Quick Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe That Warms The Soul

Crisp autumn winds call for a comforting white chicken chili that warms you from the inside out.

Bursting with tender chicken and creamy beans, this slow cooker recipe delivers deep, satisfying flavors in every spoonful.

The rich blend of spices creates a vibrant harmony that elevates this classic chili to new heights.

Hearty ingredients mingle effortlessly, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

Each bite packs a delightful punch of protein and zesty seasonings.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this chili a weeknight dinner champion.

Gather your ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic for a soul-nourishing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s Inside Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates hearty texture, choose fresh or thawed for best results.
• White Beans: Adds creamy thickness and plant-based protein, look for low-sodium canned options for convenience.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that develops deep, rich undertones in the chili.
• Green Chilies: Introduces mild heat and authentic southwestern flavor, select fire-roasted for extra depth.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Oregano: Spice blend that creates complex, warm southwestern profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste and balance flavors.

• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid foundation, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Transforms chili into luxuriously smooth and tangy dish, use room temperature for easier melting.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, fresh acidity that lifts entire dish's flavor profile.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides vibrant, herbal notes.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds richness and melty texture.
• Avocado: Brings creamy, buttery element.
• Tortilla Chips: Provides delightful crunch and textural contrast.

Gear To Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Easily

• Slow Cooker: Essential for hands-off cooking and tender chicken.
• Forks: Perfect for easily shredding cooked chicken.
• Ladle: Helps serve the chili smoothly into bowls.
• Cutting Board: Needed for initial ingredient prep.
• Sharp Knife: Required for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurate seasoning amounts.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure broth and beans precisely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients together.

How To Prep Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Fast

• Prep the Slow Cooker Base

Toss chicken breasts into your slow cooker and sprinkle in aromatic spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Add chopped onions and minced garlic for a flavor-packed foundation.

• Layer in the Goodness

Pour white beans and green chilies over the chicken. Splash in some savory chicken broth to create a rich, hearty liquid that’ll make everything meld together beautifully.

• Let It Simmer

Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes mouthwateringly tender and falls apart easily.

• Transform the Texture

Pull out the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return the meat to the pot. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream to create a luxuriously creamy consistency that’ll make everyone swoon.

• Final Flavor Boost

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili for a bright, zesty finish. Serve in deep bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, melty cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips.

Tips To Thicken Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

• Chili Perfection Hacks: Tips and Twists
• Chicken Texture Tip: Pat chicken breasts dry before adding to slow cooker to prevent excess moisture and ensure better seasoning absorption.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace cream cheese and sour cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free alternative that keeps the creamy consistency.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot green chilies, or add diced jalapeños for extra kick. Remove seeds for less intense spiciness.
• Protein Power-Up: Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor, or use ground chicken for a different texture. Vegetarian option works great with plant-based chicken substitutes.
• Freezer-Friendly Batch: Double the recipe and freeze in portions. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

How To Serve Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Right

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this chili in deep, wide ceramic bowls to capture all the delicious toppings and keep the dish warm longer.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair with warm cornbread or crusty sourdough slices to soak up the creamy, flavorful broth and add extra texture.
• Toppings Fiesta: Create a DIY topping station with chopped green onions, extra lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco, diced jalapeños, and crispy tortilla strips for personalized flavor and crunch.
• Movie Night Twist: Transform leftovers into a nacho-style meal by spreading the chili over tortilla chips, adding extra cheese, and broiling for a quick and delicious game day or movie night snack.

Simple Storage For Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

• Cool Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover chili to airtight containers, ensuring it cools to room temperature first. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Batch: Portion the chili into individual freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Flat storage maximizes space and allows quick thawing. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining rich flavors and creamy texture.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching. Microwave works too – cover and stir every 30 seconds for even heating.
• Ingredient Refresh: When reheating, consider adding fresh toppings like crisp cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. These additions restore vibrant flavors and enhance the overall eating experience.

Hearty Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker white chicken chili brings comfort and warmth to weeknight dinners. Creamy, protein-packed soup combines tender chicken, white beans, and mild green chiles for a satisfying meal you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
• 2 15 oz (425 g) cans white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn (optional)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened (for creaminess)
• ½ cup sour cream (or heavy cream)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 4 oz (113 g) can diced green chilies
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
• Sliced jalapenos
• Avocado slices
• Crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Chicken Layering: Arrange chicken breasts in the slow cooker, forming a foundational base for the chili’s flavor development.
2. Seasoning Infusion: Generously coat chicken with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano, ensuring an even spice distribution that promises a robust taste experience.
3. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and green chilies, creating a flavor-rich environment that will permeate the entire dish.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and white beans around the seasoned chicken, establishing a harmonious cooking medium that will tenderize and flavor the meat.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and chicken to reach peak tenderness, transforming into an effortlessly shreddable texture.
6. Creamy Transformation: Shred chicken directly in the cooking liquid, then incorporate cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until a velvety consistency emerges, punctuated by a bright lime juice splash for a zesty contrast.
7. Presentation and Garnish: Ladle chili into serving bowls, crowning with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or crispy tortilla chips to elevate both visual appeal and textural complexity.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Cook chicken on low heat for 6-8 hours to ensure maximum moisture and melt-in-your-mouth texture, preventing dryness and maintaining protein integrity.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and green chilies according to personal heat preference, starting with smaller quantities and gradually increasing for customized flavor intensity.
• Enhance Creaminess Technique: Add cream cheese and sour cream off direct heat to prevent curdling, stirring slowly until smooth for a silky, luxurious consistency without separation.
• Meal Prep and Storage Hack: Chili can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen up to 3 months, with flavors developing more depth overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg