Print

Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili

creamy crockpot white chicken chili - featured image

A simple, forgiving slow cooker recipe that transforms pantry staples into a rich, comforting meal. This white chicken chili relies on the natural starches of beans and the collagen from chicken for a creamy texture without heavy roux.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 32 oz (4 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Optionally sauté in olive oil until translucent for deeper flavor, or add raw for a dump-and-go method.
  2. Place the onion, garlic, chicken, white beans, corn, green chiles, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours or on High for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
  5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any bones.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream or cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Ensure the pot is not boiling to prevent curdling.
  8. Stir in the fresh lime juice and half of the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with remaining cilantro, sliced avocado, or shredded cheese.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt but add it off the heat to prevent curdling. The chili tastes better the next day as flavors meld. If freezing, note that dairy may separate; reheat gently and stir in fresh cream if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, crockpot recipes, slow cooker dinner, creamy chili, easy weeknight meals, meal prep, comfort food