Easy White Chicken Chili Crockpot Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This white chicken chili crockpot recipe delivers creamy, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Imagine tender chicken, wholesome beans, and a rich, spiced broth all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner that practically makes itself.

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili Crockpot Recipe

This easy white chicken chili crockpot recipe is a game-changer for busy households. Here are just a few reasons why it will become a staple:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into your slow cooker. Minimal prep means more time for you.
• Rich Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows all the spices and ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a deep, satisfying taste. Understanding the science behind slow cooking can explain why it develops such rich flavors. For more insight, explore the benefits of slow cooking.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Set it and forget it! Come home to a warm, ready-to-eat dinner after a long day.
• Hearty & Comforting: This chili is incredibly filling, making it a perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
• Highly Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings to suit everyone’s preferences, adding freshness or an extra kick.

Ingredients for White Chicken Chili

To make this delightful white chicken chili crockpot recipe, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 24 oz. chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 15oz cans great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 4oz cans diced green chiles (I do one hot, one mild)
• 1 15oz can whole kernel corn (drained)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 3/4 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Small handful fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup half and half
• Optional Toppings: sliced jalapeños, sliced avocados, dollop of sour cream, minced fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this white chicken chili crockpot recipe to your liking. Try boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even more tender meat. Cannellini beans or pinto beans also work wonderfully in place of Great Northern beans. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level; omit for mild or add more for heat. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream cheese and a non-dairy milk alternative, like unsweetened cashew milk. Feel free to add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or a handful of fresh spinach during the last hour of cooking.

Equipment You’ll Need

Gathering your equipment before you begin makes cooking smooth and enjoyable. You will need:

• A 6-quart (minimum) slow cooker to fit all the ingredients.
• A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife for preparing vegetables.
• A few mixing bowls for prep and shredding the chicken.
• A fork or shredding claws to easily shred the cooked chicken.
• A whisk to ensure your cream cheese blends perfectly into the chili.

How to Make White Chicken Chili in a Crockpot (Step-by-Step)

Creating this creamy white chicken chili crockpot recipe is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a delicious, hearty meal.

1. Prepare Chicken & Season: Place your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle them evenly with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Top the seasoned chicken with the diced onion and minced garlic. Next, add the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans, diced green chiles (your preferred mild/hot blend), drained whole kernel corn, chicken broth, and fresh chopped cilantro. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
3. Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours. If you need it sooner, you can cook on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours instead. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
4. Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them in a large mixing bowl. Using two forks or shredding claws, shred the chicken thoroughly. Return all the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
5. Achieve Creaminess: Add the softened cream cheese and the half and half to the slow cooker mixture.
   • Pro Tip: For an extra smooth blend, first add the softened cream cheese to a small mixing bowl. Ladle a few spoonfuls of the warm chili liquid from the slow cooker into the bowl. Whisk this mixture until it is completely smooth and lump-free, then stir it back into the slow cooker. This prevents any clumps of cream cheese in your chili.
6. Final Simmer: Stir everything well to combine the creamy additions. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on the HIGH setting for an additional 15 minutes. This final simmer allows the chili to thicken slightly and become wonderfully creamy and rich.
7. Serve & Garnish: Give the chili a good final stir before serving. Ladle generous portions into bowls and offer a variety of your favorite toppings such as sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, or shredded cheese. Enjoy your fantastic white chicken chili crockpot recipe!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Perfect Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Making this white chicken chili crockpot recipe perfect every time is easy with a few tricks. To enhance flavor, consider a quick sauté of the onion and garlic before adding them to the crockpot. This deepens their sweetness. Ensure your chicken is perfectly shredded by letting it rest for a few minutes after removing it from the slow cooker; it will be easier to shred. For ultimate creaminess, always whisk your softened cream cheese with some warm chili liquid first before adding it to the main pot. If your chili is too thick, stir in a little extra chicken broth or half and half until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid overfilling your slow cooker, which can lead to uneven cooking. This recipe is also excellent for batch cooking and meal prepping; simply double the ingredients for more servings.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This white chicken chili crockpot recipe is incredibly versatile!

Serving:
Serve your creamy white chicken chili with a variety of toppings. We love fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños for a kick, creamy avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or crunchy tortilla strips. Shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blends are also fantastic additions. A side of cornbread or crusty bread makes it a complete meal.

Storage:
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing:
This slow cooker white chicken chili freezes beautifully! Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Variations:

• Spice it Up: Add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a few more sliced jalapeños to the pot.
• Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutrition by stirring in diced bell peppers, a handful of fresh spinach, or a can of drained diced tomatoes during the last hour of cooking.
• Different Beans: Experiment with cannellini or pinto beans for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
• Smoky Flavor: A teaspoon of chipotle powder or a diced chipotle in adobo sauce can add a wonderful smoky depth to your chili.

Nutrition Information

This slow cooker white chicken chili offers a wholesome and filling meal. Chicken provides lean protein, while beans contribute fiber and plant-based protein. For a deeper dive into their dietary impact, explore the health benefits of Great Northern beans. The recipe also incorporates various vegetables and spices. Keep in mind that nutritional estimates can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements of ingredients and toppings used.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and typical serving sizes. It may vary. Consult a professional for specific dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
  Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Increase the cooking time on LOW by 1-2 hours or on HIGH by 30-60 minutes to ensure they cook through properly.
• How to thicken white chicken chili?
  If your chili is too thin after the final simmer, you can make a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the chili and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.
• Can this be made ahead of time?
  Absolutely! This white chicken chili crockpot recipe is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
• What other beans can I use?
  Cannellini beans, pinto beans, or even a mix of white beans work well in this recipe. Each will offer a slightly different texture and flavor, but all are delicious.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  Yes, this white chicken chili is naturally gluten-free! All the ingredients listed are typically gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and cream cheese labels for any hidden gluten.

Conclusion

You now have the ultimate white chicken chili crockpot recipe at your fingertips! It’s truly the easiest way to achieve a creamy, flavorful, and comforting meal that everyone will adore. The minimal prep and hands-off cooking make it ideal for any busy schedule, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated. Give this fantastic recipe a try tonight and taste the simplicity and warmth it brings to your table. Don’t forget to share your creations and tell us your favorite toppings in the comments below!

Easy White Chicken Chili Crockpot Recipe

A comforting, creamy white chicken chili made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Packed with tender chicken, beans, corn, and green chiles for a flavor-rich weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Southwest

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (trimmed)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cans Great Northern beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
• 2 cans diced green chiles (4 oz each, one hot, one mild)
• 1 can whole kernel corn (15 oz), drained
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup half and half

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker Large enough to hold all ingredients.
• cutting board and knife For dicing vegetables and herbs.
• Mixing Bowls For prepping ingredients or shredding chicken.
• Shredding forks or claws For easy shredding of cooked chicken.
• Whisk For blending cream cheese smoothly.

Method

 

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne.
2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, beans, green chiles, corn, broth, and cilantro. Stir gently.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Remove cooked chicken and shred with two forks. Return to slow cooker.
5. Add softened cream cheese and half and half. Stir to combine.
6. Optional: Whisk cream cheese with hot chili liquid separately, then return to pot to ensure smooth texture.
7. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
8. Serve hot with optional toppings like jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, tortilla strips, or cheese.

Notes

You can easily make this recipe dairy-free with plant-based cream cheese and milk alternatives. Adjust spice by controlling cayenne and jalapeños. Cannellini or pinto beans also work great here. Perfect for meal prep and freezing!

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.