Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a delightful and hearty dish that makes for a satisfying meal, especially in cooler weather. It combines tender, shredded chicken with creamy beans, spices, and a touch of cheese to create a soothing comfort food. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, ensuring each bowl is rich and satisfying. Whether you’re gathering with friends or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this chili will warm your heart and tummy.
Why We Love This Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe
This Crockpot White Chicken Chili stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. You can toss all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work while you attend to other tasks. It’s a fantastic option for busy families or anyone who wants a nourishing meal without the fuss. Plus, the versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your liking, making it suitable for various palates. Whether you crave a little heat or prefer it milder, this chili can easily adapt to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients about Crockpot White Chicken Chili
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Jalapeños, sliced (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili Directions
To begin making your Crockpot White Chicken Chili, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This layer forms the foundation for your chili, allowing the juices from the chicken to meld with the other ingredients. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. These aromatics will cook down and infuse your dish with rich flavors.
Following that, open the two cans of Great Northern or cannellini beans and drain them thoroughly. Then, rinse them under cold water to remove any excess sodium. Add these beans to the crockpot along with the drained corn and the diced green chilies. Each component contributes to the creamy texture and delicious taste of the chili.
Now, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. These spices are essential in creating that authentic chili flavor. After seasoning your ingredients, pour the chicken broth over everything to ensure everything stays moist during cooking.
Cover your crockpot and set it to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. This slow cooking process is key to developing flavors and tenderizing the chicken. When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot for even distribution throughout the chili.
At this point, it’s time to introduce the creamy elements to the chili. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the cooker. Stir everything together well until you achieve a creamy consistency. Place the lid back on and cook the chili uncovered for an additional 15 minutes on LOW. This final step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Crockpot White Chicken Chili is ready to serve!
How to Serve Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Serving your Crockpot White Chicken Chili is just as important as making it. Ladle the warm chili into individual bowls, ensuring you provide a nice amount of chicken and beans in each serving. For added flavor and texture, consider topping each bowl with extra shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a handful of fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. The creamy cheese will melt into the hot chili, creating a delightful, gooey topping.
Don’t forget to offer lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness that complements the richness of the chili. You can also serve it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. This way, you can scoop up every delicious bite.
Chili is best enjoyed when it’s hot, but leftovers can also be reheated.
Expert Tips: Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Quality of Chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best outcome. If you use frozen chicken, remember to adjust the cooking time and ensure it’s fully cooked through.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier chili, feel free to add more chili powder or explore additional spicy ingredients like cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and consider using mild green chilies.
- Creamy Texture: The cream cheese and sour cream add creaminess to the chili. If you like a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream cheese or substitute it with Greek yogurt.
- Cooking Times: Cooking times may vary depending on your specific crockpot. Always check to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Garnishes Matter: The garnishes like cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges not only enhance the visual appeal but also add fresh flavor that brightens each spoonful.
How to Store Crockpot White Chicken Chili
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store your Crockpot White Chicken Chili for later. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored in the refrigerator, this chili can last up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chili. Divide it into meal-sized portions and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your chili again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated thoroughly before serving.
Variation of Crockpot White Chicken Chili
You can easily customize your Crockpot White Chicken Chili to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to sneak in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These additions not only enhance nutrition but also offer different textures and flavors.
- Beans Change-Up: If you prefer a different bean, utilize black beans or pinto beans instead of the Great Northern or cannellini beans. Each type of bean will bring its own unique flair to the dish.
- Heat Adjustment: To increase the heat, include diced serrano or habanero peppers. Conversely, for a milder taste, you might opt for sweet red bell peppers instead of green chiles.
- Dairy-Free Options: For a dairy-free chili, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Protein Switch: If chicken isn’t your preference, you can swap it for turkey or even use beans as the main protein in this recipe to create a vegetarian version.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
The best method is to layer your ingredients starting with chicken at the bottom. Add the vegetables, spices, and chicken broth, then cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours for tender results.
Can I use frozen chicken for this Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it cooks longer. It’s vital to check that the chicken reaches at least 165°F internally before serving.
How can I make this Crockpot White Chicken Chili spicier?
To make it spicier, increase the amount of chili powder, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
Can I store leftovers of Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! Allow your chili to cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
What sides pair well with Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with rice for a more substantial meal.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts Choose fresh, high-quality for best results.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced Adjust spice level according to preference.
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (plus extra for topping)
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Jalapeños sliced (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving) Squeeze lime juice for added zest.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic on top.
- Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to the crockpot along with the corn and diced green chilies.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients.
Cooking
- Cover your crockpot and set it to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese to the pot. Stir until creamy.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes on LOW.
Serving
- Ladle chili into bowls and top with extra cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Serve with lime wedges alongside crusty bread or tortilla chips.
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