Looking for a hearty yet simple meal to prepare? This Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the answer! Bursting with flavors from tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, and spices, this chili is perfect for chilly nights or a satisfying dinner any time of the year. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll love how effortless this recipe is!
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process, complete with cooking times, so you can create a delicious and comforting chili with ease.
Total Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
- Slow Cooking Time: 4-6 hours (depending on heat setting)
- Shredding Chicken & Adding Ingredients: 5 minutes
- Final Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 4-6.5 hours
Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Before getting started, here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and avocado (optional for toppings)
Step-by-Step Directions for Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
1. Prep the Ingredients (10-15 minutes)
Before turning on your slow cooker:
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Rinse and drain the beans.
- Prepare the chicken broth and have all your spices measured out.
Tip: Prepping everything beforehand helps streamline the cooking process and ensures you don’t miss any steps.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker (5 minutes)
Add the following ingredients directly to your slow cooker:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, beans, and diced green chilies on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients.
Tip: If you prefer spicier chili, include the cayenne pepper at this stage.
3. Set Slow Cooker and Cook (4-6 hours)
Once all the ingredients are in the slow cooker:
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours. Alternatively, you can cook on high for 4 hours if you’re short on time.
- During the cooking process, the chicken will become tender, and the flavors will meld together.
Tip: Avoid removing the lid frequently, as it may disrupt the cooking process.
4. Shred the Chicken (5 minutes)
After 4-6 hours, the chicken should be fully cooked and tender:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. Add Creamy Ingredients (5 minutes)
To make the chili creamy:
- Stir in the sour cream and cream cheese until fully melted and combined with the broth.
- Add the lime juice for a zesty finish.
6. Cook for Another 15-20 Minutes
After adding the creamy ingredients:
- Continue cooking on low for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to fully blend.
- Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well mixed.
Serving Suggestions
Your Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and top with any of the following for extra flavor and texture:
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
Pair the chili with a side of cornbread or warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Making the Best White Chicken Chili
- Use Fresh Chicken: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it Spicier: If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Freeze for Later: This chili freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.
- Thicken the Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker, or use an immersion blender to lightly blend part of the chili.
Storage and Reheating
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze portions of the chili for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheat: Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken to speed up the process. Add it to the slow cooker during the final 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
2. Can I make this white chicken chili on the stovetop?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop cooking. Sauté the onions and garlic, add the chicken and broth, and cook for 30-40 minutes. Then, shred the chicken, add the beans and creamy ingredients, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as all the ingredients you use (like the chicken broth) are gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
This Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe is a winner for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekend dinners. It’s loaded with bold flavors, creamy textures, and hearty ingredients, making it an all-time favorite comfort food. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to tackle other tasks while dinner is being prepared.
With this step-by-step guide and time breakdown, you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying chili that your whole family will love!
