Introduction
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our easy, creamy white chicken chili crockpot recipes. This dish brings together tender chicken and robust spices, all in a rich, velvety broth. It is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker method makes preparing this satisfying chili incredibly simple, letting you set it and forget it.
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili
- Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Simply combine ingredients in your slow cooker for a fuss-free meal.
- Rich, Creamy, and Flavorful: Each spoonful delivers a hearty and satisfying experience.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat to suit your preference, from mild to zesty.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A dish everyone will enjoy, suitable for any occasion.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
Creating delicious white chicken chili crockpot recipes starts with fresh, quality ingredients. This recipe brings together lean protein, wholesome beans, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered to perfection. You’ll love how these components marry to create a comforting meal.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 24 oz. chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 15oz cans great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 4oz cans diced green chiles (I do one hot, one mild)
- 1 15oz can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- small handful fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup half and half
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapenos, sliced avocados, dollop of sour cream, minced fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, shredded Monterey jack or Mexican cheese
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize your white chicken chili crockpot recipes. For chicken, consider boneless, skinless thighs for extra moisture or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for speed. If you prefer, cannellini or navy beans work well in place of great Northern beans. Adjust the number of hot diced green chiles to control the heat. You can use frozen corn kernels directly without thawing. For the dairy, heavy cream or whole milk can substitute half-and-half, just adjust for thickness. Always use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness. Try adding diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Equipment
You will only need a few basic kitchen items for these white chicken chili crockpot recipes.
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork for shredding
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Making these white chicken chili crockpot recipes is straightforward. Follow these steps for a comforting meal.
- Add chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker. Evenly season them with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Top the chicken with diced onion, minced garlic, great Northern beans, diced green chiles, corn, chicken broth, and chopped cilantro. Give the ingredients a gentle stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Add the softened cream cheese and half-and-half to the chili. Stir everything together.
- For a smoother blend, try this optional step: Place the softened cream cheese in a small mixing bowl. Ladle a few spoonfuls of the warm chili liquid into the bowl with the cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is completely smooth, then stir this mixture back into the slow cooker before adding the half-and-half.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for another 15 minutes. This allows the chili to become creamy and slightly thickened.
- Stir the chili well before serving. Garnish with your desired toppings. Enjoy your homemade white chicken chili crockpot recipe!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect chili consistency by incorporating the dairy slowly. Whisking cream cheese with some warm chili liquid first ensures a smooth, lump-free texture. To adjust spice levels in your white chicken chili crockpot recipes, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce at the end. Prevent chicken from drying out by not overcooking; shred it as soon as it is tender. Slow cooker cook times can vary, so monitor your chili if you are new to your appliance. Shred chicken easily by letting it cool slightly before handling.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve your creamy chili with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for a complete meal. Elevate each bowl with your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or extra fresh cilantro. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple green side salad. You can also spoon this hearty chili over fluffy rice or a baked potato.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. If the chili becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Freezing Instructions
For best results when freezing white chicken chili crockpot recipes, freeze the chili *before* adding the cream cheese and half-and-half. This prevents dairy from separating during thawing.
To understand why some dairy products separate when frozen, learn more about the science of freezing dairy.
Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator. When reheating, bring the chili to a simmer, then stir in the cream cheese and half-and-half as directed in the recipe instructions. Always use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Recipe Variations
Explore different takes on this popular white chicken chili crockpot recipe. Substitute boneless chicken breasts with ground chicken or ground turkey for a different texture. Incorporate other beans like black beans or cannellini beans for added variety. For an extra kick, dice and add fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. If you need a dairy-free option, simply omit the cream cheese and half-and-half, or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This recipe can also adapt for stovetop cooking; refer to specific instructions online if needed.
Nutrition Information
(Yields: 6.6 servings)
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Note: These are estimated nutritional values based on the ingredients listed. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods. For precise nutritional information, please calculate based on the exact ingredients you use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken for this white chicken chili crockpot recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but cooking time may need extending by 1-2 hours on low.
For safe consumption, ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
How can I thicken my chili further if it is too thin?
To thicken, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this white chicken chili on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Absolutely. Brown the chicken first, then combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until chicken is cooked. Follow the remaining steps for cream cheese.
Is this recipe spicy, or can I make it milder?
The recipe has a mild spice from cayenne and one can of hot green chiles. For a milder version, use two cans of mild green chiles and omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
How long do leftovers of this white chicken chili last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, your leftover chili will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Conclusion
This creamy white chicken chili crockpot recipe simplifies mealtime without sacrificing flavor or comfort. It offers a warm, inviting dish that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying for the whole family. We encourage you to try this adaptable recipe and make it your own. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness this slow cooker favorite brings to your table!