Name: Easy White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker): Your New Favorite Comfort Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483911H5M53S
Total time: PT-483911H5M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (like cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (4 oz) green chilies; 8 oz cream cheese, cubed; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make, this Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect dish. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can have a comforting, creamy bowl of chili that’ll warm you up from the inside out. This recipe is packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and just the right amount of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chilly weekend, this white chicken chili will be a hit every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This white chicken chili has everything you love about chili—tender chicken, creamy beans, and a flavorful broth—but it’s a lighter version compared to traditional red chili. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so all you need to do is toss the ingredients in and let it simmer away. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even a cozy dinner with friends. With a bit of cream cheese to add richness and just the right kick of spice, it’s comforting yet not too heavy. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, making it as easy as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Full list of ingredients is at the bottom!)

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need for this creamy, savory chili:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Canned white beans (like cannellini or great northern beans)
Chicken broth
Onion
Garlic
Green chilies
Cream cheese
Spices: cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper

With these simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly satisfying.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. You don’t need to chop them up yet—the slow cooker will take care of that. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and green chilies to the pot. These ingredients will give your chili a wonderful depth of flavor.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Beans

Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans (drain and rinse them first). Stir everything to combine. Season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, making sure the spices are evenly distributed. This is where the magic starts to happen—the spices infuse the broth with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chili

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender, so it shreds easily. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together, making this dish even better as it simmers.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give everything a good stir. This ensures that the chicken gets well mixed in with the beans and broth.

Step 5: Add the Cream Cheese

Now it’s time for the secret ingredient—cream cheese! Cube the cream cheese and add it to the slow cooker. Let it melt into the chili over the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally to help it incorporate into the broth, creating that rich and creamy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a little more spice, feel free to add extra chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne. Once everything is just right, it’s time to serve!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. I love adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a handful of fresh cilantro. Serve it with some tortilla chips or warm crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a cozy, satisfying meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Chicken options: If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs instead. Just make sure to remove the skin before cooking. Thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness to the chili.
Spice levels: If you want a milder version, use mild green chilies and keep the chili powder to a minimum. For a spicier version, you can opt for hot green chilies and add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Cream cheese: For the smoothest chili, make sure the cream cheese is cut into cubes before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps it melt evenly and gives you that creamy, velvety texture.
Make it thicker: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher before adding the cream cheese. This will help thicken the broth and give the chili a heartier texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add vegetables: For a heartier chili, feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients at the beginning of cooking.
Use frozen chicken: If you don’t have time to thaw chicken, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just note that they may need an extra hour of cooking time, so plan accordingly.
Dairy-free version: To make this chili dairy-free, you can skip the cream cheese and instead use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. You’ll still get a creamy texture, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Add some beans: If you want to increase the protein and fiber, add an extra can of white beans or throw in some black beans for a fun twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This white chicken chili is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides or toppings to round out the dish:

Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread with butter is the perfect side to serve with this chili. It soaks up the broth beautifully and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping and adding some texture to the creamy chili.
Shredded cheese: Top your chili with a generous handful of shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, for extra flavor and creaminess.
Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast to the heat of the chili, making each bite even better.
Avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado on top for an extra layer of richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Easy White Chicken Chili stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If the chili thickens too much after sitting, simply add a little extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

If you want to make this chili ahead of time or have extra for later, it also freezes beautifully. Transfer the cooled chili to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat it gently on the stove.

4 FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Frozen chicken works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just be sure to cook it for an extra hour on low or 2-3 hours on high to ensure it’s cooked through.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños. Adjust the spices to your taste!
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even coconut milk (for a dairy-free version) to get that creamy texture.
Can I use other beans in this recipe?
Yes! While white beans are traditional for this recipe, you can use other beans like pinto or black beans for a different flavor or texture. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker.

Conclusion

This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect recipe for when you want something comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. Thanks to the slow cooker, it practically cooks itself, and the result is a creamy, savory chili that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe is a winner every time. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy goodness, and let this chili become a new favorite in your meal rotation!

Easy White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker): Your New Favorite Comfort Meal

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Soup/Stew
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This creamy and hearty Easy White Chicken Chili is perfect for a cozy meal, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. With tender chicken, white beans, and a touch of spice, it’s a comforting dish that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken and Veggies:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add chopped onion, garlic, and green chilies.
Add the Broth and Beans:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans. Season with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook the Chili:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
Add the Cream Cheese:
Add cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker. Let it melt into the chili over the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring occasionally.
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder or cayenne for extra spice, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, or avocado. Pair with tortilla chips or warm bread.

Notes

Chicken Options: Use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness. Just remove the skin before cooking.
Spice Adjustments: Use mild green chilies for a milder chili, or opt for hot chilies and add cayenne for more heat.
Thickening Tip: Mash some of the beans for a thicker chili if desired.