Ultimate Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Easy, Hearty, and Flavorful
Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food, a hearty and flavorful soup that will quickly become a weeknight staple. Imagine tender, slow-cooked chicken, hearty beans, and a gentle kick from green chiles, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cream cheese and heavy cream base. This dish offers a wonderful variety of textures and just the right amount of spice, making it incredibly satisfying. The best part? It all comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, ensuring a delicious, stress-free meal perfect for any busy evening.
table of contents
Toggle
About This Creamy White Chicken Chili
Chili holds a special place in my heart, especially as the colder months roll in. There was a time, back in my college days, when my understanding of chili was limited to a sad can poured over a microwave-baked potato, topped with a sprinkle of cheddar. Let’s just say, those weren’t my culinary peak moments!
However, discovering the art of making chili from scratch was a revelation. It was like unlocking a hidden chamber of flavor and comfort I never knew existed. A bowl of truly homemade, piping hot chili, bursting with diverse textures and a symphony of flavors, is now one of life’s greatest simple pleasures.
This Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili takes that love to a whole new level. It’s a beautifully crafted dish where every component plays a vital role. The star, of course, is the chicken, which transforms into unbelievably tender, shreddable perfection after hours of gentle cooking in the slow cooker. This long, slow process infuses the chicken with all the aromatic spices, making every bite incredibly flavorful.
Alongside the succulent chicken, you’ll find a delightful blend of beans and diced green chiles. The beans add a satisfying heartiness and an additional layer of texture, while the chiles introduce a subtle yet essential warmth and a touch of zest that elevates the entire dish. But what truly sets this white chicken chili apart is its signature creaminess. The inclusion of tangy cream cheese and rich heavy cream creates a luxurious, velvety broth that coats every ingredient, making each spoonful a truly indulgent experience. It’s a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for warming you up on any evening.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect White Chicken Chili
Crafting the perfect creamy white chicken chili starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and comforting texture of this beloved dish:
- Chicken: For the most tender, shreddable chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They absorb the flavors beautifully and become incredibly soft when slow-cooked. Alternatively, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a slightly richer flavor and even more moisture, though they might require a bit more trimming.
- Spices: This chili gets its depth and warmth from a carefully chosen blend.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The foundational seasonings, essential for enhancing all other flavors.
- Ground Cumin: Provides an earthy, warm aroma characteristic of many chili recipes.
- Oregano: Adds a savory, slightly peppery herbal note that complements the chicken and chiles.
- Chili Powder: A blend of spices that offers a balanced, mild chili flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Cayenne Pepper: For that perfect subtle kick. You can adjust the amount to your preference – a little goes a long way!
- Aromatics: The foundation of flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Diced yellow onion becomes sweet and tender, infusing the chili with a foundational savory taste.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic provides an irreplaceable pungent and aromatic base that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Beans: We love a combination for diverse texture and nutrition.
- Great Northern Beans: These white beans are creamy and mild, perfect for soaking up the chili’s flavors.
- Black Beans: Add a contrasting texture and a slightly richer, earthier flavor. You can also experiment with other beans like cannellini beans, pinto beans, or even a can of mixed chili beans for variety. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed well.
- Chiles: The key to its “chili” identity.
- Diced Green Chiles: These are critical for that signature green chili flavor and a gentle heat. They come in mild, medium, and hot varieties, so choose according to your family’s spice preference. Mild is great for a subtle flavor, while medium adds a pleasant warmth.
- Broth: The liquid base for slow cooking.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base that tenderizes the chicken and melds all the flavors. Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt content more precisely. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative if you’re adapting the recipe.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to its luscious texture.
- Light Cream Cheese: When softened and whisked into the chili, it dissolves to create an incredibly smooth, tangy, and rich consistency. Using light cream cheese helps keep the dish from feeling too heavy. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Heavy Cream: For ultimate indulgence.
- Heavy Whipping Cream or Half-and-Half: This adds another layer of decadent creaminess and richness, making the chili truly luxurious. Half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter, but still creamy, finish.
Essential Kitchen Tools
While this Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe is incredibly simple, having a few essential kitchen tools will make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. These are the items that truly make a difference:
- Slow Cooker (or Instant Pot with Slow Cooker Function): The absolute star of this recipe! A good quality slow cooker is designed for hands-off cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over hours. If you have an Instant Pot Ultra, it’s a fantastic multi-purpose appliance that includes a reliable slow cooker function, making it incredibly versatile. Its ability to handle both pressure cooking and slow cooking makes it a top favorite in any kitchen.
- Sturdy Wooden Spoon: Essential for gently stirring the ingredients at the beginning and ensuring everything is well combined before cooking. A wooden spoon is gentle on non-stick surfaces and perfect for mixing.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: From dicing onions and mincing garlic to prepping your chicken, a reliable chef’s knife is indispensable. It’s truly the best multi-purpose knife to have in your collection, making prep work quick and safe.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface for chopping vegetables and shredding chicken. Choose one that’s easy to clean and doesn’t slip.
- Small Whisk: Useful for blending the cream cheese with a bit of the chili liquid to ensure a smooth, lump-free addition to the pot.
How to Prepare Your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This creamy white chicken chili recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the simple steps:
The Slow Cooking Process
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll essentially “set it and forget it” for hours, allowing the slow cooker to transform simple ingredients into a rich and complex chili. Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the insert of your slow cooker. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the fantastic flavors.
Next, it’s time to add all the flavorful components. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. These spices are the heart of the chili, providing warmth and depth. Follow with the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, which will soften and sweeten as they cook. Then, add the drained and rinsed Great Northern white beans and black beans, along with the diced green chiles (choose your preferred heat level!). Finally, pour in the chicken broth to create the liquid base for your chili.
Give all the ingredients a good stir to ensure everything is well combined and the chicken is nestled amongst the other ingredients. Once stirred, cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. You have two options: cook on High for 3 to 4 hours if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, or for a deeper, more developed flavor, cook on Low for 8 hours. The longer, slower cook time on low truly allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and all the flavors to meld perfectly.
Shredding the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and incredibly tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker insert and transfer it to a cutting board. At this point, it should be so tender that it practically falls apart. Using two forks, easily shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you want a quicker method, you can place the cooked chicken in a large bowl and use a hand mixer on low speed for a few seconds to shred it effortlessly. Once shredded, return the chicken back into the slow cooker with the chili base and stir it gently to reincorporate.
Now, it’s time to add the creamy magic. In a separate small bowl, combine the room temperature light cream cheese with a couple of ladles of the hot chili liquid from the slow cooker. Whisk this mixture until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. This tempering step prevents the cream cheese from curdling or clumping when added to the hot chili. Once smooth, pour the cream cheese mixture and the heavy cream (or half-and-half) into the slow cooker. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the creamy ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the chili.
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Consistency
With the creamy elements added, it’s time for the final touch. Cover the slow cooker once more and continue to cook on High for an additional 15 minutes. During this short period, the heat will allow the cream cheese and heavy cream to fully incorporate and gently thicken the chili to a luxurious, creamy consistency. Keep an eye on it – you’re looking for a rich, cohesive soup that’s not too thin and not overly thick. Stir well before serving to ensure every bowl is packed with delicious, creamy goodness. This last step is crucial for that signature indulgent texture of this Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili.
Pro Tips and Tricks for the Best Chili
To ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili is nothing short of spectacular every time, here are some expert tips and tricks:
- Choose Your Green Chiles Wisely: Diced green chiles are a critical flavor component, but they come in varying heat levels: mild, medium, and hot. Always check the label and select the heat level that best suits your palate. The hot variety can indeed be quite spicy, so if you’re sensitive to heat, stick with mild or medium.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Customize Your Toppings: The toppings are where you can truly make this chili your own! While we love sliced jalapeños, fresh avocado, cilantro, and a lime wedge, don’t stop there. Consider adding shredded Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips for crunch, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Resist the Urge to Peek: A common pitfall with slow cooking is constantly lifting the lid. Each time you lift the lid, a significant amount of heat escapes, extending the cooking time by as much as 20-30 minutes. Let your slow cooker do its job undisturbed until the recommended cooking time is nearly up.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: The amount of salt needed can vary based on your chicken broth and personal preference. Always taste your chili towards the end of the cooking process (after the creamy additions) and adjust salt and other spices as needed. A pinch more cumin or chili powder can deepen the flavor profile.
- Frozen Chicken (with caution): While it’s generally best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, you will need to extend the cooking time by an additional 1-2 hours on high or 2-4 hours on low to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
More delicious chili recipes to try: Spicy Taco Chili | Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili | Instant Pot Chili | Queso Chili
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to slow cook white chicken chili?
This Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili is quite flexible with its cooking times, allowing you to choose based on your schedule. It takes approximately **3 to 4 hours on the High heat setting** or about **8 hours on the Low heat setting**. Choosing the ‘Low’ setting, while longer, often results in slightly more tender chicken and a deeper melding of flavors, which many find preferable for chili. The ‘High’ setting is perfect for when you need a delicious meal on the table in less time, without sacrificing much flavor or tenderness.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! This recipe adapts beautifully to the Instant Pot for a much quicker cooking time. To make this creamy white chicken chili in your Instant Pot, follow these steps:
- Add all the initial ingredients (chicken, spices, aromatics, beans, chiles, and broth) into the Instant Pot insert, just as you would for the slow cooker.
- Seal the lid and make sure the vent is set to the “Sealing” position.
- Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook (High) for 20 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes (Natural Pressure Release – NPR). This helps keep the chicken tender.
- After 5 minutes, carefully manually release any remaining pressure by turning the vent to the “Venting” position.
- Remove the cooked chicken and shred it on a cutting board using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the room temperature cream cheese with a couple of ladles of the chili liquid until smooth.
- Stir the cream cheese mixture and heavy cream into the chili in the Instant Pot.
- Select the “Sauté” function on Low and cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened to your desired creamy consistency.
This method significantly reduces the cooking time while still delivering incredibly tender chicken and rich flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Need some inspiration for dinner recipes? Check out my dinner recipes page!
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
The beauty of this creamy crockpot white chicken chili lies not only in its rich flavors but also in the endless possibilities for personalization with toppings and side dishes. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your chili experience:
- Classic Toppings:
- Shredded Cheese: A generous sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar, or a Mexican blend adds a gooey, savory finish.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool sour cream or a healthier Greek yogurt provides a creamy counterpoint to the chili’s warmth.
- Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous cilantro chopped fresh adds a pop of color and an essential fresh flavor.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who love an extra kick, fresh or pickled sliced jalapeños offer a vibrant, spicy crunch.
- Diced Avocado: Creamy, cool avocado adds a wonderful texture and mellows the heat.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens all the flavors and adds a tangy zest that truly brings the chili to life. Don’t skip this!
- Crushed Tortilla Chips or Strips: Provides a fantastic crunchy texture and a salty element.
- Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes: For the ultimate heat seekers, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can customize the spice level.
- Hearty Sides:
- Warm Cornbread: A classic pairing, cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy chili.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
- Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice can make this chili an even more substantial meal, perfect for absorbing the rich sauce.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is excellent for dipping.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this slow cooker white chicken chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bowl.
Storing and Reheating Your Chili
This Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili is fantastic for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. Proper storage ensures it stays delicious and safe to eat:
- Storage: Always allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored this way, leftovers will last beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to use a container that seals well to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from permeating other foods in your fridge.
- Reheating: For best results, gently reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If the chili has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. While you can also reheat it in the microwave, the stovetop method generally yields a more even temperature and helps maintain the creamy texture without separating.
- Freezing: This chili freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for future quick meals. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the chili into freezer-safe meal prep containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using freezer bags, lay them flat to freeze; this saves space and allows for faster thawing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Thawing: To thaw, simply transfer the frozen chili to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it using the stovetop or microwave method as instructed above.
Explore More Chicken Dinners
If you’re looking for more delicious and easy chicken recipes, be sure to check out these other favorites:
- Easy crispy chicken tacos are paired with an avocado tomatillo sauce for a crunchy and tangy combination.
- Instant Pot chicken stew is a quick and healthy dinner, with the easiest cooking method.
- Fire up the grill to make perfectly juicy grilled full chicken to pair with your favorite side dishes.
Finally, if you make this Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment below! I absolutely love hearing about your culinary adventures and experiences with my recipes, and I make it a priority to respond to every single comment. Your feedback is invaluable!
Feel free to drop any questions you might have in the comments section as well – I’m always happy to help!
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and I cherish looking through all your wonderful photos. It genuinely means the world to me!
Want to be the first to know when I release a new recipe or share the latest news? Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an update!
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Equipment
-
Instant Pot Ultra
-
wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 15oz can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 4 ounce cans diced green chiles
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 4 oz light cream cheese room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Sliced jalapeno
- Sliced avocado
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Dollop of sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
-
Place chicken breasts into the insert of a slow cooker.
-
Add salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, great northern beans, black beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth.
-
Stir to combine.
-
Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours. You can also cook it on Low for 8 hours, if desired.
-
Remove chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker insert.
-
In a small bowl, add cream cheese. Add a couple of ladles full of the liquid from the slow cooker. Whisk until smooth.
-
Pour the cream cheese mixture and heavy cream into the chili. Stir until combined.
-
Cover and cook on High for another 15 minutes, until the chili is creamy and slightly thickened.
-
Stir well and serve with your favorite toppings.
Video
Nutrition