Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe You’ll Adore

Whipping up a hearty slow cooker white chicken chili promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Cozy aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty peppers create a magical blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum deliciousness.

Mild spices and rich ingredients combine to craft a soul-warming dish perfect for lazy weekends or busy weeknights.

Quick preparation means you can set the slow cooker and walk away, returning to a magnificent meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Savor each spoonful and let this incredible chili transport you to a world of pure, comforting bliss.

How to Cook White Chicken Chili in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients

Transfer sautéed aromatics to slow cooker. Add:
  • Boneless chicken breasts
  • Canned green chiles
  • Chicken broth
  • White beans
  • Ground cumin
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chili

Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Step 4: Shred and Finish

Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Stir in:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle chili into bowls. Top with optional garnishes like:
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Shredded cheese
  • Lime wedges

Tips for Thick and Creamy Slow Cooker Chili

  • Minimize Onion Bitterness: Sauté onions until translucent and slightly golden to reduce sharp flavors and enhance natural sweetness.
  • Chicken Texture Trick: Shred chicken while it's warm for easier and more uniform pieces that absorb chili flavors perfectly.
  • Dairy Binding Secret: Temper cream cheese by cutting into small cubes and stirring gradually to prevent clumping and create smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust jalapeño quantity or swap with green chiles to control spiciness according to personal preference.
  • Boost Protein Variation: Replace chicken with turkey or use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and different flavor profile.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe Highlights

  • Dump and cook method makes this recipe incredibly simple, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal hands-on cooking time.
  • Mild, creamy chili appeals to both kids and adults, easily customizable with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or extra cheese.
  • Pressure cooker technique transforms raw chicken into tender, shreddable meat in just 15 minutes, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Creamy white chicken chili works brilliantly for casual gatherings, potlucks, and cozy family dinners, satisfying diverse taste preferences with its rich, hearty texture.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Base Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that gets tender and easily shredded, look for fresh or frozen boneless cuts.
  • Great Northern Beans: Creamy white beans that add texture and protein, canned beans work best for convenience.
Aromatic and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Onions, Garlic: Classic base for depth of flavor, fresh varieties provide the most robust taste.
  • Green Chiles: Mild pepper that adds subtle heat and brightness, canned green chiles are perfect for consistent flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that helps cook chicken and create chili consistency, low-sodium options recommended.
Finishing and Creaminess Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Provide rich, tangy creaminess that makes the chili smooth and luxurious, full-fat versions give best texture.
  • Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder, Oregano): Essential for creating authentic chili flavor profile, ground spices work best.

Storing White Chicken Chili for Future Meals

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chili fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best flavor and texture.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

  • Select a crisp, unoaked chardonnay to complement the chili's rich, creamy texture and balance its subtle heat.
  • Prepare a light cucumber salad with dill and lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
  • Bake jalapeño cornbread with a touch of honey to add a sweet-spicy dimension that echoes the chili's flavor profile.
  • Mix a light, non-alcoholic cilantro lime spritzer to mirror the chili's brightness and cleanse the palate between bites.

Customizing the White Chicken Chili Recipe Easily

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace white beans with cauliflower florets and use full-fat cream cheese for a ketogenic-friendly adaptation.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream and cashew yogurt to create a lactose-free option.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives like jackfruit or seitan for a meatless version.
  • Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced green chilies, increase jalapeño amount, and incorporate chipotle powder to elevate the heat and create a zestier flavor profile.

Answering Questions About White Chicken Chili

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They shred easily and absorb flavors wonderfully in the slow cooker.

  • Can I make this recipe without a pressure cooker?

Absolutely! Use a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.

  • Is this chili spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot green chiles and controlling the amount of chili powder.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.

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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

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

Description

Hearty slow cooker white chicken chili delivers comfort and warmth with creamy beans, tender chicken, and zesty green chiles. Packed with protein and rich flavors, this Mexican-inspired dish promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened (for creaminess)
  • ½ cup sour cream (or heavy cream)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (4 ounces / 113 grams) can diced green chilies
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Spices and Liquids:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
  • Juice of 1 lime

For Serving (Optional):

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Avocado slices
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Activate the slow cooker’s sauté function and caramelize diced onions with minced garlic for approximately 2 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence.
  2. Transfer the sautéed aromatics into the slow cooker and combine with chicken, white beans, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and salt, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Secure the lid and configure the slow cooker to high-pressure cooking mode for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
  4. Once cooking completes, implement a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to preserve moisture and prevent tough meat.
  5. Carefully extract and shred the chicken using two forks, returning the shredded meat back into the cooking liquid.
  6. Gently incorporate cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until smoothly integrated and creating a rich, creamy texture.
  7. Allow the chili to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling the dairy components to fully blend and develop a harmonious consistency.
  8. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a balanced mixture of chicken, beans, and creamy broth.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using homemade chicken broth or low-sodium store-bought versions for better control of salt content.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantities or using mild green chiles for a kid-friendly version.
  • Skip dairy for lighter options by substituting cream cheese with Greek yogurt or coconut cream to maintain creamy texture.
  • Boost protein and nutrition by adding extra beans like cannellini or black beans for more hearty and filling meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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