Hearty Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful crockpot white chicken chili that promises to warm your soul.

Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Each spoonful bursts with rich, satisfying goodness that makes weeknight dinners feel special.

Minimal prep means you can toss everything together and let the magic happen while you tackle other tasks.

Fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, and crispy tortilla strips add exciting texture and brightness.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when easy, delicious meals are the ultimate goal.

How to Store Crockpot Chili Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when thoroughly hot.
• Pour chili into saucepan. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on your cayenne pepper amount. Start with a small pinch for mild flavor, or add more for extra kick. You can always adjust spiciness to your preference.

• Can I use different beans?

Absolutely! While white beans are traditional, you can substitute with great northern beans, cannellini beans, or even pinto beans for similar texture and taste.

• Do I need fresh cilantro?

Fresh cilantro adds bright flavor, but if unavailable, you can use dried cilantro or skip it. The chili will still taste delicious with the other herbs and spices.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili: Reasons to Love

• Dump and Go Cooking: Toss all ingredients into the crockpot without complex prep, making this recipe perfect for busy weekdays or when you want minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips let everyone personalize their bowl and enjoy their ideal chili experience.
• Slow-Cooked Flavor Explosion: Extended cooking time allows spices to deeply penetrate the chicken, creating a rich, layered taste that develops incredible depth and warmth.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Mild enough for kids but with optional heat from cayenne, this white chicken chili satisfies different palates while providing a nutritious, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients Checklist for Crockpot Chili

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich liquid base and enhances the overall flavor.

• White Beans: Adds creamy texture and extra protein to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Introduces a mild, tangy heat to the dish.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the base.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and warm undertone to the chili.

• Cumin, Oregano, Cayenne, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that creates a complex and balanced flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth texture.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy freshness.
• Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the final dish.

Stepwise Guide to Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Toss all the flavor-packed ingredients into your trusty crockpot.

• Cumin
• Oregano
• Cayenne
• Salt
• Black pepper

The magic begins as these ingredients mingle and create a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Let your crockpot work its magic.

If you’re home all day, choose the low and slow method for 6-8 hours.

In a hurry?

Crank it up to high and cook for 3-4 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Using two forks, gently pull apart the chicken directly in the crockpot.

This ensures every bite is packed with juicy, shredded goodness and absorbs all the incredible flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Time to make this chili irresistibly smooth.

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream

Watch as these ingredients transform the chili into a luxuriously creamy delight.

Keep stirring until everything melts together perfectly.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Add a splash of fresh lime juice and sprinkle in chopped cilantro.

Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let those bright, fresh flavors meld with the rich base.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle this creamy white chicken chili into bowls.

Go wild with toppings like shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, sour cream, or extra cilantro.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Rich and Creamy Crockpot Chili

• Add extra beans or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal that keeps you full longer.
• Reduce or eliminate cayenne pepper for a milder version, perfect for those with sensitive taste buds.
• Swap cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free alternative.
• Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for easy weeknight dinners or grab-and-go lunches.
• Roast green chilies beforehand to intensify their smoky taste and add depth to the chili's overall flavor.

Variations to Try with Crockpot Chili

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk and cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Swap: Add diced jalapeños and swap green chilies for chipotle peppers to create a smokier, more intense heat profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth for a meatless protein-packed meal.
• Low-Carb Wellness: Use cauliflower instead of beans and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, satisfying flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chili

• Cozy Game Night Companion: Serve this hearty chili during board game sessions with friends, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere that keeps everyone satisfied between competitive rounds.
• Fiesta-Style Presentation: Arrange colorful toppings like diced avocado, crispy tortilla strips, fresh jalapeño slices, and a sprinkle of queso fresco to transform the dish into a vibrant Mexican-inspired feast.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Complement the chili with warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or garlic-buttered French bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful texture to each bite.
• Healthy Meal Prep Marvel: Portion the chili into meal prep containers for easy lunches, storing separately from toppings to maintain maximum freshness and crunch throughout the week.

Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

White chicken chili from Mexico delights palates with hearty, comforting flavors. Slow-cooker simplicity and rich ingredients make this dish a perfect meal for hungry friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans or Great Northern beans
• 1 can (4 ounces) green chilies
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup corn (optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Garnishes:

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado slices
• Tortilla chips
• Jalapenos (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Combine all core ingredients – chicken, beans, green chilies, chicken broth, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper – directly into the crockpot, creating a robust flavor foundation.
2. Allow mixture to slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, ensuring chicken becomes tender and ingredients meld together seamlessly.
3. Use two forks to meticulously shred chicken within the crockpot, distributing meat evenly throughout the liquid base.
4. Incorporate cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring continuously until ingredients completely dissolve, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.
5. Enhance the chili’s brightness by introducing fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, then let the mixture simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to integrate final flavor notes.
6. Ladle the chili into serving bowls and personalize with preferred garnishes, transforming this hearty dish into a customizable meal experience.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays moist during slow cooking.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and add protein while maintaining creamy texture.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference, starting with less and gradually increasing for personalized spice level.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring quick and convenient future meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg