Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe, showcasing the creamy texture and inviting spices in a crockpot.
Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Pioneer Woman-inspired slow cooker white chicken chili! Move over traditional red chili, because this creamy white chicken chili is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine tender chicken simmered to perfection in a rich, subtly spiced, and creamy broth, all with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is not just simple; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or even chili cook-offs where it’s sure to win hearts (and maybe even prizes!).
Similar to other beloved slow cooker recipes like slow cooker chicken tikka masala and crockpot meatloaf, this white chicken chili recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimal hands-on time. If you’re building your collection of go-to slow cooker recipes, this one absolutely deserves a prime spot. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking and the delightful flavors of white chicken chili – Pioneer Woman style, made easy!
Close-up shot of creamy Pioneer Woman white chicken chili, highlighting the texture and inviting warmth of the dish.
The Best White Chicken Chili Recipe for Your Slow Cooker
Chili season is officially here, and while classic turkey chili holds a special place in many hearts, this creamy white chicken chili is ready to steal the spotlight. What makes it so special? It’s the perfect balance of savory flavors and just the right amount of spice, creating a chili that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, the slow cooker does almost all the work, making it an ideal recipe for busy days. This isn’t just any chili; it’s a creamy, dreamy, and utterly delicious Pioneer Woman inspired white chicken chili that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Simple Steps to Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Perfection
Making this Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Layer Ingredients: Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Add Aromatics and Veggies: Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, great Northern beans, diced green chiles, corn, chopped cilantro, and chicken broth.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process is key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in softened cream cheese and half and half to create that signature creamy texture.
- Final Simmer: Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chili is heated through and beautifully creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Get ready to enjoy your homemade Pioneer Woman white chicken chili with your favorite toppings!
Slow cooker white chicken chili in a crockpot, showcasing the ease and convenience of slow cooking this recipe.
Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This Pioneer Woman slow cooker white chicken chili recipe is wonderfully simple, but here are a few tips to ensure chili perfection every time:
- Spice Level Control: Pay attention to the type of diced green chiles you use. Mild, medium, or hot varieties are available, so choose according to your preference. Hot green chiles can add significant heat!
- Embrace the Toppings Bar: Toppings are where you can really customize your chili experience. Set up a toppings bar with options like tortilla strips, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, green onions, and avocado. Let everyone create their perfect bowl!
Bowl of creamy white chicken chili loaded with toppings, inspiring readers to customize their chili with various garnishes.
White Chicken Chili Variations to Suit Your Taste
One of the great things about this Pioneer Woman slow cooker white chicken chili recipe is its versatility. Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Turkey Swap: For a leaner option, substitute shredded cooked turkey for the chicken. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey would be fantastic!
- Boost the Protein: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber. Be sure to rinse them well to avoid discoloring your chili.
- Spice It Up: If you like it hot, use hot diced green chiles and consider adding diced jalapeño to the slow cooker for an extra kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this chili dairy-free, simply omit the cream cheese and half and half. The chili will still be flavorful and delicious, just less creamy. You might consider adding a can of coconut milk at the end for a touch of creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.
The addition of corn in this recipe is a key element that sets it apart. The subtle sweetness of the corn beautifully complements the slight heat from the green chiles, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that’s truly irresistible.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions for White Chicken Chili
This Pioneer Woman slow cooker white chicken chili is an excellent make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Freezing for Later
For freezer-friendly chili, follow these steps:
- Cook and Cool: Prepare the chili through step 4 of the recipe.
- Cool Completely: Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing.
- Freeze: Transfer the cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze.
- Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat and Finish: When reheating, proceed with step 6, adding the cream cheese and half and half as directed.
Storage in the Refrigerator
Leftover white chicken chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
A spoonful of creamy white chicken chili, emphasizing the rich and satisfying texture of the dish.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal for a chilly evening curled up on the couch or a hearty dish to serve at your next game day party, this Pioneer Woman slow cooker white chicken chili is the answer. It’s easy to make a large batch (especially if you have a large slow cooker, and you can easily double the recipe for a bigger crowd). Consider using a slow cooker carrying case for easy transport to potlucks or tailgates!
For the perfect pairing, serve this chili with a slice of skillet cornbread. The slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread is the ideal accompaniment to the savory, creamy chili.
Image of Skillet Jalapeno Cheddar Homemade Cornbread, suggesting a delicious side dish to accompany the white chicken chili.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker or larger is recommended.
- Mixing Bowls: For shredding chicken and combining ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Don’t forget to check the comments section below for tips and reviews from other home cooks who have made this recipe!
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Final presentation of Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili, inviting readers to try the easy and flavorful recipe.
Pioneer Woman Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe
[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! Creamy and perfectly spiced, it’s the ideal comfort food for a chilly night!
Ingredients
- 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 (1 hot, 1 mild recommended)
- 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
Toppings (Optional)
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sliced avocados
- Dollop of sour cream
- Minced fresh cilantro
- Tortilla strips
- Shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 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 and shred. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add softened cream cheese and half and half. Stir until cream cheese is melted and chili is creamy.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir well and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Chef’s Tip: For an even thicker chili, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2-3 Tbsp milk, half and half, chicken broth, or water. Stir until dissolved, then stir into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy this Pioneer Woman inspired Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili!
