Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili: Easy Comfort Food!

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the perfect dish for a cozy Sunday supper, just like the ones we used to have growing up in Italy, huddled around Nonna’s table. It might not be a traditional Italian recipe, but trust us, the flavors and the comfort it offers are universal. This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe is our New York take on an American classic, blending simple ingredients and slow cooking magic to create a creamy, delicious, and heartwarming meal.

We remember the first time Lucia brought a chili similar to this to one of our Sunday dinners. We had never seen anything like it: so complex, delicious, and flavorful. Now, we think you will agree, it’s a wonderful addition to our recipe book.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

Why You Will Love This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe is truly special. It’s comfort food at its finest, easily prepared and packed with incredible flavor. Forget spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe lets the slow cooker do all the work, resulting in a creamy, rich chili that everyone will love.

Plus, it is quick to get ready and packed with protein.

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious crockpot chicken chili ready to enjoy. Think of it as a warm hug on a cold day. We think you may also love our recipe for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili!

Ingredients Needed for This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
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How to Make This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

  1. 1. Place the chicken breasts, onion, garlic, great northern beans, cannellini beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
  2. 2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
  3. 3. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
  4. 4. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  5. 5. Add the softened cream cheese to the slow cooker and stir until it is completely melted and the chili is creamy. For an even more rich flavor, you also may love our recipe for Easy Chicken Parmesan!
  6. 6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

This creamy chicken chili is best served hot! Ladle it into bowls and let everyone customize their serving with their favorite toppings. We love a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a few slices of avocado, and some fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, zesty finish.

Consider pairing it with some warm cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.

How to Store This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

  • Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience. If the chili seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.

Tips to Make This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

  • For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a jalapeño pepper instead of green chilies.
  • If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken.
  • To make this chili even creamier, stir in a can of drained and rinsed sweet corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Don’t skip the cream cheese! It adds a wonderful richness and creaminess to the chili.

Helpful Notes for This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

  • Great Northern beans and cannellini beans are both mild-flavored white beans that work well in this chili. Feel free to use all of one type or a combination of both.
  • Chicken broth is the base of the chili, so use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
  • Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy texture. Make sure to leave it out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. If you do not have cream cheese, you may enjoy our recipe for White Chocolate Cherry Fudge.

Variation of This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with an extra can of beans (such as black beans or pinto beans) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño pepper (with seeds for extra heat), a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Smoked Paprika Version: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices for a smoky flavor.
  • Corn and Black Bean Version: Add a can of drained and rinsed corn and a can of drained and rinsed black beans for added texture and flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken in slow cooker white chicken chili?

While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for safety and even cooking, you can use frozen chicken. Increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What are some good toppings for slow cooker white chicken chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime juice. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings!

How do I thicken slow cooker white chicken chili?

You can thicken the chili by mashing some of the beans, adding a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water), or stirring in a bit of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I make slow cooker white chicken chili ahead of time?

Yes, slow cooker white chicken chili is perfect for making ahead. Simply cook as directed, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making this simple, delicious Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili as much as we do. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy the warmth and love that this dish brings. Please leave us a comment below to let us know how yours turns out. Buon appetito!

Print

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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili: Easy Comfort Food!


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

Description

A creamy and flavorful slow cooker white chicken chili that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts, onion, garlic, great northern beans, cannellini beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
  3. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
  4. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  5. Add the softened cream cheese to the slow cooker and stir until it is completely melted and the chili is creamy.
  6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Soup
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, slow cooker, crockpot, creamy, comfort food

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