Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

The Coziest Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe Ever

Whipping up a delightful white chicken chili in your crockpot promises pure comfort and warmth on chilly evenings.

Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Tender chicken, soft beans, and a velvety broth combine to create a soul-satisfying dish everyone will adore.

Mild green chiles add a gentle kick without overwhelming spice, making this recipe perfect for all palates.

Minimal prep work means you can toss everything into the crockpot and let magic happen while you tackle other tasks.

Hearty and nutritious, this chili delivers protein-packed goodness in every single spoonful.

Invite friends over and watch their faces light up as they savor each creamy, comforting bite.

What Makes Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili So Rich

  • Stress-Free Cooking: Dump all ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic without constant monitoring, perfect for busy home cooks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty, creamy chili that satisfies different taste preferences with its blend of mild spices and rich texture, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
  • Versatile Meal Prep: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to personal taste.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and flavor from various spices, creating a balanced and filling meal that supports healthy eating goals.

Ingredients for Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the base of the chili and provides protein.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • Great Northern Beans, Corn, Green Chiles, Onion, Garlic: Hearty mix that adds texture, flavor, and nutrition to the chili.
Dairy and Herbs:
  • Cream Cheese, Half-and-Half, Cilantro: Creamy components that bring richness and fresh herb flavor to the dish.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Spice blend that creates depth and warmth in the chili.
Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the ingredients and create the chili's base.

How to Prepare Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili

How to Prepare Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot Base

Nestle chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.

Layer the following ingredients:
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • White beans
  • Green chiles
  • Corn kernels
Sprinkle the seasonings directly over the ingredients:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Ground cumin
  • Dried oregano
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper

Step 2: Slow Cook The Mixture

Cover the crockpot and let it simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

The chicken should become perfectly tender and easily fall apart when touched with a fork.

Step 3: Shred The Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot.

Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Introduce rich, velvety elements to transform the chili:
  • Cream cheese
  • Half-and-half
  • Fresh chopped cilantro

Stir the ingredients until the cream cheese completely melts and blends into a smooth, luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the chili into warm bowls.

Top with your favorite garnishes.

Pro Tips for Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili

  • Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring even, tender shreds that blend seamlessly into the chili.
  • Toast whole cumin and oregano seeds before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference – start with a small amount and gradually increase for personalized spiciness.
  • Temper cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature before stirring into the hot chili, which helps create a smoother, more consistent texture.
  • Substitute half-and-half with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt for a healthier version without compromising the creamy consistency.

Variations on Crockpot White Chicken Chili

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and half-and-half with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a protein-packed meatless chili.
  • Spicy Kick Edition: Add diced jalapeños, increase cayenne pepper, and incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra-hot, smoky chili that brings intense heat to the recipe.
  • Low-Carb Option: Remove corn and beans, increase chicken quantity, and add cauliflower rice to create a lower-carbohydrate version that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot White Chicken Chili

  • Comfort Bowl Makeover: Top this hearty chili with crispy tortilla strips, fresh diced avocado, and a sprinkle of shredded monterey jack cheese for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
  • Dinner Party Delight: Serve in individual bread bowls for a show-stopping meal that transforms this simple crockpot recipe into an impressive dinner experience.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add extra toppings like crumbled queso fresco, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream to boost flavor and make the dish more filling and nutritious.
  • Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for meal prep, as this chili tastes even better the next day and can be quickly reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.

Storing Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavors and creamy texture.
  • Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months, leaving slight space for expansion. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Pour chili into saucepan over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently, preventing scorching and maintaining creamy consistency until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from green chiles and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the cayenne amount to control spiciness or omit it completely for a milder version.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.

  • What if I don't have half-and-half?

You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream or whole milk. Each will slightly change the richness of the chili, but the overall flavor will remain delicious.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your beans and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty White Chicken Chili, packed with tender chicken, creamy broth, and zesty southwestern flavors. Slow-cooked simplicity delivers a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 (15 ounces) cans great Northern beans
  • 2 (4 ounces) cans diced green chiles
  • 1 (15 ounces) can whole kernel corn
  • Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced jalapenos (optional topping)
  • Sliced avocados (optional topping)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Liquid and Dairy:

  • 24 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup half and half

Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Minced fresh cilantro
  • Tortilla strips
  • Shredded Monterey jack or Mexican cheese

Instructions

  1. Arrange raw chicken breasts in a single layer at the base of the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle diced onions and minced garlic over the chicken, then carefully pour chicken broth around the meat.
  3. Add green chiles, corn kernels, and variety of beans to create a robust base for the chili.
  4. Generously season the mixture with salt, pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat.
  5. Secure the lid and cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and fully cooked.
  6. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks, then return the shredded meat back to the slow cooker.
  7. Cut cream cheese into small cubes and slowly incorporate into the hot chili, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  8. Pour half-and-half into the mixture, stirring gently to create a rich, velvety consistency.
  9. Fold in freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal finish.
  10. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like additional cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Notes

  • Prevent dry chicken by using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts which retain more moisture during slow cooking.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper amount – start with less and gradually increase for personal spice preference.
  • For dairy-free version, replace cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk and use nutritional yeast for rich, creamy texture.
  • Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or extra beans during the last hour of cooking, making the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star