Name: Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 large onion, diced; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (4 oz) cans fire-roasted mild diced green chiles; 1 bay leaf; 2 (15.5 oz) cans cannellini beans; 1 (15.5 oz) can pinto beans; 1 ½ cups frozen corn; 6 ounces (¾ block) cream cheese; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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As the aroma of Crockpot White Chicken Chili wafts through the house, it wraps you in a cozy embrace, drawing you to the kitchen where warmth and comfort await. The rich, creamy texture glistens, inviting you to take a spoonful of this hearty dish. With each bite, you’ll experience tender chicken, cannellini beans, and a delightful blend of spices that warms you from the inside out. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something comforting after a long day.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot White Chicken Chili

I remember the first time I made this chili during a frigid winter night. My family gathered around, laughter echoing against the frosty windows as we created our toppings bar—sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocados, you name it! It was about more than just the food; it was about the memories we made together. If you’re looking for an easy, delicious option that brings a smile to everyone’s face, this Crockpot White Chicken Chili is calling your name. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep, then let the slow cooker work its magic for six hours.
Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices meld together, creating a creamy, comforting experience with every spoonful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: It’s a beautiful, hearty bowl of chili ready to impress friends and family.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a casual dinner, game day gatherings, or any chilly evening.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable if you need gluten-free or dairy-free versions!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: This is your main protein source. Feel free to use thighs for a richer flavor.
1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin adds warmth and depth. If you’re out, coriander can be a nice substitute!
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavor. Adjust based on your preference.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick. You can increase this for more spice.
½ teaspoon chili powder: Gives a subtle heat. Consider using smoked chili powder for a smoky twist.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds heat to the chili. Omit if you prefer mild!
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy taste. Italian seasoning could be a fun alternative.
½ teaspoon ground coriander: Complements the other spices perfectly.
4 cups chicken broth: A flavorful base for your chili. Low-sodium is a good option for health-conscious cooks.
1 large onion, diced: Sweetness from the onions balances the spices. Yellow or white onions work best.
3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch.
2 (4 oz) cans fire-roasted mild diced green chiles: These add depth and a slight tang. No worries if you can’t find fire-roasted; regular is great too!
1 bay leaf: Infuses the chili with subtle flavor. Be sure to remove it before serving.
2 (15.5 oz) cans cannellini beans: These white kidney beans contribute creaminess. Chickpeas can be used as a substitute.
1 (15.5 oz) can pinto beans: They add texture and heartiness. If you like it bean-heavy, add an extra can or two!
1 ½ cups frozen corn: Sweet and crunchy, corn adds a nice pop. Fresh or canned corn works too!
6 ounces (¾ block) cream cheese: The secret to the creamy texture! Neufchâtel can be a great lower-fat alternative.
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Brightens up the dish and adds freshness. If you’re not a cilantro fan, try chopped green onions instead.

How to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Layer Ingredients: Start by placing the chicken breasts right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure to nestle them tightly to keep everything flavorful. Evenly sprinkle the spices: cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder, cayenne, oregano, and coriander over the chicken, letting the spices infuse their magic.

Add Liquid and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth, filling the slow cooker beautifully. Next, toss in diced onions, minced garlic, and those vibrant green chiles. For added flavor, tuck a bay leaf in there—this will work its wonders while everything cooks. If you like your beans a little firmer, wait until the last couple of hours to add them.

Slow Cook to Perfection: Put the lid on and let everything simmer happily! Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the scent completely captivates the room and the chicken is fall-apart tender. With about two hours left, stir in the rinsed beans and thawed corn.

Blend for Creaminess: To achieve that desired thickness, scoop about 2 cups of the chili (beans included) into a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until smooth, then return this silky mixture back into the slow cooker for the final touch.

Shred and Combine: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return all that flavorful chicken back to the pot, giving everything a good stir so it all combines beautifully.

Adjust Seasoning: At this point, it’s time to give your chili a taste test. Adjust the spices as needed, throw in some fresh cilantro if you fancy it, and make it your own!

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the steaming bowl of **Crockpot White Chicken Chili** into bowls and set up a toppings bar! Consider shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, tortilla strips, or creamy avocado. Each person can customize their bowl to their liking—it’s half the fun!

Storing & Reheating

Once your Crockpot White Chicken Chili has cooled down, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours, but it’s best kept in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to four days. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, feel free to freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. When reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 3-5 minutes until heated through. Do note that the texture might change slightly—try adding a splash of broth to refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To prevent the chicken from drying out, don’t lift the lid during cooking—it traps heat and moisture!
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting, especially the cream cheese, so it blends smoothly into the chili.
If you enjoy more heat, consider adding fresh diced jalapeños or using spicy green chiles.
For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans directly in the pot with a fork before adding the cream cheese.
Make-ahead: Chop vegetables and prep your spices the night before, storing them in the fridge to save time!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can! However, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. Just check the chicken with a meat thermometer—it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I make this chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken for 2 cans of additional beans or lentils and use vegetable broth. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch at the start of the week and store portions in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat as needed for a quick and satisfying meal!

What are some good toppings for this chili?

Toppings are where the fun begins! Traditional favorites include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, green onions, tortilla strips, or fresh cilantro. You can get creative and add hot sauce for an extra kick or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.