Cozy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Heartwarming Comfort

Crafting a delightful white chicken chili opens up a world of comforting flavors that dance on your palate.

creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken and hearty beans.

Warm spices create a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary hug.

Southwest-inspired ingredients bring unexpected depth to this classic comfort dish.

Fragrant aromas will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of zesty and smooth sensations.

Come hungry and leave satisfied with this soul-warming meal that sparks joy at the dinner table.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level is mild to medium. Green chilies add a subtle kick, but you can adjust the spiciness by using mild green chilies or adding more chili powder for extra heat.

• Can I use chicken breast or thighs?

Both work perfectly. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and tend to be more tender, while chicken breasts are leaner. Choose based on your preference and dietary needs.

• What if I don't have a crockpot?

You can make this in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until chicken is tender and flavors meld together.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s gluten-free status.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili That’s Warm and Cozy

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Lifesaver: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, creating a hassle-free meal that practically cooks itself without constant monitoring.
• Cozy Comfort Food Champion: Delivers warm, creamy, and satisfying flavors perfect for chilly evenings, providing ultimate comfort with minimal kitchen effort and maximum taste.
• Customizable Family Pleaser: Flexible recipe allows easy ingredient swaps or toppings to suit different preferences, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combines lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and nutrient-dense vegetables into a single hearty meal that's both delicious and wholesome.

Comfort Bowl Essentials for Crockpot White Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that provides the main protein base for the chili, choose fresh or frozen cuts with good marbling.
• White Beans: Soft legumes that add extra protein and creamy texture to the dish, opt for canned or home-cooked varieties.

• Onion: Provides a foundational flavor and subtle sweetness to the chili.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and warm flavor without the texture of fresh garlic.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that gives authentic southwestern flavor profile.
• Chili Powder: Brings warmth and mild heat to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky undertone and rich color to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Introduces mild heat and bright pepper flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the base liquid for cooking and adding moisture.
• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, tangy creaminess and helps thicken the chili.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and additional richness.
• Frozen Corn: Brings sweetness and texture to the chili.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing overall flavor.
• Monterey Jack Cheese, Fresh Cilantro: Optional toppings for garnish and extra flavor.

White Chicken Chili Crockpot Method

Step 1: Prep the Protein and Spices

Grab your crockpot and nestle chicken pieces inside.

• White beans
• Green chilies
• Diced onions
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

Give everything a good mix to blend all those delicious flavors together.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and let your crockpot work its magic.

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

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Carefully pull the chicken out and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Frozen corn

Cover and let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cream cheese melts completely and the chili gets wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Give the chili a good stir and taste.

Adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of white chicken chili!

Slow Cooker Tips for White Chicken Chili

• Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.
• Choose canned white beans like cannellini or great northern for creamy, smooth consistency without extra prep work.
• Add a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream just before serving to enhance the chili's tangy and creamy profile.
• Adjust the heat by using mild or hot green chilies, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more kick.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, and the flavors will continue to develop and taste even better the next day.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili Storage

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Transfer chili to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili seems too thick.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add a little liquid if needed to prevent drying out.

Perfect Complements for White Chicken Chili

• Craft Beer Companion: Select a crisp wheat beer or light amber ale that balances the chili's creaminess with refreshing hop notes. Mexican-style lagers like Modelo Especial complement the southwestern flavors perfectly.
• Zesty Side Salad: Toss a bright citrus and avocado salad with lime vinaigrette to cut through the rich, creamy chili. The fresh, tangy elements will provide a delightful contrast to the hearty main dish.
• Cornbread Comfort: Bake a slightly sweet jalapeño cornbread with green onions to serve alongside. The slightly spicy, crumbly texture will soak up the chili's creamy broth and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that can stand up to the chili's robust flavors. These lighter white wines will refresh the palate between each creamy, spicy bite.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili Cozy Variants

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk and cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the chili's rich, creamy texture.
• Lean Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with ground turkey or white fish for a lower-fat alternative that still delivers robust flavor and protein.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and extra chili powder to amp up the heat and create a more intense, smoky flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth and adding extra beans for protein and heartiness.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Crockpot white chicken chili brings hearty southwestern comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Simmering tender chicken, white beans, and green chiles creates a soul-warming meal that satisfies hungry families seeking delicious, effortless home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can white beans (such as Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 ounces / 113 grams) can diced green chilies
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen corn

Spices, Liquids, and Extras:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can low-sodium chicken broth
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Layer chicken pieces into the slow cooker, creating an even base for the chili’s foundation.
2. Sprinkle white beans, diced green chilies, minced onion, and aromatic spices like garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika across the chicken.
3. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Gently mix all components to ensure even distribution of spices and liquid throughout the mixture.
5. Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to transform the ingredients on low heat for 6–7 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender.
6. Extract the chicken and meticulously shred using two forks, breaking the meat into delicate, succulent strands.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the simmering liquid, reintegrating it into the developing chili.
8. Introduce cream cheese, creating a luxurious, velvety texture by stirring until it melts completely.
9. Pour in heavy cream and scatter frozen corn kernels, allowing them to warm and infuse additional sweetness.
10. Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes, letting flavors meld and intensify.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning, balancing salt and pepper to personal preference.
12. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese and fresh, vibrant cilantro.

Notes

• Select bone-in chicken for extra flavor and moisture, ensuring tender and juicy meat that won’t dry out during slow cooking.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as healthier alternatives for a lighter version of the chili without compromising creamy texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting green chili types or adding jalapeños for those who enjoy spicier dishes, making it adaptable to different taste preferences.
• Prepare this recipe in advance and freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prepping or having a quick comforting meal ready on busy nights.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 628
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 744 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 164 mg