Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

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

Chili lovers rejoice as this white chicken chili recipe delivers a comforting bowl of pure deliciousness.

Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices, this easy crockpot white chicken chili brings warmth to any meal.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, blending rich flavors into a hearty dish that’s both simple and satisfying.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Fragrant herbs and mild green chilies create a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Each spoonful promises a delightful mix of protein and comfort.

What Makes Crockpot White Chicken Chili So Loved

  • Breeze Through Meal Prep: Dump all ingredients into the crockpot without complicated chopping or extensive kitchen skills, making this recipe perfect for busy people who want delicious meals with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Enjoy versatile toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips that let everyone personalize their bowl and create a unique dining experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of warming spices, this chili delivers rich, satisfying flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: With just one pot and simple ingredients, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess and cleanup time, allowing you to spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a hearty meal.

What’s in Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat that provides a lean protein base for the chili.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • White Beans: Creamy legumes that add texture and extra protein to the dish.
  • Green Chiles: Mild peppers that bring a subtle heat and tangy flavor to the chili.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that create a warm and complex flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and moisture to the chili.
  • Heavy Cream or Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that gives a rich and smooth finish to the dish.

Crockpot Steps for White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Toss Everything into the Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty crockpot and dump in the chicken breasts, creating a delicious foundation for your meal.

Next, sprinkle in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • White beans
  • Green chiles
  • Chicken broth
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Make sure all ingredients are well combined for maximum taste potential.

Step 2: Let the Magic Happen

Cover your crockpot and let it work its culinary wonder.

If you’re in a hurry, set it on high for 3-4 hours.

If you’ve got time to spare, go low and slow for 6-8 hours.

The longer it cooks, the more incredible the flavors become.

Step 3: Shred and Transform the Chicken

Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot.

Using two forks, shred the chicken into tender, mouth-watering pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly with the existing ingredients.

Step 4: Create Creamy Perfection

Introduce richness by stirring in either heavy cream or cream cheese.

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

This step elevates the chili from good to absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming white chicken chili into bowls.

Top with your favorite garnishes like:
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Crispy tortilla strips

Dive in and savor every delicious spoonful!

Top Tips for White Chicken Chili Fans

  • Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts, creating tender, even pieces that blend seamlessly into the chili.
  • Toast cumin and chili powder in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding to enhance their rich, robust taste.
  • Add cream cheese or heavy cream gradually, stirring constantly to prevent separation and achieve a silky smooth texture.
  • Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lower-fat version without compromising creamy consistency.
  • Adjust spice by using mild or hot green chiles, or add a splash of hot sauce for extra kick depending on your preference.

Creative Twists for Crockpot Chicken Chili

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with white beans, tofu, or jackfruit, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase the heat level for spice lovers.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower instead of beans and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly adaptation.

Serving Up Crockpot White Chicken Chili Right

  • Creamy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls for a cozy, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.
  • Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, diced green onions, shredded monterey jack cheese, and a dollop of sour cream to add vibrant flavors and textures.
  • Game Day Delight: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips or cornbread for a satisfying meal perfect for casual gatherings and sports watching parties.
  • Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for quick lunches, or freeze portions for easy future meals that taste just as delicious as the first serving.

Storage Advice for Leftover White Chicken Chili

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy.

FAQs

  • Is this chili spicy?

The heat level is mild to moderate. Green chiles add a gentle warmth, but you can adjust spiciness by using mild or hot green chiles or adding extra chili powder.

  • Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just increase cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  • What if I want a thicker chili?

To thicken the chili, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help create a more substantial consistency.

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Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

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

Description

Savory White Chicken Chili brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. Creamy beans, tender chicken, and subtle spices create a hearty meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles

Liquid and Dairy:

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or cream cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Cilantro
  • Jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Place whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating a base layer for the chili.
  2. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly across the chicken for comprehensive seasoning.
  3. Gently pour chicken broth around the chicken, ensuring all ingredients are well-distributed.
  4. Add white beans and green chiles to the mixture, maintaining an even spread throughout the crockpot.
  5. Cover and set the crockpot to low temperature, allowing the flavors to meld for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
  6. Carefully remove chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring to integrate with the existing ingredients.
  8. Incorporate heavy cream or cream cheese, mixing thoroughly until the chili reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
  9. Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to further develop and sauce to thicken.
  10. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with preferred toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easily shredded meat.
  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and customize the seasoning to your taste.
  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still adds creaminess.
  • Prep ingredients the night before and store in the crockpot liner in the refrigerator for a quick morning start.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 237 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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