Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe That Sings

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful white chicken chili crockpot recipe that promises to warm your soul.

Packed with tender chicken, hearty beans, and a velvety smooth broth, this chili brings pure satisfaction to your dinner table.

Aromatic spices dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The slow cooker works its magic, allowing ingredients to meld together into a rich, creamy masterpiece.

creamy and robust, this white chicken chili transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that requires minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more delicious with this effortless and comforting recipe.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing chili that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Pairing Options for White Chicken Chili

  • Pair Perfectly with Crisp Refreshment: A zesty Mexican lager like Modelo Especial cuts through the chili's creaminess, providing a clean, light contrast to the rich, spicy flavors.
  • Elevate with Crunchy Cornbread Companion: Prepare a slightly sweet, buttery cornbread with jalapeño bits that complements the chili's creamy texture and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
  • Match with Bright Citrus Salad: Create a tangy green salad with mixed citrus segments, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette to balance the chili's warmth and provide a fresh, light counterpoint.
  • Enhance with Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a Sauvignon Blanc with herbal notes that will cut through the chili's creaminess and echo the cilantro and green chile flavors in the dish.

White Chicken Chili Variations

  • Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or additional white beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein-packed alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Creamy Chili: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk yogurt, ensuring a smooth texture while maintaining a rich, creamy consistency for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Spicy Southwest Chili: Increase cayenne pepper and add diced jalapeños, roasted green chiles, and a dash of chipotle powder to elevate the heat and create a more intense flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Swap white beans and corn with riced cauliflower and diced bell peppers, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the hearty chili experience intact for keto diet followers.

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 cook thoroughly and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to medium heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use non-dairy milk instead of half and half. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

  • What if I don't have a crockpot?

You can make this recipe in a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, and reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours.

Why You’ll Love White Chicken Chili

Why You’ll Love White Chicken Chili
  • Dump ingredients into crockpot, stir, and walk away while this hands-off recipe does the magic for you.
  • Carefully layered spices like cumin, chili powder, and cayenne create a mouthwatering depth that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
  • Endless topping options like jalapeños, sour cream, cheese, and tortilla strips let everyone craft their perfect bowl of creamy, hearty chili.
  • Perfect for feeding families, potlucks, or casual gatherings with its simple preparation and universally loved flavor profile that satisfies different taste preferences.

What You’ll Need for White Chicken Chili

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the hearty foundation of the chili.
Spice Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Spices that create a deep, complex flavor profile and add warmth to the dish.
Vegetable and Bean Mix:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a flavor base for the chili.
  • White Beans, Green Chiles, Corn: Ingredients that add texture, freshness, and additional layers of flavor to the dish.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Herb that brings a bright, fresh note to the chili.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall savory taste of the chili.
Creamy Elements:
  • Cream Cheese, Half and Half: Ingredients that create a rich, smooth, and luxurious texture.
Optional Toppings:
  • Jalapeños, Sour Cream, Monterey Jack Cheese, Tortilla Strips: Customizable garnishes that add extra flavor, heat, and crunch.

Making White Chicken Chili in the Crockpot

Making White Chicken Chili in the Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Nestle chicken breasts into the crockpot.

Generously sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cumin
  • Oregano
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper

Ensure spices coat the chicken completely for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients

Arrange these ingredients over the seasoned chicken:
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Drained white beans
  • Green chiles
  • Corn
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh cilantro

Stir ingredients thoroughly to distribute evenly.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

Remove fully cooked chicken from crockpot.

Using two forks, pull chicken apart into tender shreds.

Return shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Incorporate:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Half and half

Whisk cream cheese with a ladle of hot chili to prevent lumps.

Cook an additional 15 minutes on HIGH to thicken the chili.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with optional garnishes:
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream
  • Monterey jack cheese
  • Tortilla strips

Customize each bowl according to personal preference.

Tips for Creamy White Chili

Tips for Creamy White Chili
  • Remove excess liquid from beans and corn to prevent a watery consistency, ensuring a thick and rich chili texture.
  • Whisk cream cheese with a hot ladle of chili before adding to the pot, creating a smooth and creamy integration without lumps.
  • Adjust cayenne and chili powder levels to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or fiery based on individual taste.
  • Replace chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quick alternative, maintaining the recipe's delicious flavor profile.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and half-and-half for a lighter version, or substitute with dairy-free alternatives to accommodate various dietary needs.

Storing and Reheating White Chicken Chili

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze up to 3 months. Lay bags flat for easier storage and quicker thawing.
  • Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Pour chili into saucepan. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir gently to maintain creamy texture and prevent scorching. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
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Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crockpot white chicken chili delivers comfort in a bowl, blending hearty southwestern flavors with simple slow-cooker magic. Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices, this one-pot wonder invites you to savor warmth and satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 15-ounce cans great Northern beans
  • 2 4-ounce cans diced green chiles
  • 1 15-ounce can whole kernel corn

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 24 ounces chicken broth
  • 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
  • 1/4 cup half and half

Garnishes:

  • small handful fresh cilantro
  • sliced jalapenos
  • sliced avocados
  • dollop of sour cream
  • minced fresh cilantro
  • tortilla strips
  • shredded Monterey jack or Mexican cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by placing trimmed breasts in the crockpot and generously coating with a blend of salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. For an enhanced smoky flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika.
  2. Layer white beans, green chiles, corn, diced onions, and minced garlic over the seasoned chicken. Pour in chicken broth and scatter fresh cilantro. Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is completely tender and fully cooked. Ensure beans and corn are well-drained to prevent excess liquid.
  4. Remove chicken and shred using two forks, then return the shredded meat back to the crockpot. The chicken should be easily pulled apart and tender.
  5. Create the creamy texture by whisking softened cream cheese with a ladle of hot chili to prevent lumps. Stir in half and half, blending thoroughly.
  6. Continue cooking on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and develop a rich, velvety consistency.
  7. Serve hot with optional toppings like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, shredded Monterey jack cheese, and crispy tortilla strips. Customize each bowl to personal preference.

Notes

  • Drain beans and corn thoroughly to prevent watery consistency, ensuring a thick, rich chili texture.
  • Soften cream cheese before adding to minimize lumps and create smoother sauce integration.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper and chili powder to suit personal heat preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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