Looking for a cozy, flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself? This White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) is your new go-to comfort food. It’s a creamy, protein-packed twist on traditional chili that’s perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or family dinners. Made with tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and zesty green chiles, this recipe simmers low and slow to deliver bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking the fridge, this easy slow cooker recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooking: Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work—no babysitting required!
- Creamy & Comforting: Rich in flavor thanks to cream cheese and savory broth, this chili is smooth, satisfying, and comforting.
- Healthy & Hearty: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich beans, it’s a wholesome meal that keeps you full.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week—it’s even better the next day!
- Customizable Heat Level: From mild to fiery, you control the spice with jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
- Boneless Chicken Breasts – The star protein that becomes juicy and shreddable after slow cooking.
- White Beans – Creamy and mild, they add heartiness and soak up the chili’s savory flavor.
- Diced Green Chiles – Add a gentle kick and authentic Southwestern flavor.
- Chicken Broth – Acts as the flavorful base that ties everything together.
- Cream Cheese – Melts into the chili for a velvety, comforting texture.
- Spices (Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder) – Build depth and classic chili taste with a hint of warmth.
- Garlic & Onion – Add aromatic richness and savory balance to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
- Layer the Ingredients: Place chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with white beans, diced green chiles, chopped onion, minced garlic, and all the spices.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth until the ingredients are just covered.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in Cream Cheese: Add cubed cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth. Let it heat for an additional 10–15 minutes if needed.
- Serve & Top: Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, or shredded cheese.
Expert Tip: Use full-fat cream cheese for extra richness and avoid curdling—add it at the end, not during the main cook time.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the beans for cauliflower florets or chopped zucchini.
- Thicken the Chili: Use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the beans before adding the chicken back in.
- Add Sweet Corn: For a slightly sweet balance, stir in a cup of frozen corn before serving.
How to Store & Reheat
- To Store: Let chili cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker), here are a few more cozy and satisfying meals to try next:
- 🍲 Classic Chili Recipe – A hearty, meaty, and comforting chili that’s perfect for game day or chilly evenings.
- 🍋 Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice – Tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice all in one easy crockpot dish.
- 🥔 Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes (Easy Slow Cooker Recipe) – A rich and savory beef dinner that practically melts in your mouth, all made hands-off in the slow cooker.
These slow cooker favorites are just as easy, flavorful, and comforting—perfect additions to your dinner rotation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it absorbs the flavors without overcooking.
What’s the best type of beans to use?
Great Northern or cannellini beans are ideal. You can also use navy beans or a mix of white beans.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or coconut cream for a similar texture without dairy.
How do I thicken the chili if it’s too thin?
Use a cornstarch slurry or mash some of the beans directly in the pot to naturally thicken the mixture.
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) to comfort and satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this easy chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it once and you’ll find yourself coming back to this creamy, cozy favorite again and again.
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White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
- – 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- – 2 15 oz cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- – 1 4 oz can diced green chiles
- – 1 small onion diced
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
- – 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- – 1 tsp ground cumin
- – 1 tsp dried oregano
- – 1/2 tsp chili powder
- – 1/2 tsp black pepper
- – 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- – 1 8 oz block cream cheese, cubed
- – Juice of 1 lime optional
- – Salt to taste
- – Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add beans, green chiles, diced onion, garlic, and all spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and cover.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to slow cooker.
- Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on high if needed.
- Stir in lime juice if using.
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
– To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
– Can substitute rotisserie chicken; just add in the last 30 minutes.