Cozy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cold Days

Comfort arrives unexpectedly with this mouthwatering slow cooker white chicken chili that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Hearty ingredients meld together creating a symphony of flavors guaranteed to satisfy deep hunger.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this effortless or delicious.

Soft white beans and tender chicken chunks swim in a creamy broth punctuated with gentle spices.

Southwestern influences shine through mild green chilies and cumin’s earthy notes.

Our kitchen secret involves letting the slow cooker work its magic while you relax.

Such minimal effort delivers maximum deliciousness you’ll want to savor again and again.

Dive into this chili and let comfort embrace you completely.

Why Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Warms Hearts

• Hassle-Free Cooking: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the hard work with minimal preparation needed.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings, this hearty chili delivers rich, satisfying flavors that everyone will love.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Easily adaptable with optional toppings and mix-ins, making it a flexible dish for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutrition-Packed Goodness: Loaded with protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and customizable vegetable toppings for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

Ingredients That Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Special

• Chicken: The primary protein that creates the hearty base of the chili and provides tender, shredded meat.

• White Beans: Adds creamy texture and additional protein to the chili.
• Onion, Garlic: Provides foundational savory flavor and aromatic base for the dish.
• Green Chiles: Introduces mild heat and depth to the chili's overall taste profile.
• Frozen Corn: Offers sweet, fresh texture and additional vegetable component.

• Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, Chili Powder: Blend of spices that creates the signature southwestern flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy freshness to the chili.

• Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Cilantro, Avocado Slices: Optional toppings that add creaminess, richness, freshness, and additional flavor layers.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and deepens the savory foundation of the chili.

How to Cook Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Well

Step 1: Prepare Protein and Vegetables

Place whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add chopped onions and minced garlic directly into the cooking vessel.

Include white beans and diced green chiles to create a robust base for your chili.

Step 2: Pour Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is partially submerged.

This liquid will help create a rich, flavorful broth during cooking.

Step 3: Sprinkle Aromatic Spices

• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently stir to distribute spices evenly across all ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature. Cook for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop and chicken to become incredibly tender.

If pressed for time, you can use high setting for 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Transform Chicken

Remove chicken breasts and use two forks to pull apart and shred meat into bite-sized pieces.

Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

Step 6: Enhance with Optional Ingredients

Stir in frozen corn and fresh lime juice.

Let the chili simmer for an additional 10 minutes to warm through and blend flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle chili into serving bowls.

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocado

Enjoy your hearty and comforting white chicken chili!

Expert Advice for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

• Cook on low for 6-8 hours to ensure the chicken is fall-apart tender and easily shreddable without becoming dry.
• Toast ground cumin and chili powder in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Swap chicken with plant-based alternatives like jackfruit or tofu for vegetarian versions, keeping the same cooking method.
• Adjust heat by using mild or hot green chiles, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Add cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end for a richer, creamier consistency without making the chili too heavy.

Fun Twists to Try with Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or additional white beans, use vegetable broth, keep all spices and cooking method the same.
• Spicy Green Chili Variation: Add roasted poblano peppers, increase chili powder, include diced jalapeños for extra heat, maintain slow cooker technique.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Swap white beans with riced cauliflower, use less broth, keep seasonings consistent, top with crispy bacon bits.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Transfer all ingredients to instant pot, pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, quick release method, shred chicken identically to slow cooker recipe.

Great Pairings for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the chili’s spicy and tangy flavors, cutting through the richness with its crisp, light profile.

Mix a classic margarita using tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to echo the citrusy notes in the chili and provide a refreshing contrast.

Select a smooth, mild white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that won’t overpower the delicate chicken and bean combination.

Create a homemade sparkling water with muddled cilantro and a splash of lime to mirror the chili’s fresh garnishes and cleanse the palate between bites.

How to Store Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the chili fresh and flavorful.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

• Is white chicken chili spicy?

The spice level is mild to medium. Green chiles and chili powder add a gentle kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust spiciness by reducing or increasing chili powder.

• Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute white beans with great northern beans, cannellini beans, or navy beans. Each will provide a slightly different texture but work well in the recipe.

• Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?

No, raw chicken goes directly into the slow cooker. It will cook thoroughly and become tender during the slow cooking process, making preparation incredibly easy.

• How do I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty and comforting slow cooker white chicken chili brings Mexican-inspired warmth to dinner tables across America. Creamy beans, tender shredded chicken, and zesty green chiles create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (4 ounces / 113 grams) can diced green chiles

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)

Spices and Liquids:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken, onion, garlic, white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth in the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the chili.
2. Sprinkle ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper throughout the mixture, ensuring even seasoning.
3. Secure the lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours on high setting) until chicken becomes exceptionally tender and easily falls apart.
4. Carefully extract the chicken from the liquid and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently incorporate frozen corn and a splash of lime juice, allowing the ingredients to meld together for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Ladle the aromatic chili into serving bowls, creating a rustic presentation with optional toppings like tangy sour cream, melted shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado slices.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for deeper, richer flavor and more tender meat.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt quantities during seasoning.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with extra firm tofu or additional white beans, ensuring protein content remains balanced.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for heat enthusiasts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg