Welcome to the easiest, most flavorful Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe you will ever make. This set-it-and-forget-it meal delivers a rich, creamy, and satisfying chili with tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, and a perfectly spiced broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, game days, or cozy weekends. If you’re looking for a recipe that is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort, you’ve found it.
Why This Is the Best White Chicken Chili Recipe
This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:
- Effortlessly Easy: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it work its magic. No browning or pre-cooking required!
- Incredibly Creamy: A combination of cream cheese and a little heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth and rich texture without being too heavy.
- Packed with Flavor: Zesty green chiles, aromatic cumin, and fresh cilantro combine for a Southwest-inspired flavor that is both bright and deeply savory.
- Perfectly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for all your favorite toppings. From avocado to tortilla strips, you can make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly spectacular chili. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for easy shredding.
- Beans: We use Great Northern beans for their creamy texture, but cannellini beans are a great substitute.
- Aromatics: A simple combination of yellow onion and garlic provides the foundational flavor.
- Green Chiles: Canned diced green chiles add a mild, zesty heat. Don’t drain them!
- Corn: Frozen or canned corn adds a pop of sweetness and texture.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth gives you control over the final saltiness.
- Spices: Cumin, oregano, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne create the perfect warm and savory spice blend.
- For the Creaminess: A block of cream cheese and a splash of heavy cream, stirred in at the end, are the secrets to the ultimate creamy finish.
- Fresh Lime & Cilantro: Added at the end to brighten up all the flavors.
For those who love comforting, creamy chicken dishes, our classic chicken alfredo is another must-try recipe for a cozy night in.
How to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili: Step-by-Step
Making this white chicken chili in the crockpot is as simple as it gets. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the diced onion, minced garlic, Great Northern beans (rinsed and drained), corn, and diced green chiles. Pour the chicken broth over everything and sprinkle with cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, then return it to the crockpot.
- Make It Creamy: Add the softened cream cheese (cut into cubes) and heavy cream to the chili. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is smooth and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Let it heat through for another 10-15 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
If you’re a fan of easy slow cooker meals that make life simpler, you’ll absolutely love our creamy crockpot mac and cheese. It’s another family favorite!
Tips for Success
A few simple tips can take your chili from great to unforgettable.
How to Thicken Your Chili
This chili is naturally thick and creamy, but if you prefer an even thicker consistency, you can make a simple cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the chili during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. The chili will thicken as it simmers.
Topping Suggestions
Toppings are arguably the best part! Set up a chili bar and let everyone customize their bowl. Here are some of our favorites:
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Crispy tortilla strips
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Crockpot White Chicken Chili is how easy it is to adapt.
- Different Beans: No Great Northern beans? Cannellini beans, navy beans, or even pinto beans will work well.
- Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture. The cooking time will remain the same.
- Spice It Up: For more heat, add a diced jalapeño along with the onion, or increase the amount of cayenne pepper. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add a lovely depth of flavor.
This chili proves that a hearty, comforting meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Much like our beloved pioneer woman potato soup, it’s a simple recipe that delivers complex, satisfying flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead meal. The flavors actually meld and become even better overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and can add extra flavor and moisture to the chili. The cooking time remains the same.
To thicken your chili, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release their natural starches.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the chicken, broth, and spices. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken, then add the beans, corn, and creamy ingredients as instructed.
This chili is wonderful on its own, but it’s also great served with warm cornbread, tortilla chips for dipping, or a simple side salad. A scoop of rice in the bottom of the bowl is also a delicious option.
The Perfect Cozy Meal
This Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a staple in your home. It’s easy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more delicious recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Crockpot White Chicken Chili: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with diced onion, minced garlic, rinsed Great Northern beans, drained corn, and undrained green chiles. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return the shredded meat back into the slow cooker.
- Add the softened, cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir well until the cream cheese has completely melted into the chili, creating a smooth, creamy broth.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Let the chili heat through for another 10 minutes. Serve hot with desired toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips.
Notes
Freezing: Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
