This slow cooker white chicken chili recipe is set to become a family favorite, effortlessly blending convenience with incredible flavor. Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a hearty, creamy chili that’s been simmering all day in your slow cooker. This recipe mirrors the ease and deliciousness championed by the Pioneer Woman, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. It’s so good, it might just win first place at your next chili cook-off! Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Contest-Winning Crockpot White Chicken Chili: Easy slow cooker white chicken chili recipe with just the right amount of spice.
If you love set-it-and-forget-it meals like our Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala or classic Crockpot Meatloaf, then this white chicken chili is another must-add to your recipe collection. Slow cookers are kitchen superheroes, and this recipe highlights why they are so beloved for creating fuss-free, flavorful dishes.
Easy and Spicy Crockpot White Chicken Chili: This crockpot white chicken chili is easy to make and has a perfect spicy kick to warm you up.
Pioneer Woman Inspired White Chicken Chili Recipe
While Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, might have her own take on white chicken chili, this recipe captures that home-style, comforting essence she’s famous for. Move over traditional red chili, this creamy white chicken chili is about to steal the show! It’s packed with savory flavors, a gentle spice that’s just right, and the best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to enjoy your day.
Simple Steps to Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Perfection
Making this white chicken chili in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward:
- Chicken Base: Place your chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker.
- Spice it Up: Layer on the seasonings to build a rich flavor profile.
- Add Veggies and Beans: Introduce diced onion, minced garlic, creamy great Northern beans, mild green chiles, sweet corn kernels, fresh cilantro, and chicken broth.
- Slow Cook: Cover and let it simmer on low for 8 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it easily with forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in softened cream cheese and half and half for that signature creamy texture.
- Final Simmer: Cover and cook on high for a final 15 minutes to ensure everything is perfectly combined and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Get ready to enjoy a bowl of comforting white chicken chili with your favorite toppings!
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili in Progress: White chicken chili simmering in a slow cooker.
Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili
This recipe is wonderfully simple, but here are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Spice Level Control: Pay attention to the heat level of your diced green chiles. They range from mild to hot, so choose according to your preference. Hot can definitely bring significant spice!
- Topping Bar Extravaganza: Chili toppings are where you can really customize your bowl! Set up a topping bar with tortilla strips, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, shredded cheese, extra cilantro, sliced green onions, and diced avocados. Let everyone personalize their chili.
Bowl of White Chicken Chili with Toppings: A bowl of white chicken chili topped with cilantro, sour cream and tortilla strips.
White Chicken Chili Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations:
- Turkey Substitution: Easily swap out the chicken for leftover shredded turkey for a different protein twist.
- Bean Boost: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra heartiness and flavor depth. Be sure to rinse them well to maintain the chili’s vibrant white color.
- Extra Heat Lovers: For those who like it hot, use hot diced green chiles and add finely diced jalapeño to the slow cooker.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a non-dairy version, simply omit the cream cheese and half and half. It will still be flavorful, just less creamy.
Many white chicken chili recipes skip the corn, but the subtle sweetness of corn complements the slight heat from the green chiles beautifully. It’s a fantastic addition that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This creamy chicken chili is an excellent make-ahead meal and reheats like a dream!
Freezing Instructions
For freezing, follow the recipe up to step 4. Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. When reheating, proceed with step 6, adding the cream cheese and half and half.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Creamy Spoonful of White Chicken Chili: A spoonful of creamy white chicken chili being lifted from a bowl.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for a chilly evening, a crowd-pleasing dish for game day, or an easy dinner solution, this Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker white chicken chili is a winner. It’s hearty enough to satisfy big appetites and perfect for doubling or tripling for larger groups – especially if you have a large slow cooker! Consider serving it with a slice of Skillet Cornbread for a truly satisfying meal.
Skillet Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread: Homemade jalapeno cheddar cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet with bacon drippings.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
While not strictly necessary, using a slow cooker definitely simplifies this recipe. A 6-quart slow cooker is a great size for this recipe, and if you’re taking it to a potluck or tailgate, a slow cooker carrying case is incredibly helpful!
Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe Card
4.76 from 1420 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Calories: 155
Servings: 6 servings
This creamy white chicken chili is incredibly easy to make in your crockpot! It’s creamy, flavorful, and has just the right amount of spice – perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz low sodium chicken broth
- 2 (15oz) cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (4oz) cans diced green chiles (1 mild, 1 hot for a bit of kick)
- 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
Topping Suggestions:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced avocados
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, minced
- Tortilla strips
- Shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Top with diced onion, minced garlic, great Northern beans, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, and cilantro. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken to a bowl, shred with forks, and return to the slow cooker.
- Add softened cream cheese and half and half. Stir until cream cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, or until chili is creamy and slightly thickened. For smoother cream cheese, whisk softened cream cheese with a ladle of hot chili before adding to the slow cooker.
- Stir well and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your recipe box!
Chef’s Tip
For a thicker chili: Mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2-3 Tbsp milk, half and half, chicken broth, or water until dissolved. Stir into the chili and cook until thickened.
Stovetop Directions
- Cut chicken into pieces.
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter and olive oil.
- Add spices, then chicken, beans, chiles, corn, broth, and cilantro.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes until chicken is cooked.
- Shred chicken, return to pot. Stir in half and half and cream cheese. Simmer until creamy.
Instant Pot Directions
- Add all ingredients except cream cheese and half and half to the Instant Pot. Place cubed cream cheese on top.
- Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- Shred chicken. Stir in half and half to melt cream cheese and combine.
Video
[Link to Original Video if Available]
Nutrition Information
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate. Calorie counts may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Did You Make This? Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef!
