The Best Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe: Creamy, Flavorful, and Effortless Comfort Food
Are you searching for a chili recipe that’s not only incredibly delicious but also requires minimal effort? Look no further! This white chicken chili is about to become your new favorite. It’s celebrated for its straightforward preparation, the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it convenience, and the rich, savory, and perfectly spicy flavors that are an absolute treat for your taste buds. Just like our popular 3 Bean Chili or comforting Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, this recipe bursts with wholesome goodness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why This Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a Must-Try
Let me tell you all the reasons why this particular white chicken chili recipe stands out. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience in effortless cooking and maximum flavor.
- Simple, Everyday Ingredients: Forget specialty stores! This recipe uses common, easy-to-find ingredients that you can pick up at any local grocery store. No obscure items, just pure goodness.
- Lightning-Fast Prep Time: Imagine a hearty, home-cooked meal with only 15 minutes of hands-on prep. Yes, just 15 minutes! This makes it ideal for busy weeknights when time is precious.
- True “Set-It-and-Forget-It” Cooking: This is a genuine “dump and go” crockpot recipe. There’s no need to pre-cook any ingredients on the stovetop before adding them to your slow cooker. Just toss everything in, set the timer, and let your crockpot work its magic.
- Perfect Any Time of Year: While chili is often associated with cooler weather, the light yet satisfying flavors of white chicken chili make it a fantastic dish year-round. It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel too heavy, making it suitable for any season.
- Unbelievably Tender Chicken: Our secret to succulent chicken? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They ensure hassle-free, fall-apart tender, and incredibly juicy chicken every single time. Say goodbye to dry, stringy chicken – you won’t find it here!
- Control Your Sodium: We recommend opting for reduced-sodium ingredients like beans and chicken broth. This puts you in charge of the sodium content, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
For those perpetually busy weeknights, a few more hassle-free chicken recipes can be a lifesaver. Don’t miss my scrumptious Fall Apart Chicken Vegetable Crockpot Soup, or try the lightly crispy Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks, which utilize a hands-free sheet-pan baking method with zero frying. And for an unbelievably quick and flavorful option, check out this 10-Minute Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup – seriously, it’s ready in just 10 minutes and tastes absolutely amazing!
Ingredient Spotlight: Crafting the Perfect White Chicken Chili
Every great dish starts with quality ingredients, and this white chicken chili is no exception. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: As mentioned, thighs are crucial for that tender, juicy, and fall-apart texture. They hold up beautifully during slow cooking, infusing the chili with rich chicken flavor. You can opt for chicken breasts if you prefer, but be aware they may be a bit drier.
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth: The base of our chili, providing savory depth. Using reduced-sodium broth allows you to control the overall saltiness.
- 2 15-ounce cans reduced-sodium white beans (e.g., cannellini, great northern): White beans are the heart of this chili. We use two cans, but a clever trick is to mash one can of beans before adding it. This thickens the chili naturally, giving it a wonderfully creamy texture without adding extra dairy. Remember to drain and rinse them!
- 1 4.5-oz can diced green chilis: These add a mild, earthy heat and a distinct chili flavor without overpowering the dish. They’re a staple for a reason!
- 1/2 yellow onion (about 1 cup diced): Aromatic and foundational, yellow onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 2 stalks celery (about 1 cup diced): Providing a fresh, crisp undertone that balances the richness of the chili.
- 3 cloves minced garlic: Essential for boosting the overall savory profile. Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference!
- Spices: Ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper: This blend creates the classic chili flavor. Cumin adds warmth, chili powder provides a gentle heat, and oregano brings an herbaceous note. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed): Added towards the end, corn brings a pop of sweetness and texture, making the chili even more satisfying.
Kitchen Tools to Make Your Chili Prep a Breeze:
Having the right tools can make all the difference, especially when you want quick and efficient prep. Here are the essentials I use for this recipe:
- Chef’s knife: For easily dicing your onion and celery.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for all your chopping needs.
- Can opener: For those cans of beans and green chilis.
- Garlic press: To quickly mince garlic without much fuss.
- Crockpot: The star of the show for effortless cooking!
Customizing Your White Chicken Chili: Tips & Variations
One of the best things about chili is how versatile it is! This recipe is a fantastic base, but feel free to make it your own with these delicious variations:
- Make it Creamier: For an even richer, creamier chili, stir in 4-6 ounces of cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup of sour cream, or 1/4 cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Whisk it in until fully incorporated.
- Boost the Heat: If you love a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a chopped jalapeño (with or without seeds) along with the other ingredients.
- Add More Veggies: Sliced bell peppers, a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the end), or even diced zucchini would make great additions.
- Different Proteins: While chicken thighs are our top choice, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For a different texture, try ground chicken or turkey, lightly browned before adding to the crockpot.
- Spice It Up Differently: Experiment with a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or a touch of chipotle powder for a different kind of heat.
Serving Suggestions & Topping Ideas
What’s chili without toppings? The right garnishes can elevate your white chicken chili from great to unforgettable. Here are some of our favorites:
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh cilantro is a must for a burst of freshness.
- Acidity: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors.
- Creaminess: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cooling creaminess.
- Avocado: Diced or sliced avocado provides a luxurious, buttery texture.
- Cheese: Shredded Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully into the hot chili. Crumbled cotija cheese is also a fantastic option.
- Crunch: Crushed tortilla chips, corn chips, or crispy fried tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch.
- Extra Heat: Thinly sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) for an additional kick.
- Sides: Serve alongside warm cornbread, a simple green salad, or even over a bed of fluffy rice for a more substantial meal.
Craving all things chili for this upcoming fall (or any season, really)? Be sure to try out this Chili Mac recipe – it’s a hearty, cheesy delight! You can even use our household famous chili seasoning blend along with it for unbeatable flavor. And if you love the convenience of your slow cooker, don’t forget to give our creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese a try!
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 30 ounce can reduced-sodium white beans 2 15-oz cans, drained, *one can mashed
- 4.5 oz can diced green chilis
- ½ cup yellow onion 1 cup diced
- 2 stalks celery 1 cup diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
Before You Begin
Instructions
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In a 3.5 quart crockpot, combine chicken, chicken broth, whole beans, mashed beans, green chilis, onion, celery, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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*Set cooker to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
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About 30 minutes before cook cycle ends, stir in corn, cover, and allow to heat.
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When ready to serve, garnish with any of the following (cilantro, lime, avocado, jalapeno, sour cream, cheese, tortilla chips)
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Storage and Freezing Tips
This white chicken chili is fantastic for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
- Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About White Chicken Chili
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will also work. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during the long cooking process. If using breasts, be mindful not to overcook them to prevent them from becoming dry.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?
No, one of the beauties of this recipe is that it’s a true “dump and go” meal. You don’t need to brown the chicken or any other ingredients beforehand. The slow cooker will tenderize and cook everything perfectly.
How can I make this white chicken chili even creamier?
We already include a trick to mash one can of white beans for natural thickening and creaminess. If you desire an even richer, creamier texture, you can stir in 4-6 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, or 1/4 cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Be sure to whisk it well to avoid lumps.
Can I make this chili on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot?
While this recipe is optimized for a slow cooker, you can adapt it. For the stovetop, combine all ingredients (except corn) in a large pot, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, covered, for at least 30-45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shredded. Add corn for the last 10 minutes. For an Instant Pot, combine ingredients (except corn) and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes with a natural release, then stir in corn and let it sit for a few minutes.
What’s the best way to thicken my chili if it’s too thin?
Mashing one can of beans already helps a lot. If you find your chili is still thinner than you’d like, you can try these methods:
- Remove about 1/2 cup of the liquid, mix it with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then stir it back into the chili and cook for another 30 minutes on high.
- Scoop out about a cup of the chili, blend it (using an immersion blender or regular blender), and then stir it back into the pot. This thickens it with existing ingredients.
- Add more mashed beans.
Is this white chicken chili considered healthy?
Absolutely! This recipe uses lean protein (chicken), fiber-rich white beans, and plenty of vegetables. By opting for reduced-sodium broth and beans, you further control the sodium intake. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep most of the ingredients the night before. Dice your onion and celery, mince the garlic, drain/rinse your beans, and measure out your spices. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply combine everything in the crockpot and turn it on!
The original publication date for this post was August 16, 2017. It has been updated and expanded to provide you with the most comprehensive and delicious white chicken chili experience!