There is nothing quite like walking into your house after a long day and being greeted by the savory smell of dinner already done. That is exactly what happens when you make this Crockpot White Chicken Chili. It is warm, comforting, and incredibly simple to throw together before you head out the door in the morning. If you love soup season but want something a little lighter than traditional beef chili, this recipe is going to be a new favorite in your rotation.
This dish hits that sweet spot between healthy and hearty. We use lean chicken breast and white beans to pack in the protein. The creamy texture comes from a clever blending trick rather than heavy cream. This keeps the meal light enough for a weeknight lunch but filling enough for a hungry family at dinner. Plus, it is one of those Easy Crockpot Meals that requires almost zero active cooking time.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this recipe for a few big reasons. First, it is a true “dump and go” meal. You do not need to brown the meat beforehand or sauté any vegetables. You literally place everything in the slow cooker and press a button. This makes it ideal for busy parents or anyone with a packed schedule.
Another reason this Crockpot White Chicken Chili stands out is the flavor profile. It is zesty without being too spicy for kids. The green chiles add a mild tang that cuts through the richness of the beans. It feels fresh thanks to the cilantro and lime juice added at the end. It is a nice change of pace from tomato-based chilies.
Finally, this recipe is naturally adaptable. If you are looking for Crockpot Recipes Healthy enough to fit into a specific diet, this is a great base. It is naturally gluten-free if you check your labels. It is dairy-free until you add toppings. You can customize it endlessly with what you have in your pantry.
Ingredients
The grocery list for this chili is short and budget-friendly. You likely have many of the spices in your cabinet already.
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 to 3 breasts)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock (32 ounces)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans reduced-sodium white beans (such as white kidney beans, cannellini, or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained)
- 2 (4.5-ounce) cans diced green chiles
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small yellow onion (or 1/2 large) finely diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Fresh lime wedges
- For serving: diced jalapeno, diced avocado, nonfat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips
Let’s talk about the beans for a second. Great Northern beans hold their shape well, but cannellini beans are creamier. Either works beautifully here. Just make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Crockpot White Chicken Chili is incredibly straightforward. Here is how to get the best results.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by placing your raw chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, rinsed white beans, diced green chiles, minced garlic, diced onion, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Give everything a good stir to distribute the spices. It might look like a lot of liquid right now, but do not worry. It will thicken up later.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid. You have two options for cooking time. You can cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 4 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be fully cooked through and tender enough to shred.
Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can dry out even in liquid. Check them at the earlier end of the time range.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the breasts to a plate or cutting board. Let them cool slightly so you do not burn your fingers. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside for a moment.
Step 4: Thicken the Chili
This is the secret step that makes this recipe amazing. Take an immersion blender and puree a portion of the chili right in the pot. You want to blend about a third of the beans to create a creamy base, but leave the rest whole for texture.
If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer a few ladlefuls of the hot soup to a standard blender. Pulse it briefly and pour it back into the pot.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir the shredded chicken back into the thickened chili. Add the chopped fresh cilantro and give it a final stir. Ladle the hot chili into bowls.
Top each bowl with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. This adds brightness that wakes up all the earthy spices. Add your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese and enjoy.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftovers of this Crockpot White Chicken Chili might actually taste better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together in the fridge.
To store it in the refrigerator, let the chili cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep lunches.
This chili is also very freezer-friendly. Place the cooled chili in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This is a great way to keep Crockpot Recipes Healthy on hand for emergency dinners.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the stove, warm it over medium heat until it is steaming hot. If the chili has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly every single time.
Control the Heat: If you are sensitive to spice, you can reduce the cayenne pepper or omit the jalapeno garnish. The diced green chiles are usually mild, but double-check the can label just to be sure.
Watch the Chicken: As mentioned in the notes, chicken breasts can dry out quickly. If you know your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken at the 3-hour mark on low. You want it tender, not tough.
Texture Preferences: For a thicker chili, start with only 2 cups of broth. You can always add more liquid at the end if needed. If you prefer a soupier consistency, skip the blending step entirely.
Leftover Makeover: If you have leftovers, get creative. Serve the chili over crispy baked fries or baked potatoes. You can also spoon it over tortilla chips with cheese to make white chili nachos.
Conclusion
This Crockpot White Chicken Chili is the definition of comfort food. It is warm, creamy, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just prepping lunches for the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
We love how versatile it is. You can dress it up with fancy toppings or keep it simple with just a squeeze of lime. It proves that healthy eating does not have to be complicated or bland. Give this recipe a try next time you need a stress-free dinner solution.
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let us know how it turned out. We love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback!
FAQ
Can I Make This White Chicken Chili With Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, absolutely. Making White Chicken Chili With Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Since the chicken is already cooked, you would add it at the very end of the cooking time, just to warm it through. You would still simmer the beans, broth, and spices in the crockpot to develop the flavors.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Generally, yes. The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. However, you must always check the labels on your chicken broth and canned beans to ensure they were not processed in a facility with wheat. Serve with corn tortilla chips to keep the meal fully gluten-free.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
You certainly can. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are very forgiving in the slow cooker and stay moist longer than breasts. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to swap them in. The cooking time should remain roughly the same.
Do I Have To Use An Immersion Blender?
No, you do not have to. The immersion blender step is just to make the chili creamy without adding dairy. If you do not have one, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a potato masher or fork. It works just as well to thicken the broth.
What Are Other Easy Crockpot Meals Like This?
If you enjoy this style of cooking, you might also like slow cooker taco soup or a classic vegetable beef stew. These are all Easy Crockpot Meals that focus on simple prep and hearty flavors.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This Crockpot White Chicken Chili brings comfort with minimal effort. It’s creamy without being heavy, zesty from green chiles, and features tender chicken. A fantastic, healthy, and satisfying option for easy weeknight meals or meal prep, naturally gluten-free.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the chicken breasts, chicken stock, white beans, diced green chiles, minced garlic, diced yellow onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper in a slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the chili.
- For a thicker, creamier chili, remove 1-2 cups of white beans with some liquid, blend until smooth, and then stir back into the slow cooker.
- Stir in the fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges and your favorite optional toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
For the beans, Great Northern, Cannellini, or white kidney beans all work well for this recipe, offering creamy or meatier textures respectively.
Diced green chiles provide a signature mild flavor. If you prefer more heat, consider using “hot” labeled cans or adding fresh diced jalapenos.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors deepen, making it a great meal prep option.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free; always check ingredient labels to confirm.
Customization is easy: adjust spice levels and enjoy with a variety of toppings to suit everyone’s preference.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
