Hearty Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe That Warms the Soul

Crafting a hearty slow cooker white chicken chili promises a delightful culinary adventure for comfort food enthusiasts.

Creamy beans and tender chicken merge into a soul-warming meal that practically cooks itself.

Fragrant spices dance through the kitchen, creating an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.

Simple ingredients transform into a magical blend of textures and flavors without complex preparation.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this chili comes together with minimal hands-on time.

Warm bowls brimming with protein-packed goodness await you, ready to chase away hunger and chill.

Let’s uncover how this recipe can become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili That Warms the Soul

• Unleash Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy a stress-free meal preparation with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize this chili with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
• Pack a Flavor Punch: Blend of spices like cumin, oregano, and cayenne creates a rich, warming dish that delivers complex taste without complicated cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Mild enough for kids yet exciting for adults, this white chicken chili becomes an instant hit for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients to Make This Classic Chili

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the chili and provides hearty protein.

• White Beans: Creamy legumes that add texture and thickness to the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the ingredients and creates a rich base.

• Green Chiles: Mild peppers that add a subtle heat and fresh flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and savory undertones.
• Cumin, Oregano, Coriander, Cayenne: Spices that create a complex and warm flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and smooth texture to the chili.
• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Juice: Bright herbs and citrus that provide fresh, zesty notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

How to Cook White Chicken Chili in a Slow Cooker

Step 1: Toss Everything Into Slow Cooker

• Cumin
• Oregano
• Coriander
• Cayenne pepper

These ingredients will create a rich, hearty base for your chili.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken becomes super soft and easily falls apart.

Step 3: Shred The Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into delicious shredded pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Melt In Creamy Goodness

Add cream cheese to the slow cooker.

Stir gently until the cream cheese completely melts and blends into a smooth, velvety texture. This will give your chili a luxurious, rich consistency.

Step 5: Brighten With Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle in fresh chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice. These ingredients will add a zesty, vibrant flavor that lifts the entire dish.

Step 6: Season And Taste

Sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking. Give the chili a good stir and taste.

Adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor balance.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the hot chili into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips

Enjoy your comforting, flavor-packed white chicken chili!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Flavor and Texture

• Use low-sodium broth to control salt content and create a healthier version of the chili.
• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick meal for busy days.
• Enhance meal prep by cutting vegetables and measuring spices the night before cooking.
• Add extra heat with fresh jalapeños or adjust cayenne pepper for personalized spice levels.

Flavor Twists to Try in Your Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Green Chile Version: Increase cayenne and add diced jalapeños for extra heat, use fire-roasted green chiles for deeper flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Substitute beans with riced cauliflower, use heavy cream instead of cream cheese for thickening.
• Instant Pot Quick Adaptation: Convert slow cooker method by cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes, natural release for 10 minutes, then proceed with shredding and finishing steps.

Serving Suggestions for Cozy Meals

• Fiesta Bowl Extravaganza: Layer the chili over warm cilantro-lime rice, creating a hearty and colorful meal that transforms your dish into a complete dining experience.
• Crispy Crunch Topper: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crispy corn strips on top for an added texture that provides a delightful crunch with every spoonful.
• Garnish Galore: Top with diced avocado, shredded monterey jack cheese, sour cream, and fresh chopped green onions to elevate the chili's flavor profile and make it visually appealing.
• Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread or crusty sourdough for a perfect dipping experience that soaks up the rich, creamy chili.

Storage Advice for Chili Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for maximum 3 months.
• Allow chili to cool completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
• Remove excess air from freezer bags to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level is mild to moderate. Cayenne pepper adds a gentle kick, but you can adjust by reducing or omitting it for a milder version.

• Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

• What type of beans work best?

Great Northern or cannellini beans are ideal, but you can also use navy beans or even pinto beans for similar texture and flavor.

• Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?

No, raw chicken goes directly into the slow cooker. It will cook thoroughly and become tender during the slow cooking process.

Quick Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty slow cooker white chicken chili brings comfort and warmth to weeknight dinners. Rich Mexican-inspired flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal packed with protein and zesty spices you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Beans and Liquids:

• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams) white beans (cannellini or great northern)
• 4 cups (32 ounces/946 milliliters) chicken broth

Spices and Aromatics:

• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) green chiles
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken, beans, broth, green chiles, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, coriander, and cayenne in a slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Cover and set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and easily shreds.
3. Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back to the cooking liquid.
4. Cut cream cheese into smaller chunks and gradually incorporate into the chili, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by adding freshly chopped cilantro and a splash of bright lime juice, stirring to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the chili.
6. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve the desired flavor balance.
7. Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like additional cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced jalapeños for extra zest.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper for mild or spicy preferences.
• Transform into dairy-free version by swapping cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Prep ingredients night before to streamline morning slow cooker assembly for busy schedules.
• Freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers for quick future meals within 3 months.

• 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: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg