The Best Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite comforting meal! This chicken chili recipe delivers a creamy, rich flavor profile with minimal effort. Imagine tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, and a blend of aromatic spices, all simmering to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the ideal dish for a cozy evening, bringing warmth and incredible taste to your table with unparalleled convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy chicken chili recipe is a game-changer for busy households and beginner cooks alike. It simplifies dinner prep and consistently delivers delicious results. Here’s why this slow cooker delight will become a regular in your rotation:

• Effortlessly Simple: Just combine ingredients and let your slow cooker do the hard work.
• Hearty & Satisfying: This chili is packed with protein and fiber, ensuring everyone feels full and happy.
• Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy evenings when you need a wholesome meal without fuss.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, fresh items you likely already have on hand.
• Customizable Toppings: Get creative with your favorite garnishes to make each bowl unique.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious slow cooker white chicken chili. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavor of this dish.

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded, finely chopped, plus more, thinly sliced, for serving
• 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne (optional)
• 2 (15.5-oz.) cans white beans (such as Great Northern or cannellini), 1 can drained
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (4-oz.) cans green chiles
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
• 1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for serving
• Sliced avocado, finely chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, for serving

Notes & Substitutions

We recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this hearty white chicken chili recipe. They remain incredibly tender and flavorful even after hours of slow cooking. If preferred, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, though they might be slightly less moist. You can swap Great Northern or cannellini beans for navy beans if that’s what you have. For a spicier kick, include the cayenne pepper and leave some seeds in the jalapeño. The liquid from one can of beans, often called aquafaba, helps to naturally thicken and enrich the chili’s texture. White beans are a nutrient-dense ingredient, offering a good source of fiber and protein that contributes to a satisfying meal. Healthline provides more details on the nutritional benefits of white beans.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy slow cooker white chicken chili. This recipe focuses on simplicity!

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is perfect for this batch.
• Cutting Board: Essential for prepping your onion, garlic, and jalapeño.
• Sharp Knife: For precise chopping.
• Forks or Immersion Blender: To shred the chicken and puree the beans.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.

Instructions

Making this delicious slow cooker white chicken chili recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal every time.

1. Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients In a medium or large slow cooker, combine the finely chopped onion, garlic, and chopped jalapeño. Add the chicken thighs, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Next, add both cans of white beans (remember to drain one can and include the liquid from the other). Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the canned green chiles. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure everything is well-combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken Chili Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the chili on the High setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on the Low setting for 8 hours. Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable.
3. Step 3: Remove and Shred Chicken Carefully transfer the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker to a clean cutting board. Allow the chicken to cool slightly for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The chicken should pull apart easily.
4. Step 4: Thicken Chili with Pureed Beans Scoop about 3/4 cup of the beans from the slow cooker, along with some of the cooking liquid and any stray vegetables, into a separate large bowl or a measuring cup. Using a fork, vigorously mash the beans until mostly smooth. For an even creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the beans directly in the bowl. Return both the shredded chicken and the pureed beans to the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Stir in Corn and Sour Cream Add the frozen corn and 1/2 cup of sour cream to the slow cooker with the chicken and pureed beans. Stir everything together well, ensuring the sour cream is fully incorporated into the chili, adding a lovely creamy texture.
6. Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve Cover the slow cooker again and continue to cook on High until the corn is heated through, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. Ladle the hot white chicken chili into bowls. Garnish generously with additional sour cream, thinly sliced fresh jalapeño, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect white chicken chili is easy with a few simple tricks.

• Perfect Bean Consistency: For a thicker chili, puree a bit more than 3/4 cup of beans. If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken broth.
• Increased Spice: To make your chicken chili spicier, don’t seed the jalapeño entirely. You can also add a second jalapeño or a pinch more cayenne.
• Chicken Choices: While thighs offer the best moisture, chicken breasts can work. Cut them into 1-inch chunks before cooking for faster shredding and more even cooking.
• Preventing Watery Chili: Ensure you use low-sodium broth to control sodium levels without adding excess water. Pureeing some of the beans is key to a thick, creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Elevate your white chicken chili experience with these ideas!

Serve this creamy chicken chili warm with a variety of toppings. Our favorites include sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, extra sour cream, and thinly sliced jalapeños. A side of warm cornbread or tortilla chips makes for an even heartier meal.

Refrigeration

Store leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This chili freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations

• Stovetop Version: For a quicker cook, sauté the aromatics, then brown the chicken, add liquids and beans, simmer until chicken is cooked, then shred and thicken.
• Gochujang Kick: For an unexpected twist, stir in a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) with the sour cream for a smoky, spicy depth.
• Vegan Twist: Omit the chicken, use vegetable broth, and replace sour cream with a dairy-free alternative or pureed cashews for a hearty vegan chili.

Nutrition Information

This slow cooker white chicken chili is a wholesome and balanced meal. It provides a significant amount of protein, supporting muscle health and satiety. The beans offer excellent fiber content, aiding digestion and keeping you full. This hearty chili is a delicious way to enjoy a nutrient-rich dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making this fantastic chicken chili.

• Can I use different beans?Absolutely! While Great Northern or cannellini beans are traditional, navy beans or even pinto beans can work well in this white chicken chili.
• What if my chili is too thin?If your chili is thinner than you’d like, scoop out and puree a bit more of the cooked beans with some liquid, then stir it back in. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering chili and cook until thickened.
• Can I make this ahead?Yes, this chili is perfect for meal prep! Prepare the entire recipe, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?Yes, this white chicken chili recipe is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients listed are free from gluten-containing grains.
• How spicy is this chili?With one jalapeño (seeded) and optional cayenne, the chili has a mild warmth. Increase the spice by leaving some seeds in the jalapeño or adding more cayenne pepper.

Conclusion

This slow cooker white chicken chili recipe proves that delicious, comforting meals don’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that your family will adore. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. We encourage you to try this simple recipe soon! For more tips on using your slow cooker safely and effectively, the USDA offers valuable guidance. Let us know what you think in the comments below, and share your favorite toppings!

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