Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This white chicken chili is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make thanks to the slow cooker. It’s packed with protein, has just the right amount of spice, and gets its irresistible creaminess from a blend of cream cheese and optional sour cream. The hands-off cooking means you can toss everything in and come back to a warm, delicious meal. Plus, it’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- White beans (cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed)
- Diced green chiles (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- Yellow onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken broth
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Chili powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Sour cream or heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh cilantro, jalapeños, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips for garnish
Directions
- Place the chicken, beans, green chiles, onion, garlic, broth, cumin, oregano, and chili powder (if using) in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add sour cream or heavy cream if desired for extra richness.
- Taste and season with salt, pepper, and lime juice if using.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, cilantro, diced avocado, or tortilla strips.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: 6.5–7.5 hours (low) or 3.5–4.5 hours (high)
Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken and add it during the last hour of cooking to speed things up.
- Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
- Stir in corn or diced bell peppers for added texture and sweetness.
- Make it spicier with jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra green chiles.
- Use navy beans or chickpeas if you don’t have white beans.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for a boost of greens.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave individual portions until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the chili thickens. This chili also freezes well—cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken can be used, but be sure it’s fully submerged in the broth and allow for extra cooking time. Ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Is this chili spicy?
It’s mild as written, but you can adjust the heat by using hot green chiles or adding jalapeños and chili powder.
What kind of beans work best?
Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal for their creamy texture, but navy beans also work well.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer everything in a large pot for about 30–40 minutes, then shred the chicken and stir in the cream cheese.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and skip the sour cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How do I thicken the chili?
If you prefer a thicker texture, mash some of the beans before stirring the chicken back in, or let the chili simmer uncovered for a bit.
What toppings go well with this chili?
Shredded cheese, diced avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime all make great toppings.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, corn, bell peppers, or even diced zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs will result in a richer, more tender texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with protein, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly lunches. With plenty of options for customization and toppings, this recipe is bound to be a staple in your cold-weather recipe rotation.
PrintCreamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a rich and hearty dish made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a flavorful, creamy broth. It’s a cozy, protein-packed meal that’s easy to make and perfect for chilly nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6.5–7.5 hours (low) or 3.5–4.5 hours (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional)
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, tortilla chips, avocado
Instructions
- Place chicken, beans, green chiles, onion, garlic, broth, cumin, oregano, and chili powder (if using) in a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add sour cream or heavy cream, if desired.
- Taste and season with salt, pepper, and lime juice if using.
- Serve hot with desired toppings such as cheese, cilantro, avocado, or tortilla strips.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time—add it during the last hour of cooking.
- Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
- Add corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Adjust spice level with jalapeños, cayenne, or hot green chiles.
- Mash some beans or simmer uncovered to thicken the chili.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
