Hearty, creamy, and loaded with comforting flavors, Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and your favorite toppings. It’s packed with juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned beans, and just the right amount of kick—plus, it basically cooks itself while you get on with your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: Toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and return to a rich, satisfying chili bursting with homemade flavor.
- Customizable Heat: You get to control the spice level based on your jalapeño and cayenne—make it mild or bring the fire!
- Protein-Packed and Hearty: Loaded with tender chicken and nutritious beans, this chili is stick-to-your-ribs satisfying but not heavy.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Versatile: Perfect for game day, busy weeknights, or cozy gatherings—everyone can garnish their bowl just the way they like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient adds a distinct flavor, richness, or pop of color. Together, they create a deeply satisfying bowl that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They get meltingly tender in the slow cooker, infusing your chili with incredible depth and juiciness.
- Sweet onion: Adds gentle sweetness and aromatics for a classic chili foundation.
- Green pepper: Brings mild earthiness and vibrant green color.
- Jalapeño: Offers adjustable heat and a fresh, lively bite—skip or double up depending on your spice tolerance!
- Garlic cloves: Four cloves give that delicious, mellow backbone every great chili needs.
- Great northern beans: These creamy white beans soak up the broth and spices, making each spoonful extra hearty.
- Green chilies: The secret to classic “white chili” depth and a gentle, tangy warmth.
- Chicken broth: Use a good-quality broth for more flavor; it ties all those ingredients together into something magical.
- Chili powder, cumin, oregano: Classic spices that create cozy warmth and that unmistakable chili flavor.
- Paprika & cayenne (optional): Sprinkle in for an extra layer of smokiness and heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening all those flavors.
Variations
The beauty of Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is how easy it is to riff on—tailor it to what you have on hand or mix things up to please your palate. There are countless delicious ways to make this chili your own!
- Use chicken breasts instead: Swap the thighs for boneless, skinless breast meat if you prefer a leaner, milder bite.
- Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra beans, or toss in some sweet corn and diced zucchini for extra heartiness.
- Add creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for an ultra-luxurious texture.
- Try different beans: Cannellini or navy beans work beautifully if you don’t have great northern beans on hand.
- Bump up the veggies: Add some chopped carrots, celery, or even spinach at the end for a nutritional boost.
How to Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. This is the foundation of the chili, letting the chicken slowly soak up all the lovely spices and flavors as it cooks. Add in the chopped onion, green pepper, jalapeño (if using), minced garlic, beans, green chilies, and all those aromatic spices. Pour the chicken broth over the top—it’ll look full, but trust the process!
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then pop on the lid. Cook on low for 5 1/2 hours. Your house will start to smell absolutely amazing! The chicken will become fork-tender, and all those flavors will meld together into chili bliss.
Step 3: Shred and Finish
Once the chicken is cooked through and falling apart, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker or transfer it to a plate to shred more easily. Return the chicken to the pot, stir well, and let cook on low for another 30 minutes. This last half-hour gives the shredded chicken time to absorb all the saucy goodness.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Before serving, give your chili a taste and adjust the seasoning—add a little more chili powder or salt if needed. Ladle into bowls, pile on your favorite toppings, and prepare for love at first bite!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Chicken Choice: Thighs give you richer, juicier results, but if you only have breasts on hand, reduce the cooking time by 30 minutes for perfect, tender meat.
- Spice Level Control: To keep things family-friendly, remove all the seeds and membranes from your jalapeño—or toss in extra for a spicy kick!
- Creamy Factor: If you love a thicker, more luxurious chili, mash a handful of the beans before adding them or stir in a scoop of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This chili is even more flavorful the next day, so prepping it in advance for entertaining or meal prep is always a great move.
How to Serve Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Garnishes
This chili truly shines when you go wild with toppings—think creamy avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, and a fresh spritz of lime. Each garnish adds texture, color, and flavor that makes every spoonful even more exciting.
Side Dishes
Crispy tortilla chips, warm cornbread, or a big green salad are all wonderful alongside your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. You can also serve it over a scoop of cooked rice or quinoa for an even heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your chili in toasted bread bowls for a fun twist, pile it on nachos for the ultimate game day snack, or ladle it into small mugs for a cozy appetizer at your next gathering—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover chili cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days and might taste even better after a night for the flavors to meld together.
Freezing
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili freezes like a dream—portion into freezer-safe bags or containers with a little room at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often, or microwave in individual portions until piping hot. If the chili thickens too much in the fridge, just stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?
Absolutely! If using cooked chicken, add it during the last hour of slow cooking so it warms through and soaks up the chili flavor without getting too soft or stringy.
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Is this chili very spicy? How can I make it milder?
The heat level is totally in your hands—omit the jalapeño and cayenne for mild chili, or leave the seeds out for just a gentle warmth. Add sour cream or avocado on top for even more cooling power!
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What type of beans is best for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili?
Great northern beans are classic here for their creamy texture and subtle flavor, but cannellini or navy beans will also work well if that’s what you have in your pantry.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Use an 8-quart or larger slow cooker to ensure everything fits and cooks evenly, and just double all the ingredients. It’s perfect for potlucks or football parties!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy meal that practically cooks itself and makes everyone at the table smile, this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili will absolutely become a staple in your kitchen. Gather your favorite toppings, invite friends or family, and let your slow cooker do all the magic—enjoy every creamy, zesty, soul-warming bite!
Print
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender chicken, beans, and aromatic spices, this chili is easy to make and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Chicken Chili:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 of a sweet onion, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, seeds removed, chopped
- 1 to 2 Jalapeños, seeds removed, chopped (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cans (4 oz each) green chilies
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6 qt. or larger slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients and stir well.
- Step 2: Cook on low for 5 1/2 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks, return it to the slow cooker, and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm with your favorite garnishes.
Notes
- This recipe yields 10 cups of chili, serving 5 people.
- If preferred, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
