The Crockpot White Chicken Chili is the ultimate cozy meal to warm your soul. This creamy, protein-packed bowl combines tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and subtle spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. The tangy finish from sour cream and cream cheese gives it a luscious texture and a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, feeding your family on a busy weeknight, or meal-prepping for the week, this chili fits the bill. It’s effortless, comforting, and sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Top it off with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright finish that ties everything together.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles
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1 cup frozen corn
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1/4 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup sour cream
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Fresh chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
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Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions:
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In a 6-quart slow cooker, add chicken breasts, onion, garlic, beans, green chiles, corn, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
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Stir in cream cheese and sour cream. Cover and cook an additional 15 minutes, or until fully melted and creamy.
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Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
What Is Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a modern twist on traditional chili, using white beans, shredded chicken, and creamy elements like cream cheese or sour cream instead of the typical tomato-based red sauce. It’s a lighter yet hearty alternative to its red chili cousin, beloved for its rich, velvety texture and slightly tangy flavor profile. Cooked slowly in a crockpot or slow cooker, this dish is known for its simplicity and deep, developed flavor, making it a favorite comfort food, especially during the colder months.
This version of chili is especially popular in American households, not just for its delicious taste but for how easy it is to prepare. With minimal hands-on time and the ability to cook while you go about your day, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting and need something reliable and crowd-pleasing.
Origins and Evolution of White Chicken Chili
While chili itself has roots in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, white chicken chili is a relatively newer adaptation that gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. The idea was to create a chili that was less acidic and heavy, making it easier to digest while still offering the same cozy satisfaction.
The earliest versions used basic ingredients like white beans and chicken, with minimal spice, catering to those who preferred a milder dish. Over time, variations began including green chiles, corn, a touch of cumin, and eventually the now signature creamy finish created by stirring in sour cream and/or cream cheese.
Today, white chicken chili is a staple in potlucks, chili cook-offs, and family dinners across the country. It’s especially favored by those who want something filling but slightly different from the usual tomato-based chili.
Why It’s a Perfect Crockpot Meal
Using a slow cooker for this dish offers numerous benefits. First, it enhances the depth of flavor by allowing all the ingredients to slowly meld together over several hours. The low and slow cooking process breaks down the chicken until it’s tender enough to shred effortlessly with a fork.
Another major perk is the convenience. You can toss all the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. There’s no babysitting required, making it ideal for busy families, professionals, or anyone juggling a packed schedule.
The crockpot also helps maintain a consistent temperature, which is essential for building rich flavor without the risk of overcooking. Plus, cleanup is minimal — one pot, no fuss.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
Crockpot White Chicken Chili offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken breast and fiber from the beans, making it a filling, satiating dish that supports muscle health and digestion.
The inclusion of garlic, onions, and green chiles provides a dose of antioxidants, while the use of low-sodium broth helps keep the sodium content in check — especially important for those watching their blood pressure. By opting for reduced-fat dairy options or even non-dairy alternatives, you can adjust the recipe to suit dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
For those following gluten-free or low-carb diets, this dish fits nicely into your meal rotation. It’s also easy to make dairy-free by swapping out the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives or skipping them altogether for a more broth-forward version.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes. If you like it spicy, you can increase the amount of green chiles or add jalapeños. Craving something smokier? A dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder works beautifully.
You can also experiment with bean varieties — while cannellini and great northern beans are the most popular, navy beans or even chickpeas can offer a nice twist in both texture and flavor. For added veggies, consider stirring in spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Some people enjoy adding a splash of lime juice before serving, which brightens the whole dish and balances the creamy components. Others like to serve it with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or a dollop of guacamole on top for an extra indulgent experience.
Ideal Occasions for Serving White Chicken Chili
This dish truly shines during fall and winter but is versatile enough to serve year-round. It’s a crowd-pleaser at tailgate parties, game-day gatherings, or family potlucks. It also makes for excellent leftovers and freezes well, which makes it a smart choice for meal prep.
It’s also a comforting option for a weeknight dinner after a long day. Pair it with a warm piece of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal. The creaminess and gentle heat also make it an ideal comfort food if someone in the household is under the weather — think of it as chicken soup’s cozy cousin.
What to Serve with White Chicken Chili
Although Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a full meal in itself, adding a few sides can elevate the experience. Here are some great options:
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Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread pairs beautifully with the creamy chili.
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Tortilla Chips: Great for scooping or crumbling on top, they add crunch and saltiness.
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Rice or Quinoa: For those looking to stretch the meal or add more carbs, a scoop of rice or quinoa in the bowl works wonderfully.
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Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
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Pickled Jalapeños or Red Onions: Add acidity and a little heat to cut through the creaminess.
Storage and Reheating Tips
White chicken chili stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating is simple: you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring frequently, or reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If it thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Conclusion
Crockpot White Chicken Chili is more than just a recipe — it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. With its creamy consistency, subtle spices, and hearty ingredients, it’s no wonder this dish has cemented its place in kitchens everywhere. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing nature make it a go-to for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or just looking for a cozy dinner that’s low-effort but high-reward, this white chicken chili checks every box. And once you’ve made it, it’s likely to become a staple on your weekly menu rotation.
So pull out your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let this creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying dish become your new comfort food favorite.