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 minutesminutes
Cook Time 5 hourshours
Total Time 5 hourshours15 minutesminutes
Servings 6Servings
Calories 314kcal
Author C. Sophie
Ingredients
1.5poundsbonelessskinless chicken breasts
4cupslow-sodium chicken broth
215-ounce cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
24.5-ounce cans diced green chiles, undrained
1medium yellow onionfinely diced
3clovesgarlicminced
18-ounce block cream cheese, softened and cubed
2teaspoonsground cumin
1teaspoondried oregano
1/2teaspoonkosher saltor more to taste
1/4teaspooncayenne pepperor more for extra heat
1/4cupfresh cilantrochopped, plus more for garnish
Fresh lime wedgesfor serving
Optional toppings: diced avocadosour 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.