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"A close-up, overhead shot of a steaming bowl of Crockpot White Chicken Chili , richly garnished with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and vibrant jalapeño slices, served on a rustic dark wooden table with a soft linen napkin and a lime wedge."
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Crockpot White Chicken Chili The Perfect Weeknight Meal

Discover the ultimate Crockpot White Chicken Chili, a sensationally creamy and hearty meal perfect for any night. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe is loaded with tender chicken, savory beans, and a rich, satisfying broth. It's truly a winner!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 314kcal
Author C. Sophie

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 15-ounce cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 4.5-ounce cans diced green chiles, undrained
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more for extra heat
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus more for garnish
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, jalapeño slices

Instructions

Step 1:

  • Combine all initial ingredients in your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Layer with chicken broth, rinsed Great Northern beans, undrained diced green chiles, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir gently to ensure everything is well distributed.

Step 2:

  • Cook until the chicken is fork-tender. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded with two forks, indicating it's ready for the next step.

Step 3:

  • Remove and shred the chicken. Carefully transfer the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker to a clean plate or cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly for easier handling. Once cool enough, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces; this texture will integrate perfectly back into the chili.

Step 4:

  • Thicken the chili for a creamy texture. To achieve a rich, thick consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to purée about 1/3 to 1/2 of the chili, leaving plenty of beans and vegetables whole for body. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer 2-3 ladlefuls of the chili to a regular blender or food processor, pulse until roughly puréed, then return it to the slow cooker and stir well. This step helps bind the flavors and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.

Step 5:

  • Stir in the cream cheese for ultimate creaminess. Add the softened, cubed cream cheese to the thickened chili in the slow cooker. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and is fully incorporated, creating a wonderfully smooth and creamy broth. This is the key to that signature rich, velvety texture.

Step 6:

  • Finish and serve your delicious chili. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy chili along with the fresh chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot Crockpot White Chicken Chili into bowls, squeeze a fresh lime wedge over each serving, and top with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy this comforting, easy meal!

Notes

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Note: These values are per serving and are approximate.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 314 kcal
Fat 4g
Carbohydrates 36g
Protein 34g
Sugar 1g
Fiber 8g