Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and flavorful spices into one comforting bowl of goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows you to throw in the ingredients, let the slow cooker do its magic, and come home to a warm, satisfying meal. The blend of flavors and creamy texture makes this chili a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist!
Why We Love This Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe
This recipe is loved not just for its convenience, but also for its versatility and flavor. Using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for those busy days when you have a lot on your plate. The harmony of spices with creamy beans and tender chicken creates a rich taste that warms you from the inside out. Plus, the variety of toppings allows everyone to customize their bowl to their liking, ensuring that this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients about Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- 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)
- Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Jalapeños, sliced (for topping)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili Directions
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This helps the chicken absorb the flavors from the other ingredients as they cook.
Next, add in the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken. The aroma of sautéed onion and garlic will enhance the depth of flavor in your chili.
Now, it’s time to layer in the star ingredients! Add both cans of drained beans, the corn, and the diced green chilies to the mix. These ingredients contribute a lovely creaminess along with a slight kick from the chilies.
Sprinkle the seasonings over the mixture: cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Each spice adds an important layer of taste and warmth to the dish.
Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients until they are well-covered. The broth is crucial for the slow cooking process, infusing moisture and flavor into every bite.
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for about 3 hours. Cooking on LOW allows the flavors to mingle even more intensely, but both options produce a delicious result.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and stir in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Allow these creamy ingredients to melt and blend into the chili, giving it a rich, velvety texture.
Increase the heat slightly and let it cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes on LOW, stirring occasionally. This helps thicken the chili and allows the flavors to meld even further.
Finally, serve your white chicken chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, slices of jalapeños, and lime wedges. This combination of toppings not only looks appealing but also adds a burst of fresh flavor with each bite!
How to Serve Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Serving your Crockpot White Chicken Chili is an enjoyable way to bring friends and family together around the dinner table. Begin by ladling the chili into bowls. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, allowing it to melt into the warm chili. You can also provide sides of chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges for customization.
Pair your chili with tortilla chips for dipping or serve it alongside a fresh salad to balance the hearty flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, a slice of cornbread or a warm roll can nicely complement the meal. No matter how you choose to serve it, this chili is sure to delight!
Expert Tips: Crockpot White Chicken Chili
To elevate your Crockpot White Chicken Chili, consider these expert tips:
For a richer flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the crockpot. This step enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
Adjust the spices according to your palate. If you enjoy spicier dishes, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
If time permits, let the chili sit for an additional 30 minutes after incorporating the creamy ingredients. This resting period will improve the flavor combination and thickness of the chili.
Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal prep. Just shred the precooked chicken and stir it in towards the end of the cooking time.
Make your chili ahead of time. This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop overnight.
How to Store Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Storing your delicious Crockpot White Chicken Chili is simple and ensures you have the chance to savor leftovers. Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze your chili, use freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to leave some space for expansion as it freezes. The chili can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the crockpot until warmed through.
Variation of Crockpot White Chicken Chili
While the original recipe is exceptional, exploring variations of Crockpot White Chicken Chili can add even more excitement to your meals:
Vegetable-Loaded Chili: Toss in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate chipotle peppers or add cayenne pepper for a spicier version. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a zesty kick.
Creamy Avocado Addition: Before serving, mix in diced avocados for a creamy texture and fresh taste. Garnish with avocado slices for an eye-catching presentation.
Seafood Twist: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or white fish for a different flavor profile that still stays creamy and satisfying.
Vegan Option: For a plant-based chili, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use coconut cream instead of dairy, making sure to adjust the flavors to your preference.
FAQ
What is Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a slow-cooked dish that features tender chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of spices, all simmered together in a comforting broth. It is a perfect meal for chilly evenings.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
Crockpot White Chicken Chili takes about 6 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH to cook in a crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
What toppings go well with Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and lime wedges. These enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish.
How can I make my chili spicier?
To spice things up, you can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños into the mix. Adjust the spices according to your personal taste!
Enjoy your cooking journey with this recipe! Each step brings you closer to a bowl of heartwarming goodness that is sure to leave you satisfied.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 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
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese plus extra for topping
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped for garnish
- to taste jalapeños, sliced for topping
- to taste lime wedges for serving
Spices
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp oregano
- 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add in the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Layer in both cans of drained beans, corn, and diced green chilies.
- Sprinkle the seasonings: cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the mixture.
- Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients until well-covered.
Cooking
- Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for about 3 hours.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Let it cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes on LOW.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, slices of jalapeños, and lime wedges.
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