Crockpot White Chicken Chili – Creamy, Cozy & Easy Dinner

There’s nothing like coming home to a warm bowl of Crockpot White Chicken Chili after a long day. This creamy, hearty chili is packed with tender chicken, white beans, and flavorful spices that simmer together all day in your slow cooker. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights when you need an effortless meal. Save this recipe now so you’ll always have a go-to dish that brings cozy comfort straight to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless slow cooker magic: Toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work.
• Creamy and comforting: A hearty chili with a velvety texture thanks to cream cheese and broth.
• Family favorite: Mildly spiced so even picky eaters enjoy it, but easy to adjust heat levels.
• Perfect for meal prep: Makes great leftovers and freezes beautifully.
• Cozy seasonal dish: Ideal for fall, winter, or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro and tortilla strips for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer the base: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Add onion, garlic, beans, corn, green chiles, and spices.
2. Add broth: Pour in chicken broth, covering all ingredients.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Shred chicken: Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the crockpot.
5. Make it creamy: Stir in cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Cook an additional 15–20 minutes until the cream cheese melts and chili thickens.
6. Finish: Squeeze in lime juice, stir, and taste for seasoning.
7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, tortilla strips, shredded cheese, or avocado slices.

Tips & Variations

• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
• Protein swap: Substitute chicken with leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded pork.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Thicker chili: Mash some of the beans before serving for a heartier texture.
• Meal prep hack: Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy future dinner.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This Crockpot White Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but even better with:

• Warm cornbread or crusty artisan bread.
• A fresh green salad for balance.
• Toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.
• Pair with sparkling water, iced tea, or a citrusy mocktail for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes white chicken chili creamy?

White chicken chili gets its signature creamy texture from ingredients like cream cheese, heavy cream (or half-and-half), Greek yogurt, or sour cream. When combined with shredded chicken and broth, these elements create a velvety, rich consistency.

How to thicken white chicken chili in a crockpot?

You can thicken white chicken chili by mashing a portion of the beans to release starch, stirring in extra cream cheese at the end, or letting the crockpot cook uncovered briefly (if it’s safe) so some liquid evaporates.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?

Cooking on low (6–7 hours) yields the most tender and flavorful shredded chicken, while high (3–4 hours) is faster but may result in drier texture and less depth of flavor.

What spices are good in white chicken chili?

Essential seasonings include cumin, chili powder, oregano, and paprika, along with garlic and onion. For a spicier kick, add cayenne or jalapeño—and brighten with lime juice just before serving.

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