Some days you just need a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You know the feeling. A dinner that is cozy, comforting, and asks for almost zero effort from you. That is exactly what this White Chicken Chili is all about.
This is one of those fantastic recipes you just toss into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It is creamy, savory, and has just the right amount of flavor to make everyone happy. It’s a real crowd pleaser!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is the definition of simple. You literally just dump all the ingredients into your slow cooker. There is no sautéing or browning required. It’s a true set it and forget it meal.
The flavor is just so satisfying. The combination of ranch and taco seasonings gives it a zesty, creamy base that complements the beans and chicken so well. It is a fantastic change of pace from traditional red chili.
It is also incredibly versatile. You can dress it up with all sorts of toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. It makes it fun for everyone to customize their own bowl just the way they like it.
Plus, this is one of the best chicken dinner recipes for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day, making it a wonderful option for lunches or another easy dinner later in the week.
Ingredients
The shopping list for this White Chicken Recipe could not be simpler. Here is what you will need to grab.
- 3 (16 oz) cans Bush’s White Chili Beans, do not drain
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel, do not drain
- 1 (1.25 oz) packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
For toppings, feel free to get creative! Some of our favorites include:
- Lime Wedges
- Sour Cream
- Fresh Cilantro
- Shredded Cheese
- Sliced Avocado
- Crushed Tortilla Chips
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to see how easy this is? Let’s walk through the simple steps to make this amazing chili.
Step 1: Combine Everything
First, grab your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Open up your cans of chili beans and Rotel. Do not drain them! All that liquid is pure flavor and helps create the wonderful sauce for our chili.
Pour the beans and Rotel into the pot. Then sprinkle in the entire packet of taco seasoning and the ranch seasoning mix. Finally, add your chicken breasts or thighs on top. Give it all a good stir to combine.
Step 2: Cook The Chili
Now for the hands off part. Depending on your appliance, the instructions are slightly different. Both ways result in a delicious White Chicken Chili.
If you are making White Chicken Chilli In Crock Pot, place the lid on and set the cook time. You can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. The low and slow method really lets the flavors meld.
For the Instant Pot, secure the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. Once it’s done, perform a manual quick release of the pressure.
Step 3: Shred And Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, it should be very tender. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board or in a separate bowl. It will be hot!
Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite sized pieces. It should fall apart very easily. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together one last time. This lets the chicken soak up all that yummy sauce.
Serve the White Chicken Chili immediately while it is warm. Ladle it into bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings. Enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
This is one of those chicken dinner recipes that tastes fantastic as leftovers. Storing it is simple. Just let the chili cool down to room temperature first.
Place the leftover chili in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or pop it in the microwave in 30 second intervals until hot.
You can also freeze this chili for later. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. For the best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips
A few little tricks can make this recipe even better. Let’s talk about the beans. Using the Bush’s white chili beans is great because they come in a seasoned sauce. This adds a ton of flavor without any extra work.
If you like to control the seasonings, you can always use your own homemade chili seasoning instead of the taco packet. They share many of the same spices, so it’s an easy swap that works well.
Want to turn up the heat? The simplest way is to use a can of hot or extra hot Rotel. You could also add some diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
For an even richer flavor, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They have a bit more fat, which adds depth to the chili. Both are delicious, so you can’t go wrong.
Conclusion
There you have it! A truly simple and satisfying White Chicken Chili that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero with minimal effort.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for a chilly day, this White Chicken Recipe delivers. It’s warm, flavorful, and so easy to customize. I hope you and your family love it as much as we do!
FAQ
Can I Use Regular Canned White Beans?
You can, but it will change the flavor and consistency. This recipe is designed around chili beans, which come in a pre seasoned sauce. If you use regular beans like cannellini or Great Northern, you will want to drain and rinse them, and you may need to add a little chicken broth and extra seasoning.
What Is The Easiest Way To Shred Chicken?
The classic method is using two forks to pull the meat apart. This works great! For a super fast method, you can place the cooked chicken in a bowl and use a hand mixer on a low setting. The chicken will shred in just a few seconds.
Is This White Chicken Chili Spicy?
As written, this recipe is very mild. The Rotel provides a tiny bit of zest but not much heat. It is a very family friendly meal. If you prefer more spice, you can easily add it by using a spicier can of Rotel or adding some chopped hot peppers.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Corn would be a wonderful addition. A can of drained corn or about a cup of frozen corn can be added at the beginning of the cooking time. Some diced onion or bell pepper would also be tasty additions to your White Chicken Chili.
White Chicken Chili
A warm and comforting White Chicken Chili recipe that’s incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. This creamy, savory dish with zesty ranch and taco seasonings is a family-friendly meal perfect for customization with your favorite toppings.
Requirements
Ingredients
Optional Toppings:
Instructions
- First, grab your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Open up your cans of chili beans and Rotel. Do not drain them! Pour the beans and Rotel into the pot. Then sprinkle in the entire packet of taco seasoning and the ranch seasoning mix. Finally, add your chicken breasts or thighs on top. Give it all a good stir to combine.
- Now for the hands off part. Depending on your appliance, the instructions are slightly different. If you are making White Chicken Chilli In Crock Pot, place the lid on and set the cook time. You can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. For the Instant Pot, secure the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. Once it’s done, perform a manual quick release of the pressure.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, it should be very tender. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board or in a separate bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together one last time.
- Serve the White Chicken Chili immediately while it is warm. Ladle it into bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
Using Bush’s white chili beans is great because they come in a seasoned sauce, adding a ton of flavor without extra work.
If you prefer to control seasonings, use your own homemade chili seasoning instead of the taco packet for an easy swap.
To turn up the heat, use a hot or extra hot can of Rotel, or add diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or red pepper flakes.
For an even richer flavor, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they have a bit more fat.
This chili tastes fantastic as leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
