Easy, creamy, and absolutely delicious, this Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With minimal prep time and the convenience of slow cooking, this dish allows flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a satisfying option that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy ingredients creates a comforting dish that warms the soul.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, this chili is nutritious without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as is, or pair it with tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, or sour cream for added flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring that your chili cooks evenly while you attend to other tasks.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing ingredients quick and easy, ensuring even pieces for better cooking.
Ingredients
Easy, creamy, and absolutely delicious white chicken chili recipe cooked low and slow in your crockpot!
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breasts/thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
- 1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans (drained)
- 1 (15 oz.) can great northern beans (drained)
- 2 tbsp cilantro (fresh, chopped)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano (dried)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
How to Make Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and garlic as needed.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Add all ingredients to your slow cooker except for the chicken:
1. In the slow cooker, combine diced green chiles, cannellini beans, great northern beans, cilantro, lime juice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to mix everything together.
Step 3: Add Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the mixture in the slow cooker:
1. Ensure that the chicken is covered by the sauce/bean mixture.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and set your slow cooker:
– Cook on low heat for 7 hours or high heat for 4 hours.
Step 5: Shred Chicken & Serve
When cooking is complete:
1. Use two forks to break up the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the slow cooker.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Serve warm with toppings like sour cream and tortilla chips if desired!
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can enhance its rich, creamy flavor. Here are some serving suggestions to consider.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Cilantro – Adds a burst of fresh flavor and brightens up the dish.
- Sour Cream – Provides a cool contrast to the chili’s warmth and adds creaminess.
- Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice brings a zesty kick that balances the richness.
Accompany with Crunchy Snacks
- Tortilla Chips – Perfect for scooping and adds a crunchy texture.
- Cornbread – A sweet, buttery addition that complements the chili’s savory notes.
- Pita Bread – Soft and easy to dip, making it great for enjoying every last bit.
Serve as a Meal Base
- Rice – Spoon the chili over cooked rice for a filling meal.
- Quinoa – A healthy alternative that adds protein and fiber to your plate.
How to Perfect Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
To ensure your Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili turns out just right, keep these tips in mind. Each will help elevate your dish to restaurant-quality.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavors significantly. Always opt for fresh over canned when possible.
- Layer Flavors – Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This step deepens their flavors and adds depth to your chili.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste before serving; you might want to add more salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.
- Let it Rest – Allowing the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Experiment with Toppings – Try different toppings like avocado slices or shredded cheese for added richness and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
Complementing your Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent pairing options:
- Cornbread – Sweet and crumbly, cornbread pairs perfectly with the creamy chili.
- Mexican Rice – Flavored with spices and herbs, this rice adds a nice contrast to the dish.
- Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip provides a refreshing balance to the spiciness of the chili.
- Garden Salad – A light salad dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch, enhancing your meal’s variety.
- Baked Potatoes – Serve chili over baked potatoes for an extra hearty option that’s sure to satisfy.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies bring additional flavors while keeping things healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Using frozen chicken: Always use thawed chicken for even cooking and the best texture in your chili.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to add spices like cumin and chili powder. They enhance the flavor significantly and make your chili pop.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Stick to recommended cook times. Overcooking can make chicken dry, while undercooking leaves it unsafe.
- Not stirring enough: Give your ingredients a good stir before cooking to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
- Ignoring the cream cheese temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it. This helps it blend smoothly into the chili.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer your serving to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour the chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili.
Can I use other types of beans in this Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili?
Yes! Feel free to mix different beans like black beans or pinto beans according to your taste.
How spicy is this white chicken chili recipe?
The spiciness level depends on how much chili powder and diced green chiles you add. Adjust these ingredients based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream alternative or coconut cream for a similar texture without dairy.
What can I serve with my Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili?
This dish pairs well with tortilla chips, avocado slices, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings!
Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the ingredients meld beautifully throughout the day. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with family and friends, this hearty chili is not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients. Serve it with your favorite toppings or alongside crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 23 minute
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts/thighs
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans (drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans (drained)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp cilantro (fresh, chopped)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano (dried)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by chopping onions and mincing garlic.
- In a slow cooker, combine diced green chiles, both types of beans, cilantro, lime juice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir well.
- Place chicken on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks and mix until well combined.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 7 hours (low)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. Customize toppings such as avocado slices or dairy-free alternatives for cream cheese if desired. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.