The Heartiest Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Slow cooker white chicken chili ignites a flavor explosion that transforms mundane weeknight dinners into culinary magic.

This creamy, zesty marvel weaves tender chicken with bold, warming spices that tantalize your senses.

Mild green chiles whisper a gentle heat, promising depth without fire-breathing intensity.

Protein-packed and comforting, the chili wraps you in a delicious blanket of satisfaction.

Each spoonful tells a story of effortless cooking and brilliant taste combinations.

The recipe’s simplicity belies its complex flavor profile, making it a secret weapon for home cooks.

Wow everyone at the dinner table, this chili is about to become your new obsession.

Serving White Chicken Chili Hot and Hearty

• Serve with Warm Comfort: Pair this hearty chicken chili with freshly baked cornbread or soft flour tortillas for a satisfying meal that warms from the inside out.
• Create a Colorful Topping Bar: Offer additional garnishes like chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and extra lime wedges so everyone can customize their bowl.
• Build a Complete Meal Spread: Complement the chili with a crisp green salad or quick Mexican-style rice to round out the dining experience and add extra nutrition.
• Enjoy Leftovers Creatively: Transform remaining chili into a delicious burrito filling, topping for nachos, or a flavorful base for stuffed peppers the next day.

How to Store It and Prep for Busy Days

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and divide portions into meal-prep containers for quick weeknight dinners throughout the week.
• Freeze with Finesse: Store cooled chili in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation by removing excess air before sealing.
• Refrigerator Revival: Properly stored chili stays fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, with flavors developing more depth as they meld together over time.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm refrigerated or thawed chili slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent scorching.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for White Chicken Chili Made Easy

• Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for tender, juicy results.

• Cumin, Coriander, Oregano, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Select whole spices and grind fresh for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic depth.

• Cannellini Beans: Opt for low-sodium, well-drained beans to control salt content and ensure clean texture.
• Green Chiles: Select fire-roasted varieties for smoky undertones and vibrant green color.
• Garlic: Pick firm, compact bulbs with tight, unbroken skin for robust, pungent flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium, organic options for cleaner, more natural taste profile.

• Heavy Cream, Masa Harina: Look for fresh, high-quality cream and finely ground masa for smooth, silky consistency.
• Frozen Corn: Select sweet, golden kernels without freezer burn for bright, fresh flavor.

• Monterey Jack Cheese, Avocado, Lime Wedges: Choose ripe, creamy avocados, freshly grated cheese, and bright, firm limes for zesty finish.

Tools That Make White Chicken Chili Foolproof

• Slow Cooker (6-8 quart): Perfect for hands-off, tender chicken cooking.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Great for combining spices and creating flavorful blends.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for precise seasoning and balanced taste.
• Whisk: Helps blend cream and masa harina smoothly without lumps.
• Forks: Ideal for shredding cooked chicken into delicate strands.
• Ladle: Helps serve chili evenly into warm bowls.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping garnishes like avocado and preparing lime wedges.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise ingredient preparation.

How to Slow Cook White Chicken Chili

Create Zesty Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Chili

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Drop chicken breasts into your slow cooker and unleash a party of bold southwestern spices by generously coating the meat with a vibrant blend of cumin, coriander, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

• Build Hearty Layers

Tumble in cannellini beans, green chiles, minced garlic, and pour chicken broth around the seasoned chicken, creating a rich foundation that will simmer and develop deep, comforting flavors throughout the day.

• Transform and Thicken

After cooking on low for 7-8 hours until chicken falls apart effortlessly, shred the meat and return it to the pot. Whisk heavy cream with masa harina to create a luxurious, velvety texture that elevates the chili from good to extraordinary.

• Final Flavor Fusion

Stir in frozen corn and let everything meld together for a final 30-minute simmer, allowing the ingredients to dance and blend their personalities into a harmonious southwestern symphony.

• Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and crown each serving with a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese, creamy avocado chunks, and a bright squeeze of fresh lime for a meal that celebrates comfort and excitement.

Tips for Spice, Creaminess, or Extras

A fun guide to making this white chicken chili uniquely yours!

Swap chicken breasts for turkey or pork for a different flavor profile that keeps things exciting and fresh.

Adjust red pepper flakes to dial heat up or down – from mild family-friendly to fiery southwestern kick. Start with half the recommended amount and taste test before adding more.

Want thicker chili? Let it simmer uncovered during final 30 minutes to naturally reduce liquid. Prefer soupier consistency? Add extra chicken broth before serving.

This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat slowly, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture and prevent separation.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty white chicken chili from the Pioneer Woman brings southwestern comfort to kitchen tables. Rich layers of tender chicken, green chiles, and creamy beans create a satisfying meal for family gatherings you’ll savor with warmth and delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 chicken breasts, skinless, boneless (24 oz / 680 g)
• 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz / 425 g each)
• 1 bag frozen corn (10 oz / 280 g)
• 2 cans chopped green chiles (4 oz / 113 g each)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (480 ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml)
• 2 tbsps masa harina
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Monterey Jack cheese, grated, for topping
• Avocado, freshly chopped, for topping
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Create a vibrant spice blend by combining ground cumin, coriander, dried oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage in a single layer within the slow cooker.
3. Initial Cooking Setup: Add cannellini beans, green chiles, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the slow cooker, gently mixing to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Set slow cooker to low temperature and cook for 7 to 8 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender and easily shreddable.
5. Meat Preparation: Carefully remove chicken from cooking liquid and shred into uniform, fine pieces using two forks.
6. Creamy Thickening: Whisk heavy cream and masa harina until smooth, then reintroduce shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the cream mixture and frozen corn.
7. Final Cooking Stage: Continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes to intensify flavors and achieve desired consistency.
8. Serving Presentation: Ladle the hot chili into bowls, topping with Monterey Jack cheese, diced avocado, and accompanying with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Generously coat chicken with spice blend before slow cooking to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration throughout the meat.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Shred chicken with two forks while it’s warm for the most tender, easily pulled apart consistency that blends seamlessly into the chili.
• Thickening Technique: Mix masa harina with heavy cream separately to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky base that naturally thickens the chili without compromising texture.
• Time and Temperature Wisdom: Slow cook on low for 7-8 hours to guarantee ultra-tender chicken and allow spices to develop a complex, robust flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg