Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering slow cooker white chicken chili that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of aromatic spices, this chili delivers a hearty meal with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this simple yet flavorful recipe that comes together effortlessly.

The slow cooker works its magic, melding rich flavors and creating a dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Robust green chiles and tender white beans add depth and texture to every spoonful.

Topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, this chili transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Grab a bowl and let the deliciousness transport you to comfort food heaven.

White Chicken Chili Made in the Slow Cooker

  • Dump and Go Delight: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker without complex prep, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want minimal kitchen effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and warm spices, this chili satisfies diverse palates and brings families together around the dinner table.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Customize with optional toppings like cilantro and lime, making it adaptable for casual weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend gatherings with friends.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker method allows ingredients to simmer and develop rich flavors while you focus on other tasks, delivering a hassle-free cooking experience.

Ingredients for Set-and-Forget White Chili

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Fresh meat that provides the main protein base for the chili.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • White Beans: Soft legumes that add texture and additional protein to the dish.
  • Green Chilies: Mild peppers that bring a subtle heat and fresh flavor to the chili.
  • Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Dried seasonings that enhance the overall savory profile of the chili.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cumin, Coriander, Chili Powder, Paprika: Warm spices that create a complex and rich flavor foundation.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Creamy ingredients that add richness and smooth texture to the chili.
Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the chicken and creates the chili's base.
Optional Garnish:
  • Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh herbs and citrus that provide brightness and additional flavor when serving.

Simple Directions for Slow Cooker White Chili

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place whole chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker as the base of your delicious chili.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Gather your ingredients and add them to the slow cooker:
  • White beans
  • Green chilies
  • Chicken broth
  • Cumin
  • Coriander
  • Chili powder
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together until well combined, creating a rich and aromatic mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

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

The chicken should become completely tender and easily fall apart.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker.

Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, mixing it into the flavorful base.

Step 5: Creamy Finish

Introduce a luxurious creaminess by stirring in:
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream

Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low setting, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot chili into bowls.

Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze of lime for an extra burst of brightness.

Enjoy your comforting and hearty meal!

Tips for Rich and Creamy Slow Cooker Chili

  • Use two forks to pull chicken apart while it's still warm for the most tender, moist shredded meat.
  • Add sour cream and heavy cream at the end to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, rich texture.
  • Modify spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and green chilies to suit your heat preference.
  • Swap white beans with pinto or cannellini beans for a different flavor profile while keeping the recipe's core essence.
  • Prepare the chili in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

Ways to Mix Up Your Slow Cooker Chili Batch

  • Spicy Pepper Swap: Replace green chilies with jalapeños or habaneros for extra heat and a more intense flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth for a meatless version.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream for a lactose-free adaptation.
  • Low-Carb Lean Option: Replace white beans with cauliflower florets and add extra protein through additional chicken or ground turkey to reduce carbohydrate content.

Ideas for Presenting White Chili Warm and Cozy

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty white chicken chili with warm cornbread or fluffy flour tortillas for a complete meal that hugs everyone's taste buds.
  • Toppings Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded monterey jack cheese, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and a dollop of extra sour cream to elevate the chili's flavor and texture.
  • Game Day Champion: Serve in large mugs or rustic bowls during football watch parties, letting guests customize their chili with an array of fresh toppings and zesty lime wedges.
  • Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for quick lunches, or freeze portions for busy weeknights when cooking feels overwhelming.

Saving Slow Cooker White Chili for Meal Prep

  • 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.
  • Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.

  • Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot green chilies, or adding more chili powder.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute the sour cream and heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative cream to keep the recipe creamy and delicious.

  • What if I don't have all the spices?

You can use a pre-mixed taco or chili seasoning blend as a substitute for individual spices. Adjust the amount to taste.

Print
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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker white chicken chili warms souls with its creamy blend of tender chicken, white beans, and zesty green chiles. Rich southwestern flavors mingle perfectly, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 2 cans white beans (Great Northern or Cannellini beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can green chilies, diced (4 ounces / 113 grams)
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Broth and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Creamy and Garnish Components:

  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 0.25 cup (57 grams) cream cheese
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Optional Serving Toppings:

  • Tortilla chips
  • Shredded cheese
  • Avocado
  • Jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Gently nestle whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker base, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  2. Pour white beans, diced green chilies, and fragrant chicken broth over the chicken. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of cumin, coriander, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper across the mixture. Softly fold ingredients together until well integrated.
  3. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chili to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Confirm chicken reaches complete tenderness and thorough cooking.
  4. Carefully extract chicken from the liquid using tongs. Utilize two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces. Reintroduce shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
  5. Gently incorporate sour cream and rich heavy cream into the chili. Continue cooking on low setting for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
  6. Transfer chili to serving bowls while steaming hot. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and squeeze of zesty lime wedges for enhanced brightness.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that won’t dry out during slow cooking.
  • Add extra green chilies or jalapeños for increased heat and deeper flavor complexity.
  • Include cream cheese alongside sour cream for an even creamier, more luxurious texture in the chili.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and boost protein content for health-conscious eaters.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 314 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 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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