Quick Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Cozy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty white chicken chili crockpot recipe that promises warm, satisfying flavors.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, soul-warming meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Tender chicken, fragrant spices, and creamy white beans mingle together effortlessly in your kitchen companion.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, each spoonful delivers a delightful balance of richness and mild heat.

Southwest-inspired notes dance through this easy one-pot wonder, making dinner preparation a breeze.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, ensuring you can relax while an incredible meal simmers.

Scoop up this chili and savor every delectable bite – your taste buds will thank you.

FAQs

  • What makes this white chicken chili different from traditional chili?

This recipe uses white beans instead of red kidney beans and features a creamy texture from cream cheese and heavy cream, giving it a unique, rich flavor profile.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The green chilies provide a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by using mild or hot green chilies, or adding extra jalapeños for more kick.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While it would change the creamy texture, you can substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili That Comforts

  • Slow Cook and Forget: Set it in the morning and return to a delicious, hearty meal without constant monitoring, perfect for busy home cooks who want a stress-free dinner solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, creamy texture, and mild spices, this chili appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Loaded with protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and balanced with creamy dairy, this dish offers a complete meal that nourishes without requiring multiple complicated cooking steps.
  • Customize with Ease: Top with fresh cilantro, squeeze of lime, or add extra toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream to make this chili a personalized dining experience that adapts to individual preferences.

Ingredients For Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that provides the primary protein source for the chili.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • White Beans: Creamy legumes that add texture and additional protein to the dish.
  • Green Chilies: Mild peppers that contribute a subtle heat and tangy flavor.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful base for the chili.
Liquid and Dairy:
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that helps cook the chicken and adds depth to the chili.
  • Cream Cheese: Rich dairy product that makes the chili creamy and adds a smooth texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a luxurious, velvety consistency.
Seasonings and Garnish:
  • Seasonings: Blend of spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chili.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that provides a fresh, zesty garnish.
  • Lime Juice: Citrusy accent that adds a tangy brightness to the finished dish.

How To Cook Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Toss Everything into the Crockpot

Drop chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add these delicious ingredients:
  • White beans
  • Green chilies
  • Chicken broth
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Your favorite seasonings

The magic begins by combining all these flavor-packed ingredients together.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover the crockpot and let it simmer. Choose your cooking speed:
  • Low setting: 6-7 hours
  • High setting: 3-4 hours

Cook until the chicken transforms into perfectly tender goodness.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove chicken breasts from the crockpot. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into delectable shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back to the bubbling mixture.

Step 4: Create Creamy Perfection

Stir in these dreamy ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream

Keep stirring until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a luxuriously smooth texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and squeeze a zesty lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor.

Get ready to dive into comfort in a bowl!

Tips To Improve White Chicken Chili

  • Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep and enhanced flavor profile.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and milk to create a lighter version of this comforting dish without sacrificing taste.
  • Freeze extra portions in airtight containers for easy meal planning and quick weeknight dinners.
  • Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who prefer extra heat and spiciness.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption and perfectly cooked meat.

Alternative Takes On White Chicken Chili

  • Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meatless version.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, include smoked paprika for extra heat and deeper flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Protein Boost: Swap white beans for cauliflower florets, increase chicken quantity, use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for reduced carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, maintain creamy texture while eliminating dairy ingredients.

Pairings For Crockpot White Chicken Chili

  • Fiesta-Style Feast: Pile the creamy white chicken chili over crispy tortilla chips for a nachos-inspired meal that brings exciting textures and flavors together.
  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the chili in deep ceramic bowls with a side of warm cornbread, creating a hearty and satisfying dinner perfect for chilly evenings.
  • Taco Night Twist: Transform the chili into a filling for soft flour tortillas, topped with fresh avocado slices, sour cream, and extra cilantro for a delicious taco variation.
  • Fresh and Light Topping Bar: Set out small bowls of diced tomatoes, green onions, shredded cheese, and lime wedges, allowing everyone to customize their chili with fresh toppings.

Storing Crockpot White Chicken Chili Correctly

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store white chicken chili in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label containers with the date and contents for easy tracking.
Print
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Quick Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Quick Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty white chicken chili brings comfort and warmth to family dinners with minimal preparation. Slow-cooked ingredients meld together, creating a rich, satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

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

Main Beans and Vegetables:

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

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Nestle chicken breasts into the crockpot and combine with white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, and selected seasonings.
  2. Secure the lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes tender and fully cooked through.
  3. Carefully extract chicken breasts from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and introduce cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring continuously until cream cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
  5. Allow the chili to rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a zesty lime wedge for an extra burst of brightness.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easiest shredding result.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting green chilies and selecting mild or hot varieties based on personal preference.
  • Add extra thickness by using cornstarch slurry if you prefer a more substantial chili texture.
  • Simplify protein alternatives by substituting chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for variety.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 243 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 725 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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