Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Whipping up a delightful white chicken chili becomes surprisingly simple with this crockpot magic.

Comfort meets convenience in a bowl that promises warmth and flavor.

Hearty ingredients meld together effortlessly, creating a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices dance in slow-cooked harmony.

Minimal prep work means you can savor every spoonful without kitchen stress.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more delicious and stress-free.

Scoop up this recipe and watch dinner transform from mundane to magnificent.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili – Cozy Comfort Factors

Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy your day.

Hands-Off Cooking Magic: No constant stirring or watching the stove – just set it and forget it, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without stress.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and warming spices, this chili delivers rich flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Customize Your Bowl: Top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips to transform this basic recipe into a personalized meal that suits every taste preference.

White Chicken Chili Ingredient Rundown

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that becomes the main protein in this hearty chili.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • White Beans, Corn, Green Chilies, Onion, Garlic: Provide a rich mix of textures and flavors that complement the chicken and add nutritional value to the chili.
Seasonings and Creamy Elements:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Oregano, Paprika: Classic spices that give the chili its warm and complex flavor profile.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the dish.
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Create a rich and creamy consistency that balances the spices.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the chili.

Making Crockpot Chili Step-By-Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Gently lay chicken breasts flat at the bottom of your crockpot, creating a tender foundation for this hearty meal.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

Combine the following ingredients directly into the crockpot:
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • White beans
  • Sweet corn kernels
  • Diced green chilies
  • Chicken broth
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Paprika

Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic.

Choose low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Shred and Return Chicken

Carefully remove chicken breasts from the crockpot.

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

Return the shredded chicken back into the bubbling mixture.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Add:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream

Stir gently until both ingredients melt completely, transforming the chili into a luxuriously smooth and rich dish.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips.

Chili Cooking Tips For Creamy Results

  • Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken breasts, creating tender, even pieces that absorb the chili's flavors beautifully.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to ensure smooth, lump-free melting into the chili.
  • Adjust chili powder and green chilies to control heat intensity, making the dish mild or spicy according to your preference.
  • Store leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick meals on busy weeknights.
  • Replace chicken with turkey or plant-based chicken alternatives for different dietary needs without losing the recipe's delicious essence.

White Chicken Chili Flavor Twists To Try

  • Spicy Green Chili Chicken: Replace green chilies with jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra kick of heat.
  • Vegetarian Bean Chili: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Substitute corn and beans with riced cauliflower and add more low-carb vegetables like bell peppers for a keto-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Chili: Replace cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt for a lactose-free alternative.

Ways To Serve Crockpot Chili With Style

  • Topping Paradise: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and texture that elevates the chili's creamy base.
  • Bread Buddy Pairing: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or buttery garlic toast to soak up the rich, hearty broth and complement the chili's robust spices.
  • Freshness Boost: Add a zesty twist with diced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of cool Greek yogurt to balance the warmth and add a refreshing element to each spoonful.
  • Hearty Side Strategy: Pair with a crisp green salad or Mexican-style rice to transform this chicken chili into a complete, satisfying meal that keeps everyone happy and full.

Best Storage For White Chicken Chili Leftovers

  • Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid adding dairy ingredients before freezing.
  • Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals until heated thoroughly, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly and steaming hot.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and can be easily shredded.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat level from green chilies. If you prefer less spice, use fewer green chilies or choose a mild variety. For more heat, add additional chili powder or fresh jalapeños.

  • What if I don't have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or half-and-half. These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture to the chili.

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Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

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

Description

Hearty White Chicken Chili emerges as a comforting Mexican-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, this chili delivers rich flavors that welcome you into a world of satisfying warmth and delightful taste.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 large chicken breasts

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
  • 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) diced green chilies
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Dairy:

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Cilantro
  • Avocado
  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Gently position chicken breasts in the base of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
  2. Layer diced onions, minced garlic, white beans, corn kernels, and green chilies over the chicken. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, oregano, and paprika across the ingredients.
  3. Pour chicken broth evenly over the mixture, ensuring all components are well-distributed.
  4. Secure the lid and cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes tender and easily falls apart.
  5. Carefully extract chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and introduce cream cheese and sour cream, stirring gently until the dairy ingredients melt completely and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  7. Taste the chili and enhance with salt and pepper according to preference.
  8. Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking throughout the chili.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent overseasoning.
  • For a protein-packed twist, substitute regular cream cheese with Greek yogurt cream cheese to reduce fat content.
  • Skip dairy additions for a dairy-free version by using coconut cream instead of cream cheese and sour cream.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 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.

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