Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

The Best Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

White chicken chili brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table with minimal effort.

Slow cookers transform simple ingredients into a magical meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices create a harmonious blend that makes mouths water.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together without complicated techniques.

Aromatic cumin and green chilies infuse each spoonful with bold southwestern flavors.

Protein-packed and incredibly satisfying, this recipe works perfectly for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.

A single pot means less cleanup and more time enjoying delicious food with people you love.

You’ll want to savor every hearty, comforting bite of this incredible chili.

How to Store White Chicken Chili

  • Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Pour chili into a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Reheat chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through completely.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and can be easily shredded.

  • Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the green chilies used. For mild chili, use mild green chilies. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or use hot green chilies.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture. The overall flavor will remain similar.

Why White Chicken Chili Impresses

  • Breeze Through Meal Prep: This white chicken chili eliminates complicated cooking steps, letting you simply toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, making dinner preparation a total snap.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Packed with flexible garnish options like fresh cilantro, avocado, or tortilla chips, this recipe allows personal touch and creativity, ensuring everyone's taste preferences are satisfied.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Loaded with protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed white beans, and balanced seasonings, this chili delivers a wholesome meal that nourishes without complicated cooking techniques, perfect for busy families seeking delicious and healthy dinners.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this adaptable chili appeals to various palates, making it a reliable go-to recipe that impresses without demanding advanced culinary skills.

Ingredients for Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides the main protein for the hearty chili.
Beans and Chilies:
  • White Beans: Creamy legumes that add texture and additional protein to the dish.
  • Green Chilies: Mild peppers that contribute a subtle heat and bright flavor.
Liquid and Broth:
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful base that helps cook the chicken and creates the chili's consistency.
Seasonings:
  • Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Spice blend that adds depth and warmth to the chili.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Creamy Finish:
  • Sour Cream, Monterey Jack Cheese: Ingredients that create a rich, creamy texture and add tangy, melty goodness.
Garnish Options:
  • Fresh Cilantro, Sliced Avocado, Tortilla Chips: Optional toppings that provide additional flavor, freshness, and crunch.

Step-by-Step White Chicken Chili Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Protein Powerhouse

Toss chicken breasts into your trusty crockpot, ready to transform into a mouthwatering meal.

Grab these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Chicken breasts
  • White beans
  • Green chilies
  • Chicken broth
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Mix everything together, making sure each ingredient gets cozy with the others.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen.

If you’re in a hurry, set it on high for 3-4 hours.

If you’ve got time to spare, go low and slow for 6-8 hours.

Step 3: Shred Like a Pro

Once the chicken is tender and falling apart, grab two forks and start shredding right in the pot.

Break it down into bite-sized pieces that’ll soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Creamy Cheese Finale

Stir in sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese until everything melts into a creamy, dreamy consistency.

Watch as the chili transforms into a luxurious, comforting dish.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the chili into bowls and go wild with toppings.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro, add some sliced avocado, or crunch up some tortilla chips.

Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Tips for Flavorful White Chicken Chili

  • Use two forks to pull apart chicken directly in the crockpot for perfectly tender, evenly shredded meat without extra dishes.
  • Adjust sour cream amount to control thickness and tanginess, creating your ideal chili consistency.
  • Dial cayenne pepper up or down to match your heat tolerance, making the dish mild or fiery.
  • This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals or unexpected guests.
  • Swap sour cream and cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that doesn't compromise flavor.

Variations for White Chicken Chili

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based alternative.
  • Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños, increase cayenne pepper, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
  • Low-Carb Option: Reduce beans, increase chicken, and serve over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lower-carbohydrate meal.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Chili

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls for maximum warmth and rustic charm.
  • Taco Night Twist: Transform this chili into a filling for soft tortillas, topped with extra cheese and fresh salsa.
  • Game Day Delight: Serve in individual bread bowls or with crispy tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
  • Healthy Lunch Companion: Pack in a thermos for a satisfying work or school lunch, paired with a simple green salad.
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Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

White chicken chili simmers with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices in this simple crockpot marvel. Hearty comfort meets Mexican-inspired flavors, promising a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning chicken)

Instructions

  1. Gently nestle whole chicken breasts into the crockpot, creating a base layer for the chili.
  2. Pour white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth over the chicken to create a flavorful liquid foundation.
  3. Sprinkle cumin, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly across the ingredients to ensure balanced seasoning.
  4. Mix all components thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is completely coated with the aromatic spices and liquid.
  5. Cover the crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  6. Remove chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat directly inside the pot, breaking it into soft, bite-sized pieces.
  7. Return shredded chicken to the chili and gently fold in sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  8. Allow the cheese to melt completely, stirring occasionally to integrate all flavors.
  9. Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or crispy tortilla chips for added texture and freshness.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier shredding and a leaner protein option.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or extra beans during the last hour of cooking for a more filling meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 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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