There’s something about the aroma of a slow-cooked meal that fills your home with warmth and anticipation. When it comes to hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting meals, Crockpot White Chicken Chili stands out as a favorite. This dish is creamy, savory, and slightly spicy, making it the perfect choice for cozy evenings or busy days when you want a delicious dinner waiting for you.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This recipe isn’t just about convenience—it’s about delivering a flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. You’ll fall in love with this dish because:
- It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- The slow cooker does all the hard work for you.
- It’s versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for creating the best Crockpot White Chicken Chili.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
Category | Ingredients |
Protein | 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds) |
Beans | 45 ounces canned white beans (3 cans, drained and rinsed, divided) |
Vegetables | 1 yellow onion (chopped), 1 jalapeño pepper (chopped), 2 shallots (chopped) |
Spices & Herbs | ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, 2 teaspoons ground cumin |
Liquid Base | 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups) |
Other Add-ins | 15 ounces canned corn (1 can) |
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a chili that’s bursting with flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prep and Assemble
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Top with two cans of the white beans (reserve the third can for later), the chopped onion, jalapeño, shallots, cilantro, spices, and canned corn.
- Pour the chicken broth over the top and stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chili for 6–8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Blend the Beans
- Remove 1 cup of broth from the chili and place it in a blender along with the reserved can of beans.
- Blend until smooth. This bean slurry adds a creamy texture to the chili without the need for heavy cream.
- Stir the blended mixture back into the chili.
Step 5: Final Touches
Turn the slow cooker to high and let the chili cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken and heat through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve it with your favorite toppings. Popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeño based on your heat tolerance.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, zesty flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley works as a substitute.
- Thicken the Chili: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt before serving for extra creaminess.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate. Simply turn it on in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 6 servings):
Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
Calories | 290 |
Protein | 30g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fat | 8g |
Fiber | 7g |
Popular Toppings and Side Dishes
Elevate your Crockpot White Chicken Chili with these delicious toppings and sides:
- Toppings:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips
- Fresh lime wedges
- Side Dishes:
- Cornbread
- Garlic bread
- A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
FAQs About Crockpot White Chicken Chili
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier, which makes them even more tender and flavorful.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What can I substitute for white beans?
Great Northern beans or cannellini beans are excellent substitutes. You can also mix in chickpeas for a unique twist.
5. How can I make this chili dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just skip cheese or sour cream toppings for a completely dairy-free meal.
6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for plant-based protein (like tofu or tempeh), use vegetable broth, and increase the amount of beans and vegetables.
Conclusion
Crockpot White Chicken Chili is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, this recipe delivers every time. With its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced spices, it’s destined to become a favorite in your household.
So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to create a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Your family and friends will thank you for it!
PrintCrockpot White Chicken Chili: The Ultimate Comfort Food Made Easy
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes–8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a hearty, creamy, and slightly spicy dish that combines tender shredded chicken, white beans, and vibrant spices in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy evenings or busy weeknights, this slow cooker recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
Beans:
- 45 ounces canned white beans (3 cans, drained and rinsed; divide one can for blending)
Vegetables:
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
- 2 shallots, chopped
Spices & Herbs:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
Liquid Base:
- 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups)
Other Add-ins:
- 15 ounces canned corn (1 can, drained)
Instructions
- Prep and Assemble Ingredients:
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add two cans of white beans (reserve the third can for blending), chopped onion, jalapeño, shallots, cilantro, spices, and corn.
- Pour chicken broth over the top and stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Blend Beans for Creaminess:
- Remove 1 cup of broth from the slow cooker and blend it with the reserved can of beans until smooth.
- Stir the blended mixture back into the slow cooker for a creamy texture.
- Thicken and Final Cook:
- Turn the slow cooker to high and let the chili cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken and heat through.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
Popular Toppings and Side Dishes:
- Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, fresh lime wedges.
- Sides: Cornbread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American