Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a cozy dish that warms both the belly and the heart. Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of chicken simmering away in a delicious broth after a long day. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can whip up a meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to customize, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some mouthwatering chili together!
Why This Recipe Works
The key to a fantastic Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili lies in the slow cooking method itself. When you let the chicken and ingredients meld over time, all those flavors come together beautifully. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken becomes tender and juicy, while the spices and broth create a rich, heartwarming base. Plus, the cream cheese adds a luscious, creamy texture that balances the spices perfectly. It’s a no-fuss recipe that gives you maximum flavor with minimal effort—just what every busy home cook needs.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
You’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare this dish, while still delivering comfort and satisfaction. The combination of tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices makes this chili a favorite among family and friends. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, game days, or any gathering where warmth and good company are a must. And because it holds up well in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep you smiling for days. You might even find that it tastes better on the second day, as the flavors continue to develop.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14-ounce) cans white beans, drained
- 2 (4-ounce) cans mild green chilies
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium chicken breasts)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Lime juice, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, tortilla strips, for serving
Preparation Overview
Gather and Prepare Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything in one spot on your kitchen counter makes the cooking process smoother. Make sure your workspace is clean, which helps you stay organized as you cook. You’ll appreciate having everything ready to go when it’s time to assemble your chili.
Combine Broth and Seasonings
Grab your slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth. Add the white beans and mild green chilies. Then, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, dried oregano, and minced garlic. Give everything a good stir, blending those flavors together. It already starts to smell delightful!
Insert Chicken Breasts
Next up, place the chicken breasts side by side in the slow cooker. Be sure they’re covered by the broth mixture, which keeps them moist and flavorful as they cook. Secure the lid on the slow cooker, trapping all the lovely aromas inside.
Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. Either way, your patience will pay off. You want the chicken to be tender enough that it shreds easily when you check it later on.
Shred the Chicken
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Transfer them to a cutting board. With two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer chunkier pieces, you can chop it instead.
Cream Cheese Integration
Now, let’s add some creaminess! In the microwave, soften the cream cheese in 20 to 30-second intervals until it’s easy to stir. Break it into smaller pieces and add it back into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts and incorporates into the chili. Check the seasoning and adjust it with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Serve and Enjoy
Ready to serve? Ladle the warm white chicken chili into bowls. This is where the fun begins! Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings, like a squeeze of lime juice, diced avocado, fresh chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of Mexican cheese blend, and crunchy tortilla strips for that satisfying texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh lime wedges to brighten the flavors.
- Pair with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for an extra treat.
- Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream for that creamy finish!
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Chicken: Start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. They’ll make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Rush: It’s tempting to cook on high, but allowing ample time ensures the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Leftovers Love: This chili gets tastier over time! Consider making extra for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Variations
- Spice It Up: For those who crave heat, add diced jalapeños or a light dusting of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for more beans or lentils and use vegetable broth to make it plant-based.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some corn, bell peppers, or spinach for more color and nutrition.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have white beans?
Chickpeas or other beans can easily replace white beans for different textures.
Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop?
Definitely! Sauté the ingredients first and let them simmer on low heat for about 1 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender.
How long can I store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken works fine. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What toppings do you recommend?
Great choices include lime juice, avocado, cilantro, cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips for the perfect finishing touch!
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting ritual that invites good times and togetherness. So gather your loved ones, serve up a warm bowl, and create moments that you’ll cherish long after the chili is gone. It’s easy, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your home cooking lineup. Enjoy cooking and even more so, enjoy sharing!
Print
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a cozy delight, combining tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices. It’s an easy and satisfying meal for any occasion!
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14-ounce) cans white beans, drained
- 2 (4-ounce) cans mild green chilies
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium chicken breasts)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Lime juice, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, tortilla strips, for serving
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure a clean workspace.
- Pour chicken broth into slow cooker and mix in beans, chilies, and seasonings.
- Place chicken breasts into the mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the chicken after cooking and return to the slow cooker.
- In the microwave, soften cream cheese and stir into the chili.
- Serve warm with desired toppings.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with more beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.
Allowing enough cook time is crucial for tender chicken.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 75
