Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the perfect comforting dish for a cozy night in. Made with tender chicken, beans, green chilies, and a blend of savory spices, this chili is both hearty and flavorful. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of a deliciously warm bowl of chili. Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving a crowd, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This White Chicken Chili is an ideal meal for busy weeknights. It’s made with simple ingredients that cook together in the slow cooker to create a flavorful, hearty chili without much effort. The white beans, tender chicken, and subtle kick from the green chilies give it a fresh twist on traditional chili, making it both comforting and satisfying. With the option to top it with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro, you can customize each bowl to your liking. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

this Recipe

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional for creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients: In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts or thighs, drained and rinsed white beans, diced onion, minced garlic, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Cook the chili: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let it cook for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
3. Shred the chicken: After the chili is done cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Add creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream for a rich, creamy texture (optional, but highly recommended).
5. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

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

Variations

• Spicy version: Add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker for an extra kick of heat.
• Corn: Add a cup of frozen or canned corn for added sweetness and texture.
• Vegan option: Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein such as tofu or jackfruit, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Cheese lovers: Stir in some cream cheese or Monterey Jack cheese for an even creamier chili.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let the chili cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. The slow cooker will cook the chicken thoroughly, but you may need to add a little extra cooking time, about 30 minutes more on low heat.

2. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead?

Yes! To make this chili on the stovetop, cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Then, shred the chicken and return it to the pot with the remaining ingredients. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Can I use other beans?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap the white beans for pinto beans, navy beans, or black beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the type of beans you use.

4. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, to add more heat, you can include chopped fresh jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce. Taste as you go to make sure it reaches your desired spice level.

5. Can I add cheese directly into the chili?

Yes, you can stir cheese directly into the chili, especially near the end of cooking, for a cheesy, melty consistency. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cream cheese works well for this.

6. Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes, this chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

7. How do I thicken the chili?

If you’d like a thicker consistency, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the beans or add a little cornstarch mixed with water to the soup. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken.

8. Can I use ground chicken instead of whole chicken?

Yes, ground chicken works well in this recipe. Brown it in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients for a quicker cooking process.

9. Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

10. How can I make this chili more creamy?

To make the chili even creamier, you can add more heavy cream, sour cream, or a block of cream cheese. Stir it in at the end of cooking for a rich and velvety texture.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With its tender chicken, hearty beans, and creamy texture, it’s a satisfying meal that you can set and forget. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for a cold night or a dish to serve at your next gathering, this chili is a crowd-pleaser. Top it with cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl of chili that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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