Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

The Coziest Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe Ever

Cozy autumn nights find their perfect match in this hearty slow cooker white chicken chili that promises warmth and comfort.

Bubbling with rich flavors, our recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy beans, and subtle spices.

Peppers and green chiles dance through each spoonful, creating a delightful southwestern-inspired meal.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something truly magical.

Minimal prep work means you can set everything up and walk away while deliciousness develops.

Fragrant and satisfying, this chili becomes an instant favorite that feeds hungry souls.

Dive in and savor every comforting bite of this incredibly easy dinner solution.

FAQs

  • Is white chicken chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the green chilies and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients according to your taste preference.

  • Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak dried beans overnight and pre-cook them before adding to the slow cooker. Canned white beans are more convenient and save preparation time.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They shred easily and absorb the flavors of the spices and broth perfectly. Chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer taste.

Benefits Of Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

  • Embrace Stress-Free Cooking: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, transforming simple components into a delicious meal with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Personalize this chili with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or cilantro, making it a versatile dish that adapts to individual tastes.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein and mild spices, this white chicken chili appeals to both kids and adults, creating a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a large batch that stores well in the refrigerator, providing multiple meals throughout the week with zero extra cooking time.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean meat that provides the main protein base for the chili.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • White Beans, Green Chilies, Onion, Garlic: Create a hearty and flavorful foundation with a mix of soft beans and aromatic vegetables.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper: Provide a complex and warming flavor profile with a hint of heat.
Creamy Additions:
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, Lime Juice: Add richness, tanginess, and a smooth, creamy texture to the chili.
Optional Toppings:
  • Cilantro, Shredded Cheese, Avocado Slices, Tortilla Chips: Offer fresh, crunchy, and complementary garnishes to enhance the chili's taste and presentation.

Step-by-Step For Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker

Place whole chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker, creating an even layer.

Step 2: Add Flavor-Packed Ingredients

Combine the following ingredients in the slow cooker:
  • White beans
  • Green chilies
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried oregano
  • Cayenne pepper

Gently stir all ingredients to distribute evenly around the chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Return shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Stir in:
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh lime juice

Mix thoroughly to create a rich, smooth consistency.

Step 6: Final Warming

Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low setting to heat through and blend flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle chili into bowls and top with optional garnishes.

Helpful Advice For Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Shred chicken easily by using two forks and pulling the meat apart while it’s still warm for the most tender results. Skip heavy cream for a lighter version by substituting with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories. Enhance flavor by toasting cumin and chili powder in a dry skillet before adding to the slow cooker, which deepens the spice profile and releases more aromatic oils. Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper – start with a pinch for mild or increase for spicier chili. Prep ingredients the night before to save morning cooking time, storing them in the refrigerator overnight and simply dumping into the slow cooker when ready to start cooking.

Flavorful Twists On Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

  • Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add more beans for protein.
  • Spicy Green Chili Chicken: Increase cayenne and add diced jalapeños for extra heat, use fire-roasted green chilies for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken Chili: Substitute sour cream and heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast for cheesy undertones.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Replace white beans with riced cauliflower, use less broth, and add extra spices to maintain rich flavor profile.

Great Pairings With Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

  • Chili Fiesta Night: Host a fun dinner party where guests customize their chili bowls with various toppings like fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and tangy cheese.
  • Hearty Lunch Companion: Pack this chili in a thermos for a warm, comforting midday meal at work or school, paired with a small side salad for extra freshness.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in small bowls as an appetizer during sports watching parties, letting friends scoop up the creamy chili with crisp tortilla chips.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Divide the chili into meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, keeping portions balanced and delicious.

Storing Guidelines For Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Transfer the chili to a sealed glass or plastic container, ensuring it cools completely before refrigerating.
  • Keep the toppings separate to maintain their freshness and prevent sogginess.
Print
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Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

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

Description

White chicken chili emerges as a comforting culinary delight from Mexico’s rich cooking traditions. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces/430 grams each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Liquids:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Shredded cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Avocado slices (optional, for serving)
  • Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base layer.
  2. Sprinkle white beans, diced green chilies, minced onion, and crushed garlic over the chicken.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Secure the lid and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. Transfer chicken breasts to a cutting board and shred meat using two forks, pulling the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently fold into the existing mixture.
  7. Incorporate sour cream, heavy cream, and fresh lime juice, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  8. Allow chili to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
  9. Ladle chili into serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity for mild or spicy preferences.
  • Transform recipe into dairy-free version by substituting sour cream and heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • Enhance protein content by adding extra beans or diced bell peppers for more vegetable nutrition.
  • Prep chicken ahead by cooking and shredding night before to reduce morning cooking time and simplify meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 222 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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