Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate cozy meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker recipe. Creamy, hearty, and bursting with zesty spices, it's perfect for family dinners, game days, potlucks, or just a comforting weeknight treat. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with more time to enjoy. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Recipe
- Set-it-and-forget-it ease—let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
- Creamy texture and bold Southwestern flavors that please any palate.
- Hearty, protein-packed, and naturally gluten-free.
- Perfect for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!
- Easily customizable for spice level and toppings.
White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional toppings: shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, extra lime wedges, tortilla chips
How to Make White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker
Step 1: Prep and Layer Ingredients
Add chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, beans, corn, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, coriander, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine ingredients.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Creaminess
Remove chicken breasts to a plate, shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until fully melted and the chili turns creamy. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and stir well.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, extra lime, or crunchy tortilla chips as desired!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Notes for White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Success
- For extra creaminess, blend 1 cup of the beans with broth before adding to the slow cooker.
- Want to add a smoky kick? Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Read more about the benefits of slow cooking and tips for healthy proteins at EatingWell.

White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Variations
- Spicy White Chicken Chili: Add 1 diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- White Bean & Turkey Chili: Swap chicken for ground or shredded turkey.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt to keep it creamy.
Required Equipment for White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker
- 6-quart slow cooker (crockpot)
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Forks for shredding
White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Storage & Shelf Life
- Let chili cool completely then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or over a bed of rice.
- Top with extra fresh lime, cilantro, and sliced avocado for a flavor boost.
- Pairs deliciously with a simple green salad or a side of tortilla chips.
Pro Tips for White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Perfection
- Always soften cream cheese before adding to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy broth. Learn more about softening methods at The Kitchn.
- If your chili is too thick after adding dairy, stir in extra chicken broth until you reach desired consistency.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, zestiest flavor.
White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker FAQ
- Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last hour of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
- Can I make this White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker recipe ahead?
- Absolutely—prepare the chili up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving for even richer flavors.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
- Yes, this chili freezes beautifully. Let cool, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
For more information on the nutrition of white beans and their health benefits, check out this guide from Healthline.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
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1Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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2Add the drained beans, diced green chilies, onion, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
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3Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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4Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
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5Stir in the sour cream and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until well combined and creamy.
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6Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh cilantro if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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