Crockpot white chicken chili has become my go-to comfort food, especially on those chilly evenings when I crave something warm and satisfying without much fuss. I first discovered how magical slow cooker meals could be when I was juggling a demanding job and barely had time to blink, let alone cook. This dish, a hearty and flavorful bowl of slow cooker goodness, was a revelation! If you’ve ever wondered what is white chicken chili, imagine a milder, creamier cousin to traditional chili, packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a hint of spice. This easy crock pot white chicken chili is so simple, it practically makes itself. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Incredible Flavor: It’s packed with savory spices, tender chicken, and creamy beans for a taste explosion.
- Effortless Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep, this slow cooker white chicken chili is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Choice: This recipe uses lean chicken and reduced-fat cream cheese, making it a lighter option.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and affordable ingredients makes this a great meal for any budget.
- Family Favorite: The mild, comforting flavors are a hit with both kids and adults.
- So Versatile: Easily customize toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
- Ultimate Comfort: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of this delicious slow cooker white chicken chili to chase away the chill.
Ingredients for Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Figuring out what are the ingredients for white chicken chili is easier than you think! This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly items to create a truly delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts – the lean protein base for our chili
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced – adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic chili flavor
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed – these creamy beans are a hallmark of white chicken chili
- 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot) – for a gentle warmth and subtle chile flavor; choose your heat level!
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained – brings a touch of sweetness and texture
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth – the liquid base that ties all the flavors together
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened – this is the magic ingredient for that signature creamy texture
- 1/4 cup half-and-half – adds a bit more richness without being too heavy
- 1 tsp salt – to enhance all the other flavors
- 1 tsp ground cumin – a warm, earthy spice crucial for chili
- 3/4 tsp dried oregano – adds a savory, slightly peppery note
- 1/2 tsp chili powder – for a mild chili kick
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper – adjust for your preferred level of heat

How to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Ready to whip up the most delicious and comforting meal? This white chicken chili recipe crock pot is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how simple how to make crock pot white chicken chili truly is, with minimal effort yielding maximum flavor. Let’s get started!
- Step 1: Begin by placing the 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the chicken generously with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. The aroma of these spices alone will make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Step 2: Next, add the aromatics and veggies. Scatter the 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, over the seasoned chicken.
- Step 3: Now, add the hearty components: the 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed, the 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (use mild or hot depending on your preference for spice!), and the 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained.
- Step 4: Pour the 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. This liquid will help everything cook and meld together beautifully.
- Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds. The house will fill with a comforting, savory scent.
- Step 6: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the breasts from the slow cooker. Place them on a cutting board and use two forks to shred the chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. These white chicken chili crock pot instructions ensure tender, flavorful chicken in every bite.
- Step 7: Stir in the 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened, and the 1/4 cup half-and-half. Stir gently until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a wonderfully creamy texture. This step is key to achieving that decadent, smooth finish that makes this dish so special.
- Step 8: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili is heated through and perfectly creamy. Serve this delightful slow cooker white chicken chili warm, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Want to elevate your slow cooker chicken chili white beans? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish truly shine. Follow these tips for a restaurant-worthy result at home!
- For an even richer flavor, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a little olive oil for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. This step really unlocks their sweetness.
- Don’t skip softening the cream cheese! Letting it come to room temperature means it will melt smoothly into the chili without clumping, ensuring that velvety texture everyone loves.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. You might want a little more salt, cumin, or even a pinch more cayenne pepper depending on your preference and the broth you used.
What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
The real secret to the best crock pot white chicken chili is the combination of tender, shredded chicken and the creamy sauce. Softening the cream cheese and using a good quality chicken broth are key to achieving that luscious, smooth texture that makes this dish so irresistible. For more information on slow cooking techniques, check out this guide to kitchen appliances.
