White Chicken Chili is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner. This slow cooker version, inspired by the ease and deliciousness championed by the Pioneer Woman, simplifies the cooking process while maximizing flavor. Imagine coming home to the rich aroma of creamy chili, infused with tender chicken and savory spices – all achieved with minimal effort. This recipe leverages the magic of the slow cooker, allowing you to use budget-friendly bone-in chicken and dry beans for an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal.
Why Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a Weeknight Winner
This recipe takes the best elements of traditional white chicken chili and adapts them for the modern, busy cook. The slow cooker method is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and forget about it. No pre-cooking chicken or constant monitoring required.
- Deep Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a richer, more complex chili than stovetop versions. The bone-in chicken not only stays incredibly moist but also adds a depth of flavor to the broth that boneless chicken simply can’t match.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: Using dry great northern beans and bone-in chicken pieces significantly reduces the cost compared to canned beans and pre-cooked chicken.
- Tender Chicken Every Time: Cooking chicken directly in the soup ensures it remains juicy and tender, easily shredding right in the pot.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style White Chicken Chili
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful slow cooker white chicken chili:
- Bone-in Chicken: 2 to 2.5 lbs of bone-in chicken pieces, such as chicken breasts or thighs, provide superior flavor and moisture.
- Great Northern Beans: 1 lb of dried great northern beans, soaked overnight, form the creamy base of the chili. Soaking is crucial for proper cooking and digestibility.
- Aromatic Vegetables: 1 chopped onion and 3 crushed garlic cloves create a savory foundation.
- Green Chilies: A can of chopped green chilies adds a mild, signature chili flavor.
- Spices: A blend of 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (for a touch of heat), and ½ – 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to your taste) provides warmth and depth.
- Chicken Broth and Water: 32oz box of chicken broth and 2 cups of water create the liquid base. Use good quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
- Thickening Agents: 2 Tbs cornmeal and 1 cup of milk (or cream for extra richness) are used at the end to thicken the chili to the perfect consistency.
- Seasoning: Salt to taste is essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Inspired Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe: bone-in chicken breasts, great northern beans, onion, garlic, green chilies, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, chili powder, chicken broth, milk, and cornmeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious and easy white chicken chili:
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, place the soaked great northern beans, bone-in chicken pieces, chopped onion, crushed garlic, canned green chilies, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, chili powder, chicken broth, and water.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 6-7 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks and discard the bones and skin.
- Return Chicken: Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
- Thicken Chili: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornmeal and milk until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
- Cook to Thicken: Continue to cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili
- Don’t Skip Soaking the Beans: Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking and helps to reduce any digestive discomfort. If you forget to soak overnight, you can do a quick soak method: cover beans with water, bring to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, then let sit for 1 hour before draining and using.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
- Customize Your Toppings: White chicken chili is delicious with a variety of toppings. Consider sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips, or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Make it Creamier: For an even creamier chili, stir in a block of cream cheese or a can of evaporated milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy this Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker white chicken chili – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor!
