Easy White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker): A Creamy, Flavorful Comfort Food

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Introduction

If you’re craving warm, cozy, and creamy chili but want something different from the classic beef version, this Easy White Chicken Chili is the answer! It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, white beans, mild green chilies, and a creamy, flavorful broth—all made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

This dish is perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, and the best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you! Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy chili ready to devour.

Let’s get started on this super easy, incredibly delicious slow cooker recipe! 🥣🔥

Ingredients

For the Chili:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Great Northern or Cannellini, drained & rinsed)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

For Serving (Optional but Delicious!):

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
  • Tortilla chips or strips
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Lime wedges

Directions

Step 1: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Add the diced onion, white beans, green chilies, salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and garlic.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to combine.

Step 2: Cook the Chili

  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken & Add Cream Cheese

  1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  2. Add the shredded chicken back into the chili.
  3. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños.
  2. Squeeze a little fresh lime juice on top for extra flavor.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 6-7 hours (but only 10 minutes of actual work!)

Variations of White Chicken Chili

  • Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or cayenne pepper for more heat.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap cream cheese for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
  • Extra Protein: Stir in a can of black beans or chickpeas.
  • Keto-Friendly: Skip the beans and corn, and use extra shredded chicken and heavy cream.
  • Stovetop Option: Simmer everything in a large pot for 45 minutes, then stir in the cream cheese.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store White Chicken Chili

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Let the chili cool completely, then freeze in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat for the Best Flavor

  • Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
  • Slow Cooker: If frozen, reheat on low for 2-3 hours.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes! Just add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

2. How can I make this chili even creamier?

Add ½ cup of heavy cream or an extra 4 oz of cream cheese.

3. Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for extra beans and use vegetable broth.

4. What are the best toppings for white chicken chili?

Cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, jalapeños, sour cream, and avocado slices!

5. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, then manually release pressure and stir in the cream cheese.

6. What’s the best bean for white chicken chili?

Great Northern beans, Cannellini beans, or navy beans work best.

7. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on LOW.

8. How do I thicken my chili if it’s too thin?

Mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

9. Can I make this in a Dutch oven instead?

Yes! Simmer everything on low for 45-60 minutes, then stir in the cream cheese.

10. What can I serve with white chicken chili?

Cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, or a side salad pair perfectly!

Conclusion

This Easy White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this slow cooker recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite!

So grab your slow cooker, a big bowl, and ALL the toppings, and let’s make the best white chicken chili ever! 🥣🔥✨

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