Hearty Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Cozy Homestyle White Chicken Chili Recipe for Comfort Days

Comfort arrives with this mouthwatering white chicken chili that delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with creamy white beans, creating a robust blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

The slow cooker magic infuses each ingredient with deep, rich notes that elevate this classic comfort dish.

Aromatic spices whisper their invitation, promising a meal that soothes and delights.

Chunks of chicken nestle among soft beans, promising a hearty experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this chili transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this soul-warming creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

For Base Flavor:
  • Onion: Builds a robust, aromatic foundation for the chili with its sweet and savory profile.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and pungent complexity to enhance overall taste.
For Protein and Texture:
  • Chicken Breasts: Provides lean, tender protein that absorbs the chili's rich seasonings perfectly.
  • Great Northern Beans: Contributes creamy texture and hearty protein with a mild, buttery taste.
For Creaminess and Finishing Touch:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious, silky smoothness that rounds out the chili's spicy notes.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps balance the heat with its cool, creamy consistency.
For Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base that helps cook the chicken and beans while building flavor.
  • Green Chiles: Introduces a mild, slightly smoky heat that defines the chili's character.
  • Cumin: Delivers an earthy, warm undertone typical of authentic southwestern dishes.
  • Chili Powder: Provides a classic, warm spiciness that defines the chili's core flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances all the other ingredients' natural flavors.

Kitchen Tools for White Chicken Chili Prep

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for easy, hands-off cooking and creating tender, flavorful chili.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients inside the slow cooker.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps maintain accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Shredding Forks or Two Forks: Ideal for easily shredding cooked chicken.

Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili with Ease

  • Fire Up the Slow Cooker Prep your kitchen buddy by getting it ready for a flavor explosion.
  • Kickstart the Flavor Dance Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the slow cooker, letting them mingle and create a fragrant base.
  • Create Chili Magic Dump in chicken, beans, green chiles, and broth, allowing all ingredients to cuddle together and build an incredible taste profile.
  • Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Wonder Set the cooker to high and let everything simmer and blend for about 15 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty meal.
  • Shred and Smooth Things Out Gently break down the chicken into tender pieces, then swirl in cream cheese and sour cream for a luxurious, creamy finish.
  • Serve and Celebrate Ladle the steaming chili into bowls, ready to wow everyone with this comforting, zesty dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Tips for Creamier White Chicken Chili

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this chili up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious meal.
  • Texture Triumph: For a thicker chili, mash some beans against the side of the slow cooker or use a potato masher to create a creamier consistency without adding extra thickeners.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative, keeping the same delightful flavor profile and saving preparation time.
  • Dietary Flexibility: For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, ensuring those with lactose sensitivities can enjoy this hearty dish.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot green chiles, or add jalapeños for extra kick – perfect for those who love a spicier white chicken chili experience.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili for Any Occasion

  • Creamy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming chili into deep ceramic bowls for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Garnish Galore: Top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of extra sour cream to add texture and bright flavors.
  • Sides That Shine: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crisp salad, or fluffy white rice to transform this chili into a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
  • Leftovers Love: Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors will continue to develop, making each reheated serving even more delicious.

White Chicken Chili: Storing the Goodness

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Refrigerator Freshness: Store leftover chili in airtight containers and enjoy within 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Freezer Friendly Batches: Portion chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight room for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare chili in advance for busy weeknights. Divide into individual servings for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner solutions. Label containers with date for easy tracking.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm chili gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if mixture seems thick. Stir cream cheese and sour cream after reheating to maintain creamy consistency.
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Hearty Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker white chicken chili celebrates creamy comfort with tender shredded chicken and white beans. Rich southwestern flavors complement warm tortillas and fresh garnishes you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 (15 oz / 425 g) cans white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (optional)
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream (or heavy cream)
  • 1 (4 oz / 113 g) can diced green chilies
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Avocado slices
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Flavor Base: Activate slow cooker’s sauté function and caramelize onions with garlic, releasing their deep, aromatic profile in about 2 minutes.
  2. Ingredient Fusion: Transfer sautéed aromatics into slow cooker, combining chicken, white beans, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and salt with precise, even distribution.
  3. Pressure Infusion: Secure lid and set slow cooker to high-pressure mode for 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and chicken to transform into tender, succulent morsels.
  4. Meat Preparation: Execute natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then extract and shred chicken using two forks, reintegrating the delicate meat into the cooking liquid.
  5. Creamy Transformation: Gently fold cream cheese and sour cream into the mixture, stirring until a luxuriously smooth, velvety texture emerges.
  6. Final Refinement: Rest the chili for 2-3 minutes, permitting dairy components to harmonize and create a rich, cohesive culinary experience.
  7. Serving Presentation: Ladle the piping-hot chili into bowls, ensuring each serving captures the perfect balance of hearty chicken, creamy beans, and robust broth.

Notes

  • Aromatics Optimization: Caramelize onions and garlic thoroughly to enhance the foundational flavor profile, ensuring they’re translucent and slightly golden before adding other ingredients.
  • Chicken Tenderness Technique: Shred chicken while it’s warm to achieve easier, more uniform texture and prevent meat from becoming stringy or dry.
  • Dairy Incorporation Strategy: Add cream cheese and sour cream off direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency throughout the chili.
  • Dietary Adaptation Hack: Substitute dairy components with coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-free versions, and use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content for health-conscious preparations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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