There’s nothing more comforting than coming home to a pot of slow cooker white chicken chili that’s been simmering all day, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This easy white chicken chili recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of spices that create the perfect balance of flavor and heat. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work while you’re busy with your day!
I’ve been making this slow cooker white chicken chili recipe for years, and it’s become one of my family’s most requested meals, especially during the colder months. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but also pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple side salad.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe
This white chicken chili has become one of my go-to slow cooker chicken recipes for so many reasons:
- Set it and forget it convenience – Just add the ingredients to your crockpot and let it work its magic
- Packed with protein from chicken and white beans
- Easily customizable – adjust the spice level to suit your taste
- Perfect for meal prep – tastes even better the next day!
- Great for feeding a crowd or freezing for later
Whether you’re looking for easy slow cooker meals for busy weeknights or a comforting dish to warm up with on chilly evenings, this white chicken chili crockpot recipe delivers every time.
What You’ll Need For This Crockpot Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – You can also use chicken thighs for more flavor
- White beans – Great Northern or cannellini beans work perfectly
- Green chilies – Canned diced green chilies add mild heat and authentic flavor
- Onion and garlic – The aromatic base of our chili
- Chicken broth – Provides the liquid for cooking
- Spices – Cumin, oregano, chili powder, and a bay leaf create that classic chili flavor profile
- Cream cheese – Adds creaminess and tanginess (added at the end)
- Corn – Optional, but adds sweetness and texture
- Toppings – Avocado, lime wedges, cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips for serving
Equipment:
- Slow cooker/crockpot – 4-6 quart size works well for this recipe
- Forks for shredding the chicken
How To Make The Best White Chicken Chili In Your Slow Cooker
This white chicken chili crockpot recipe couldn’t be easier! Here’s how to make it:
- Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and drain and rinse the beans.
- Add to slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the beans, green chilies, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and spices.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add to the slow cooker. Stir until melted and well incorporated. If using corn, add it now.
- Serve: Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.
Pro Tips For Perfect Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Don’t skip the cream cheese – It adds incredible richness and creaminess to the chili
- Try a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten all the flavors
- For thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker
- Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or a diced jalapeño for extra heat
- Make it ahead – this chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld
Variations To Try
- Make it dairy-free by omitting the cream cheese and using coconut cream instead
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time – just add it during the last 30 minutes
- Try different beans – pinto beans or a mix of white beans work well
- Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper
How To Store Leftover White Chicken Chili
This slow cooker white chicken chili actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to thin it out
What To Serve With White Chicken Chili
This crockpot white chicken chili is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:
- Cornbread or corn muffins
- Tortilla chips for dipping
- A simple green salad
- Mexican rice
- Quesadillas for a more substantial meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker white chicken chili? For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw your chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
How can I make this white chicken chili thicker? For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker, or blend 1 cup of the chili and return it to the pot.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead? Absolutely! Use the pressure cook setting for 15 minutes with natural release, then follow the same steps for shredding the chicken and adding cream cheese.
Is white chicken chili spicy? This recipe has a mild to moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust by adding more or less chili powder and green chilies.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
This slow cooker white chicken chili has become a staple in my weekly meal rotation, especially during the fall and winter months. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so simple to make. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and warm spices creates the perfect meal for those busy days when you want something delicious waiting for you at dinner time.
Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or entertaining friends, this white chicken chili crockpot recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t forget to set out all the toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl!
Give this slow cooker white chicken chili a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. What are your favorite toppings for white chicken chili?
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 15 oz cans white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 4 oz cans diced green chilies
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 cup frozen corn optional
! For serving:
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream
- Tortilla strips or chips
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans, diced onion, minced garlic, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and remove the bay leaf.
- Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and incorporated, about 15 minutes. If using corn, add it now.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot with desired toppings such as avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker.
- This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cream cheese and use 1/2 cup coconut cream instead.
- To add more heat, include a diced jalapeño or increase the chili powder.
- For a quick version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken added during the last 30 minutes of cooking.