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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Combine chicken, beans, broth, green chiles, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, coriander, and cayenne in a slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve the desired flavor balance.
- 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