If you're a fan of warm, comforting meals with a kick of spice, you're in for a treat! Learn how to make the easiest and most flavorful Crock Pot White Chicken Chili recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and a medley of spices to create a satisfying and soul-warming bowl of goodness.

Overhead image of two bowls of crock pot white chicken chili on a tan linen background

Why You'll Want To Make This Every Week

Effortless Cooking. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. Simply toss in the ingredients and let it simmer to perfection.
Hearty and Filling. White chicken chili is a satisfying dish that will keep you warm and full on chilly days.
Customizable. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Add toppings like avocado, cheese, or cilantro for extra flavor.
Perfect for Crowds. This recipe is great for gatherings, potlucks, or game day parties. It can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.

White chicken chili is a delightful departure from the traditional tomato-based chili. It features chicken, white beans, and a fragrant mix of spices, creating a lighter yet equally comforting meal. Whether you're looking for a hearty dinner or a game day favorite, this chili won't disappoint.

How Do You Make White Chicken Chili Thicker?

There are several methods you can use to make white chicken chili thicker if you find that it's too thin for your liking. Here are some effective ways to achieve a thicker consistency:

Mashed Beans
- Remove a cup or two of cooked white beans from the chili.
- Mash them with a fork or potato masher until they form a paste.
- Return the mashed beans to the chili and stir well. The mashed beans will naturally thicken the chili.
Add More Beans or Ingredients
- If you prefer a heartier chili, simply add more white beans, chicken, vegetables, or other ingredients. As they cook, they'll release starch and help thicken the chili.
Cream or Dairy
- Add a dairy-based thickener like heavy cream or sour cream to the chili. This not only thickens the chili but also adds creaminess.
- Be cautious when adding dairy to ensure it doesn't curdle. Stir it in slowly and gently.

Is Chili Better In The Crock Pot Or On The Stove?

The choice between a crockpot and stovetop cooking depends on your preferences and schedule.

If you value convenience, long simmering times, and minimal hands-on cooking, the crockpot is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you want more control over the cooking process, a faster cook time, and the ability to adjust the chili's texture and flavor in real time, the stovetop may be the better choice.

Ultimately, both methods can yield delicious chili

What Is White Chili Made Of?

Here's what you'll need to make Crock Pot White Chicken Chili:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts- Feel free to use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer the flavor or texture.
White Beans- Use cannellini or Great Northern, or a combination of both to create a creamy texture and delicious flavor.
Onion- Adds a slightly sweet, earthy touch.
Garlic
Diced Green Chilies- Adjust the amount used to create the perfect level of heat for your table.
Chicken Broth
Ground Cumin
Chili Powder
Dried Oregano
Paprika
Salt and Pepper
Frozen Corn- You can use fresh corn cut off of the cob for a sweeter, more flavorful bite.
Lime Juice
Fresh Cilantro
Toppings- Try this with sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips for serving.

How To Make Crock Pot White Chicken Chili

Follow these simple steps to create a comforting bowl of white chicken chili:

Combine Ingredients. In the crockpot, add the chicken breasts or thighs, drained white beans, diced onion, minced garlic, diced green chilies, chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook on Low. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork when done.
Shred Chicken. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Add Corn. If you're using frozen corn, add it to the chili and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Finish with Lime Juice. Stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavors of the chili.
Serve and Garnish. Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla chips.

Overhead image of crock pot white chicken chili in a white bowl

Tips And Tricks

Making Crock Pot White Chicken Chili is a straightforward process, but there are some tips and tricks to ensure that your chili turns out flavorful, creamy, and perfectly cooked. Here are some helpful tips for making the best white chicken chili:

Use Chicken Thighs- Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
Choose Your Spice Level- Adjust the heat level to your preference by using mild or hot diced green chilies and adjusting the amount of chili powder. Keep in mind that you can always add more heat later with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Cooking Time- Avoid overcooking the chili, as the chicken can become dry. Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, you can switch the crockpot to the "warm" setting if you need to keep it hot until serving.

Variations

Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations and ingredient swaps to consider when making it:

Spice It Up. If you love heat, add extra diced green chilies or jalapeños for a spicier kick. Experiment with different chili powders like ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder for a smoky flavor.
Beans Galore. While traditional white chicken chili uses white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), you can mix in other varieties like black beans or pinto beans for added texture and flavor.
Protein Choices. Replace chicken with other proteins like ground turkey, shredded pork, or even cooked and crumbled bacon.

What To Serve With White Chicken Chili

Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside your chili:

Cornbread- A classic choice, cornbread complements the flavors of the chili and adds a touch of sweetness. You can serve it as slices or cornbread muffins.
Tortilla Chips- Crispy tortilla chips are great for scooping up chili. Provide a variety of chip options, including regular, multigrain, and flavored varieties.
Avocado Slices- Creamy avocado slices add a cool and creamy contrast to the heat of the chili. They also provide a healthy dose of good fats.
Shredded Cheese- Offer a selection of shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for guests to sprinkle on top of their chili.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a hint of tanginess to balance the spices in the chili.

How Long Does It Last?

If you can't finish your Crockpot White Chicken Chili in one meal or want to make it ahead for later, it can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Can You Freeze It?

If you have a large batch and know you won't be able to consume it all within that time frame, consider freezing portions for longer storage. Chili can be frozen for up to 2-3 months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

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Whether you're a chili aficionado or new to the world of white chili, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of Crock Pot White Chicken Chili, and savor every spoonful!

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Crock Pot White Chicken Chili | Chicken Chili Crockpot Recipe