft Perfect Beverage Matches: Pair with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or a light, citrusy wheat beer that cuts through the chili's richness and balances its spicy notes.
  • Enhance Texture with Crunchy Sides: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, warm cornbread, or buttery garlic bread to add delightful crunch and soak up the delicious broth.
  • Boost Fresh Brightness: Top with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a squeeze of lime to introduce a zesty, vibrant layer that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

Slow Cooked White Chicken Chili Options

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth for a complete meat-free version.
  • Spicy Green Chili Edition: Add roasted green chiles and increase cayenne pepper for an intensified southwestern heat profile.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative: Use no-salt chicken broth, reduced-sodium salsa verde, and skip added salt to create a heart-friendly recipe.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap beans for cauliflower florets and increase healthy fats by adding heavy cream or extra cheese to maintain creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates.

FAQs

  • Why use a slow cooker for this white chicken chili?

Slow cookers help develop deeper flavors by allowing ingredients to simmer together slowly, making the chicken incredibly tender and infusing the spices throughout the dish without constant monitoring.

  • Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, but pre-soak dried beans overnight and adjust liquid quantities. Dried beans will require slightly more cooking time and may need additional chicken broth to prevent drying out.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the salsa verde and optional jalapeño. You can control spiciness by choosing mild salsa verde or reducing cayenne pepper. For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds or skip it entirely.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, choose a low-fat salsa verde, and opt for reduced-fat cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy, comforting slow cooker white chicken chili brings Mexican-inspired warmth to dinner tables everywhere. Creamy beans, tender chicken, and bold spices create a hearty meal packed with flavor and easy weeknight satisfaction you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 0.75 pounds or 340 grams)
  • 2 15-ounce (425 grams) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 16-ounce (454 grams) jar salsa verde

Aromatics and Spices:

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Toppings:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Carefully chop onions into uniform pieces, creating a fine mince for garlic, and precisely dice jalapeños to distribute heat evenly throughout the dish.
  2. Position chicken breasts as the foundational layer inside the slow cooker, then methodically sprinkle chopped aromatics and seasonings over the meat.
  3. Gently cascade salsa verde and chicken broth around the ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and moisture distribution.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the contents to simmer and meld together, transforming raw ingredients into a harmonious blend of flavors over several hours.
  5. Once chicken reaches optimal tenderness, extract the breasts and delicately shred using two forks, breaking down the protein into soft, manageable threads.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the liquid base, stirring carefully to reintegrate and absorb the surrounding seasonings and salsa verde.
  7. Transfer the steaming chili into serving bowls, creating an inviting presentation that showcases the rich, multilayered textures.
  8. Crown each portion with a generous sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese, allowing its creamy essence to complement the robust, spicy chili.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or using mild salsa verde for sensitive palates.
  • Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce spiciness while maintaining pepper flavor complexity.
  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat texture and deeper flavor profile.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and enhance personal seasoning preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 640 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 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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