Can I make Crockpot White Chicken Chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a perfect example of a quick crock pot white chicken chili for meal prep. You can assemble all the ingredients (except the cream cheese and half-and-half) in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate. Just add those last two ingredients in the morning before you start cooking. For more meal prep ideas, visit our latest recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
The most common pitfall is using chicken that’s too dry. Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken on HIGH heat. Also, make sure to drain and rinse your beans well to avoid a gummy texture and excess sodium. Finally, don’t skip softening the cream cheese! For information on food safety and handling, consult FDA guidelines.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This hearty chili is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. For a truly comforting experience, I love serving it with a side of warm cornbread or fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious broth. If you’re looking for something extra special, consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. This slow cooker white bean chicken chili is also fantastic topped with your favorite fixings!
- Top with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
- Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread for dipping.
- Offer a side of tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips for added crunch.
Nutrition Facts for Healthy Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
This delicious crockpot white chicken chili is not only satisfying but also a great choice for a balanced meal. When you’re looking for options that are both flavorful and nutritious, this recipe truly delivers. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy comfort food while keeping your health goals in mind. For more healthy eating tips, check out our homepage.
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This delicious slow cooker chicken chili white beans recipe makes fantastic leftovers, which is perfect because it freezes beautifully! Once your chili has cooled down slightly (about an hour or two on the counter), it’s time to store it. I like to portion mine into airtight containers, making it super easy to grab a single serving for lunch or dinner throughout the week. This chili stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For information on proper food storage, refer to FoodSafety.gov.
If you want to store it for longer, freezing is your best bet. Pack the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Properly stored, your crockpot white chicken chili can last for up to 3 months in the freezer without losing its incredible flavor.
Reheating is a breeze! For refrigerated chili, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between. Frozen chili can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and then reheated as you would the fresh chili. For a quicker thaw, you can place the frozen container in a bowl of warm water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Is white chicken chili spicy?
This particular recipe is designed to be mild and comforting, not overly spicy. The heat comes from the optional cayenne pepper and the diced green chiles, which you can choose to be mild or hot. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes. The goal is a delicious, flavorful chili, and this creamy crock pot white chicken chili delivers on that!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice for slow cooker recipes as they tend to stay more moist and tender. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of the breasts in this recipe. Follow the same cooking times, and you’ll end up with an incredibly flavorful and succulent chili. It’s a great way to make an already simple crock pot white chicken chili even more forgiving.
What can I serve with Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
This chili is wonderfully versatile! Besides the suggested toppings like avocado, sour cream, and jalapeños, it’s delicious served with warm cornbread, crusty bread for dipping, or even over rice. For a lighter option, a simple side salad with a zesty dressing complements the richness of the chili perfectly. The goal is to complement, not overpower, the star of the show! For more serving suggestions, visit our contact page.
How do I make Crockpot White Chicken Chili thicker?
If you find your chili isn’t as thick as you’d like, don’t worry! A common trick for thickening chili is to create a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the chili during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking on HIGH. Stir occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency. This is a great way to ensure your creamy crock pot white chicken chili is just right.
Variations of Crockpot White Chicken Chili You Can Try
While this recipe is already a winner, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up! If you’re looking for a low carb crock pot white chicken chili, you can easily swap out some of the beans for extra chicken or cauliflower florets. Another fantastic option for those watching carbs is to omit the corn entirely. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a can of diced Rotel (tomatoes and green chilies) for a bit more zest, or a tablespoon of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier taste. These small tweaks can transform your meal and help you discover your personal best slow cooker white chicken chili recipe. You can even try using shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time, making it a truly speedy meal! For more recipe variations, check out our terms of use.
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Amazing Crockpot White Chicken Chili 101
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and flavorful Crockpot White Chicken Chili that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. This slow cooker white chicken chili recipe is a game-changer for busy lives, practically cooking itself while you juggle daily tasks. Enjoy a comforting bowl bursting with taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
- 1/4 cup half-and-half
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Sliced jalapeños (for topping)
- Avocado (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Crispy tortilla strips (for topping)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Add onion, garlic, beans, green chiles, and corn.
- Pour chicken broth over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the crockpot.
- Stir in softened cream cheese and half-and-half.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot green chiles.
- Top with jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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