There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of white chicken chili on a chilly evening. This crockpot version is a game-changer—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet incredibly simple to make. [IMAGE]
I first discovered this recipe on a busy weekend when I wanted something hearty that could cook itself while I tackled errands. The result? A family-approved meal that’s now a regular in our dinner rotation. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Get ready to embrace your new favorite crockpot recipe. This white chicken chili is more than just a dinner; it’s a lifesaver for hectic schedules and comfort-food cravings.
First off, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. There’s no need to babysit the pot, and you’ll have a flavorful meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
The flavors are out of this world. Tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and a touch of spice come together in a rich, velvety broth. It’s satisfying without being too heavy—a perfect balance of hearty and light.
It’s also incredibly customizable. Whether you prefer extra heat or milder flavors, this recipe adapts beautifully. You can even adjust the consistency, making it thicker or brothier depending on your mood.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or entertaining guests, this dish never fails to impress. Serve it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this white chicken chili lies in its simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. They cook beautifully in the slow cooker and shred easily for that perfect chili texture.
- White beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans work best, lending a creamy texture to the chili. If you prefer a chunkier chili, you can use half the beans mashed and leave the rest whole.
- Chicken broth: The base of the soup, it adds depth to the flavors. Opt for a low-sodium version so you can control the saltiness.
- Green chiles: These add a mild, smoky heat without overpowering the dish. If you love spice, you can use diced jalapeños instead.
- Cream cheese and sour cream: These are the secret to the chili’s luscious creaminess. Be sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand so it blends seamlessly into the broth.
- Seasonings: A mix of cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne (if desired) gives this chili its signature flavor profile.
Special equipment: You’ll need a slow cooker for this recipe. A 6-quart size works perfectly for the quantities listed.
How To Make This Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Making this dish is as easy as it gets—perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle the seasonings—cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder—evenly over the top. This step infuses the chicken with bold, aromatic flavors as it cooks.
Next, add the white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the beans are evenly distributed.
Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors of the broth and spices. [IMAGE]
About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream. This is where the magic happens—the broth transforms into a silky, creamy base that’s irresistible.
Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt or a pinch of cayenne if desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.
Storage Options
This white chicken chili stores beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Transfer the chili to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, ladle the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: When ready to serve, thaw frozen chili in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.
Pro tip: If you plan to freeze the chili, consider leaving out the cream cheese and sour cream until reheating. This prevents the creamy base from becoming grainy during freezing and thawing.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños, extra cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for diced zucchini, sweet potatoes, or a plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add extra veggies: Corn, diced bell peppers, or spinach are excellent additions that bring more color and nutrition.
- Try different beans: If white beans aren’t your favorite, black beans or pinto beans work just as well.
- Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier, tangier alternative.
Feel free to experiment—the beauty of this dish is that it’s nearly foolproof. With a few tweaks, you can tailor it to suit your preferences perfectly.
This Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a winner every time.
PrintEasy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe
This Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe is a delicious blend of tender chicken, white beans, and creamy spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this slow cooker recipe is easy to make and packed with hearty, comforting flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add white beans, corn, green chilies, chicken broth, and all spices.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks.
- Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve warm with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or toppings like shredded cheese and tortilla chips.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
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