Hey y’all! If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with zesty flavor, this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is about to become your new favorite. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, beans, and green chilies, it’s a crowd-pleaser for game days, weeknight dinners, or chilly gatherings. Plus, everything comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it as easy as it is delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Super easy ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ meal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with creamy texture and savory, zesty flavor in every bite.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
- Perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste even better!
- Gluten-free and high in protein, making it a family-friendly option.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed (Great Northern or cannellini)
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- Toppings: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, jalapeños, tortilla strips (all optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, drain and rinse your beans and corn, and cut the cream cheese into cubes to ensure smooth melting later.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
In the bowl of your slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, beans, corn, green chilies, diced onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and coriander (if using). Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is completely cooked through and fork-tender.
Step 4: Shred Chicken & Add Creaminess
Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add cream cheese cubes and sour cream; stir well until everything is smooth and creamy. Add the juice of one lime and stir again.
Step 5: Serve Your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and crispy tortilla strips. Dig in and enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- For an extra kick, use hot green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If using frozen chicken, add an extra 30 minutes of cook time and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (read more about safe poultry cooking temperatures).
- You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version (see nutrition comparisons here).
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the slow cooker with your other ingredients.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for an extra can of beans and use vegetable broth.
- Extra Hearty: Stir in 1 cup of cooked quinoa or rice during the last hour of cooking.
Required Equipment for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Can opener
- Ladle and serving bowls
- Forks for shredding chicken
How to Store Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. White Chicken Chili keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping
- Add a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast
- Pair with a cold Mexican lager or sparkling lime water for a refreshing finish
Pro Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili
- For extra creaminess, blend 1/2 cup of the chili with an immersion blender before adding the chicken back in (how to use an immersion blender).
- Always soften your cream cheese to avoid lumps—for best results, let it come to room temperature.
- Don’t skip the lime juice at the end—it brightens up the flavors and balances the richness.
FAQ: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Can I make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day and reheats beautifully.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
- You sure can—add pre-cooked shredded chicken during the last hour and reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this on the stovetop?
- Yes! Cook everything except the dairy over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, then stir in cream cheese and sour cream just before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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2Add drained beans, diced green chilies, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
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3Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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4Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks, then return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
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5Stir in sour cream and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until the chili is creamy and cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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6Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or additional cheese.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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