Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that practically makes itself, then this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the answer. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of spices simmering together all day long, filling your house with the most irresistible aroma. This chili is the perfect balance of comfort and warmth, with just enough heat to keep things exciting. The best part? You can throw everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget about it—letting your crockpot work its magic while you go about your day. Trust me, this recipe is going to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

This dish is so much more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Hands-Off Cooking:

The beauty of this recipe is that you can set it and forget it. Once you get everything in the slow cooker, it does all the work for you. It’s the ultimate convenience meal.

Hearty and Filling:

Packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a rich, creamy broth, this chili is both comforting and filling. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out, making it perfect for those chilly evenings.

Flavorful:

The combination of spices, including cumin, chili powder, and garlic, gives this chili an incredible depth of flavor. It’s not too spicy, but it has just enough kick to satisfy your taste buds.

Customizable:

Want it extra creamy? Add some sour cream or cream cheese at the end. Need more heat? Toss in some extra jalapeños or chili flakes. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.

Great for Meal Prep:

This chili keeps really well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and have leftovers for days. It also freezes beautifully, so you can save it for later.

Ingredients

Ready to get cooking? Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this delicious Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili:

For the Chili:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They cook up tender and can easily be shredded to create that perfect chili texture.
• White Beans: I recommend using great northern beans or cannellini beans. They’re creamy, mild, and absorb the flavors beautifully.
• Onion: A chopped onion adds depth to the flavor base of the chili.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives this chili an aromatic punch.
• Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, they give the chili a nice heat without overwhelming it. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
• Chicken Broth: For the liquid base, chicken broth brings all the ingredients together and makes the chili nice and soupy.
• Cumin: This warm spice is key to the chili’s depth and flavor.
• Chili Powder: Adds a smoky, earthy flavor with just a little heat.
• Oregano: A hint of oregano adds a layer of savory herbiness that complements the spices.

For the Toppings (optional):

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream is the perfect creamy topping to balance the chili’s heat.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both works wonderfully to melt over the hot chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: For a burst of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the top.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add a fun texture and make this dish even more satisfying.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get this chili cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a bowl of comfort:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the white beans, onion, garlic, and jalapeños over the chicken.

Step 2: Add the Spices and Broth

Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and oregano over the ingredients. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, making sure everything is covered.

Step 3: Slow Cook It

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and easy to shred.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred them with two forks and return the shredded chicken back into the chili. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 5: Optional Creaminess

If you like your chili extra creamy, you can stir in some sour cream or cream cheese at this point. It’ll make the chili even richer and more comforting.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of toppings—sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and tortilla chips. Serve with a side of cornbread, rice, or just enjoy on its own!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 32g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours on high)

How to Serve Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some ideas for how to serve your chili:

With Cornbread:

Serve this chili alongside a piece of warm, buttery cornbread to soak up all that delicious broth.

Over Rice:

For a heartier meal, spoon the chili over a bed of fluffy rice. This makes for a filling, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.

With Tortilla Chips:

Add some extra crunch by serving the chili with crispy tortilla chips. You can even crush them on top for an added texture boost.

As a Soup:

Enjoy this chili as a comforting soup on a cold day. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for cozying up with a blanket.

Additional Tips

Customize the Heat:

Feel free to adjust the heat to your liking! If you prefer a milder chili, use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds. For more heat, add an extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Make it Extra Creamy:

For a super creamy version, stir in a block of cream cheese or a cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Add More Veggies:

Want to pack in more veggies? Throw in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Freezer-Friendly:

This chili freezes beautifully! Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for later. It’s a perfect meal to have on hand for busy days.

Low-Carb Version:

To make this dish even lower in carbs, you can skip the beans or use cauliflower rice in place of regular rice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just increase the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes. The chicken will thaw and cook perfectly in the slow cooker.

Q2: Can I use a rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
A2: Absolutely! If you want to save time, you can add shredded rotisserie chicken to the chili in the last hour of cooking. Just skip the step where you shred the chicken after cooking.

Q3: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
A3: Yes! You can cook this chili on the stovetop by simmering all the ingredients in a large pot for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Shred the chicken before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze the chili?
A4: Yes! This chili freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A5: Yes, chicken thighs work just as well. They’re a little juicier and will add a richer flavor to the chili.

Q6: Can I add beans to this recipe if I don’t have white beans?
A6: Absolutely! You can use any type of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, if you prefer. White beans just give it a mild, creamy texture, but any bean will work.

Q7: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A7: Yes! If you like more heat, feel free to add extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to the recipe.

Q8: Can I add cheese to the chili while it’s cooking?
A8: It’s best to add cheese at the end when serving, as it can melt into the chili too much during cooking. However, feel free to stir in some shredded cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking if you prefer a cheesier chili.

Q9: What kind of toppings should I use?
A9: The best toppings for this chili include sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips. You can also squeeze a little lime juice on top for added freshness.

Q10: Can I make this recipe without beans?
A10: Yes, you can skip the beans if you prefer. For a low-carb version, simply replace the beans with extra chicken or vegetables.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the perfect recipe to fill your home with comforting, aromatic flavors. It’s easy to make, versatile, and full of hearty ingredients that are sure to satisfy. Whether you enjoy it with cornbread, rice, or just on its own, this chili will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for busy nights or cozy weekends. Enjoy!

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