The Best Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe: A Comforting Weeknight Meal
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming you up and bringing a cozy feeling to chilly months! This incredibly simple weeknight meal masterfully combines succulent, boneless, skinless chicken thighs with a blend of hearty white beans, mild diced green chilies, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. The result is a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful chili that requires minimal effort, making it a favorite in busy households.
When searching for easy and comforting weeknight meals, crockpot soups are always a top contender in my kitchen. Among them, this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili holds a special place. Its unique flavor profile and satisfying creaminess make it a consistent family favorite. While I certainly enjoy a robust bowl of traditional beef chili, there’s an irresistible appeal to white chicken chili that truly captures my palate every time.
The beauty of this white chicken chili recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved with minimal fuss. For those truly pressed for time, I also have a fantastic Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe that delivers similar delicious results in a fraction of the cooking time. The lighter nature of chicken, combined with the subtle heat from diced green chilies and the creamy texture of white beans, creates a wonderfully balanced and wholesome meal. This slow cooker version builds upon my popular White Chicken Chili recipe, adapted to harness the magical convenience of the crockpot.
Why You’ll Love This Easy White Chicken Chili
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy evenings and cozy weekends. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, giving you back precious time.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures that the chicken remains incredibly moist and falls apart easily, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the chili.
- Rich and Flavorful Broth: The slow cooking process allows the spices, vegetables, and chicken broth to meld together, creating a complex and deeply satisfying base.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from white beans, along with fresh vegetables, this chili is a nutritious and filling meal.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours. From creamy avocado to a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, the possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week. It also freezes beautifully.
Essential Ingredients for Your White Chicken Chili
This delightful chili comes together with a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need, with detailed quantities available in the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Chicken: For the most tender and juicy results in the slow cooker, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stand up beautifully to long cooking times without drying out, soaking up all the flavors. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins can also be used, though they may become slightly less tender.
- Vegetables: The aromatic base of this chili includes sweet onion, vibrant green bell peppers, and for a gentle kick, diced green chilies and optional jalapeños. These vegetables provide essential flavor, texture, and a mild heat that complements the chicken and beans perfectly. Consider adding corn for extra sweetness or a poblano pepper for a smoky undertone.
- Spices: A carefully selected blend of spices creates the signature warmth and depth of this white chili. We use a generous amount of chili powder and cumin, balanced with fragrant oregano, a touch of earthy paprika, and a pinch of cayenne red pepper for an optional heat boost. Feel free to adjust the cayenne to your desired spice level.
- Beans: Great northern beans are my go-to for their creamy texture and mild flavor that blends seamlessly into the chili. However, you can easily substitute them with other white beans like cannellini beans (white kidney beans) or navy beans. For a different twist, chickpeas or even a small amount of black beans could be used, though they would slightly alter the “white chili” aesthetic. Always remember to drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for our chili. Use a good quality chicken broth or stock. Low-sodium varieties are excellent, allowing you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an indispensable aromatic depth to the chili.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Creaminess or Flavor
To make your chili even more luxurious and hearty, consider these additions:
- Cream Cheese or Heavy Cream: Stir in a block of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking for an incredibly creamy texture.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.
- Corn: Canned or frozen corn adds a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
- Fresh Cilantro: Stirred in at the end, it adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
How to Make This Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Making this comforting white chicken chili is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch:
Step 1: Prepare and Combine Ingredients: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Next, pour in all the remaining ingredients—chopped sweet onion, green bell pepper, jalapeños (if using), minced garlic, drained and rinsed great northern beans, canned green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the spices are well distributed and the chicken is nestled amongst the other ingredients.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on the low setting for approximately 5 1/2 hours. This ‘low and slow’ method is key to achieving incredibly tender chicken and allowing all the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken: Once the initial cooking time is complete, the chicken thighs should be fall-apart tender. Carefully remove the lid. Using two forks, shred the chicken thighs directly in the slow cooker. They should shred very easily, absorbing more of the chili’s delicious liquid as you do so.
Step 4: Final Simmer and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir everything together thoroughly to combine the chicken with the beans and broth. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low. This final simmer allows the shredded chicken to fully absorb the chili’s flavors and ensures everything is piping hot. Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasonings to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. Serve warm with your favorite garnishes!
Serving Suggestions & Toppings for Your Chili
While delicious on its own, Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili truly shines with a variety of toppings and side dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Classic Toppings:
- Shredded Cheese: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a cool, creamy contrast.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro or green onions provide freshness.
- Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado for a rich, buttery texture.
- Crunchy Additions:
- Tortilla Chips or Strips: For a satisfying crunch.
- Cornbread Crumble: Adds a sweet and savory element.
- For Extra Heat:
- Sliced Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled for an extra kick.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Delicious Sides:
- Warm Cornbread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for dipping.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a heartier meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is fantastic for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: White chicken chili freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the chili is too thick after refrigerating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
While it’s generally best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and food safety, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a slow cooker. You may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable. Always check the internal temperature to be sure.
- How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add an extra jalapeño, leave some of the seeds in the jalapeño, or increase the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or serve with a side of your favorite hot sauce.
- Can I make this white chicken chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra beans (like cannellini, chickpeas, or black beans), corn, or a plant-based chicken substitute for more substance.
- What is the difference between white chicken chili and traditional red chili?
Traditional red chili typically features beef (or other red meat), tomatoes, kidney beans, and a dark, rich broth flavored with robust chili powders. White chicken chili, on the other hand, uses chicken (often white meat), white beans, green chilies, and a lighter, often creamy, broth seasoned with spices like cumin and oregano, giving it a distinct color and flavor profile.
- Can I add cream cheese to this recipe?
Yes, for an extra creamy chili, stir in 4-6 ounces of softened cream cheese (cut into cubes) during the last 30 minutes of cooking, along with the shredded chicken. Stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Soups to Try
Chicken
Slow Cooker Mexican Cheesy Chicken Soup
Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Lasagna Soup
Soups
Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
Soups
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 of a sweet onion, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, seeds removed, chopped
- 1 to 2 Jalapeño, seeds removed, chopped {optional}
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 – 15 oz cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 – 4 oz cans green chilies
- 32 oz. cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper {optional}
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6 qt. or larger slow cooker. Pour the remaining ingredients in the slow cooker and stir everything together.
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Cook on low for 5 1/2 hours, take two forks and shred the chicken thighs and then return the chicken back into the slow cooker. Give it a good stir and cook for an additional 1/2 hour.
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Taste your chili and add more spices to your liking. Serve warm with garnishes of your choice.
Notes
- This soup makes 10 cups of soup total and serves 5 people.
- If you don’t want to use chicken thighs you can easily use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.