The Easiest Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a hearty slow cooker white chicken chili brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Spices and tender chunks of meat create a soul-warming meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Generous layers of flavor develop as ingredients simmer together throughout the day.

Minimal prep work means you can focus on enjoying delicious moments with loved ones.

Creamy beans and lean chicken combine into a protein-packed delight that satisfies hungry appetites.

Incredibly simple to assemble, this recipe promises a hassle-free dinner solution that impresses everyone around the table.

Warm up and savor every delectable spoonful of this irresistible chili.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

• Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot green chilies or adding more chili powder.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace sour cream and heavy cream with coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives. Use plant-based milk to maintain the creamy texture.

• What if I don't have coriander?

Substitute coriander with ground cumin or skip it entirely. The other spices will still provide excellent flavor to the chili.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Made Simple

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This slow cooker white chicken chili transforms complex meal preparation into a hands-off experience, letting you walk away and return to a delicious dinner without constant monitoring.
• Customize with Ease: Packed with flexible garnishing options like cilantro, cheese, or avocado, this recipe welcomes personal creativity and allows each family member to design their perfect bowl.
• Nourish and Comfort: Loaded with protein-rich chicken, hearty white beans, and warming spices, this chili delivers a satisfying meal that provides both nutritional value and cozy comfort during any season.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: By combining all ingredients directly in the slow cooker and requiring just simple stirring, this recipe minimizes kitchen effort while maximizing taste through slow-cooking techniques that develop deep, rich flavors.

Ingredients Checklist for Slow Cooker Chili

• Chicken Breasts: The primary protein source that provides a tender and flavorful base for the chili.

• White Beans: A creamy and hearty ingredient that adds texture and nutrition to the chili.
• Diced Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a rich flavor foundation for the dish.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and bright, tangy flavor to the chili.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid base that helps cook and flavor the chili.
• Cumin, Coriander, Chili Powder, Paprika: Warming spices that provide depth and complexity to the chili.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that add richness and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Lime Juice: Provides a bright, fresh acidity that lifts the entire dish.

• Cilantro, Shredded Cheese, Avocado: Toppings that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Toss chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, white beans, green chilies, and chicken broth directly into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix everything thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

The chicken should become fork-tender and easily fall apart.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull the meat into soft, bite-sized shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back into the cooking liquid.

Step 5: Add Creamy Elements

Stir in sour cream and heavy cream to create a rich, velvety texture.

Let the chili simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili and stir.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect balance.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or sliced avocado.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chili

• Use two forks to pull chicken apart while it's still warm for the most tender, easy-to-separate meat.
• Add extra white beans or diced cooked chicken for a heartier, more protein-packed meal.
• Adjust chili powder and green chilies to make the dish mild or extra spicy based on your preference.
• Temper sour cream and heavy cream by stirring a little hot liquid into them first to prevent curdling.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights.

Variations to Vary Your Chili Flavors

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace green chilies with fresh jalapeños for an extra heat boost, adding more chili powder for intense flavor.
• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute chicken with extra firm tofu or additional white beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Lean Protein Edition: Use turkey breast instead of chicken breasts, reducing fat content while maintaining protein levels and keeping similar cooking instructions.
• Dairy-Free Wellness: Replace sour cream and heavy cream with coconut milk and cashew cream, creating a creamy texture without traditional dairy ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this chili in deep ceramic bowls to capture all the rich, creamy goodness and keep it warm longer.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Top with crispy tortilla strips, diced fresh jalapeños, and a sprinkle of green onions for added crunch and zesty kick.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair with warm cornbread, fluffy white rice, or toasted sourdough bread to soak up the delicious broth and make the meal more satisfying.
• Mexican-Inspired Plating: Arrange the chili with a side of lime wedges, a dollop of extra sour cream, and a small bunch of fresh cilantro for an authentic southwestern presentation.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chili

• Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Pour chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Mouthwatering slow cooker white chicken chili promises creamy comfort with lean protein and hearty beans. Southwestern spices and tender chicken create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor until the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

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

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) white beans (Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) diced green chilies

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Juice of 1 lime

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Instructions

1. Layer chicken breasts, diced onion, garlic, white beans, green chilies, and chicken broth in the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the chili.
2. Sprinkle cumin, coriander, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings evenly.
3. Secure the lid and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and ingredients to meld together.
4. Carefully extract the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the cooking liquid.
5. Introduce sour cream and heavy cream to the slow cooker, stirring gently to create a rich, creamy texture. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes.
6. Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh lime juice, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed to achieve the perfect balance.
7. Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or sliced avocado for added depth and visual appeal.

Notes

• Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and easier shredding, ensuring tender and moist meat throughout the chili.
• Spice Customization: Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder and green chilies to match personal heat preferences without overwhelming the dish.
• Cream Alternatives: Swap heavy cream and sour cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free versions that maintain creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Meal Prep Hack: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for batch cooking and quick weeknight meals with minimal preparation time.

• 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: 233 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg