Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Crockpot White Chicken Chili – This comforting warm, hearty bowl of chili is loaded with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a rich, flavorful broth packed with wholesome ingredients made in the slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot White Chicken Chili

• Set it and forget it: With the crockpot, all the work happens behind the scenes. Just toss in your ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the magic.
• Healthy and hearty: Made with lean chicken breasts, protein-rich white beans, and a flavorful broth, this chili is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Creamy without heavy cream: We achieve a creamy consistency with ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream instead of full-fat heavy cream, keeping things lighter.
• Customizable: It’s easy to add your personal touch with toppings or spice levels, making it a hit with everyone at the table.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this savory dish:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook until tender and shred easily.
• Great Northern or Cannellini beans: These white beans add creaminess and protein to the chili.
• Corn: Canned or frozen corn provides sweetness and texture.
• Green chiles: These bring a mild, tangy heat without overpowering the dish.
• Onion & garlic: Essential for building that deep, savory flavor.
• Chicken broth: Acts as the base of the soup and infuses it with more flavor.
• Cumin, chili powder, oregano: These seasonings add warmth, a hint of spice, and depth of flavor.
• Cream cheese or sour cream: Stirred in at the end for that luscious, creamy consistency.
• Cilantro & lime: Fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten the entire dish at the end.
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, avocado slices, tortilla chips, jalapeños, and more.

Tips & Tricks for the Best White Chicken Chili

• Use fresh lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a bright pop of flavor that complements the creaminess.
• Shred chicken with a mixer: For a faster way to shred the chicken, use a hand mixer. It’s quick and less messy.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or extra green chiles. You can also serve it with hot sauce for added kick.
• Make it thicker: For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the crockpot or reduce the liquid slightly.

Variations to Try

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Make it dairy-free: Simply skip the cream cheese or sour cream, and replace it with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or leave it out altogether for a brothier version.
• Add more veggies: You can bulk up the chili by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Use rotisserie chicken: Short on time? Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts. Add it to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to warm through.
• Swap the protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try this recipe with ground turkey, shredded pork, or even a vegetarian version with extra beans and vegetables.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

While this crockpot white chicken chili is perfect on its own, you can elevate the meal by serving it with:

• Tortilla chips: Perfect for dipping and adding crunch.
• Crusty bread: For soaking up every last bit of creamy broth.
• Cornbread: A sweet side that pairs beautifully with the savory chili.
• Toppings bar: Create a toppings bar with options like shredded cheese, avocado slices, chopped jalapeños, sour cream, and cilantro so everyone can customize their bowl.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This chili is a great make-ahead meal, and it stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
• In the freezer: White chicken chili freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tip: If you plan to freeze the chili, wait to add the cream cheese or sour cream until after it’s reheated to avoid a grainy texture.

Recipe FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and will give the chili an even richer flavor. Cook them the same way as you would chicken breasts.

Q: How can I make this chili spicier?

A: For extra heat, add more green chiles, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes! You can use your Instant Pot’s slow cooker setting or pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, followed by a natural release. Shred the chicken and stir in the cream cheese after cooking.

Q: What can I substitute for cream cheese?

A: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a dairy-free alternative for a creamy finish.

Conclusion

Crockpot White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make with the help of your slow cooker. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a dish to impress friends, or something to meal prep, this chili will quickly become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy it with a side of tortilla chips or cornbread for the full experience.

Still Hungry! Try these chicken recipes:

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
• Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde
• Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches