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Looking for a warm, filling meal that cooks while you relax? Try my Crockpot White Chicken Chili! This hearty dish combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and a mix of spices for a comforting flavor. Whether you’re busy at work or enjoying a lazy weekend, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with goodness. Join me as we dive into the ingredients and steps to create this satisfying meal!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Creamy: This chili is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices, chicken, and creamy cheese creates a deliciously savory dish.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice levels.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– Chicken and Beans
The heart of this dish is the chicken. I use 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender bite. The white beans add a creamy texture. One can of 15 oz works well, drained and rinsed.
– Vegetables and Spices
Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. A medium onion, chopped, and two cloves of garlic, minced, give a great base. One cup of corn, fresh or frozen, adds sweetness. For spices, I use ground cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Each spice gets one teaspoon, plus salt and pepper to taste.
– Cream and Cheese
Creaminess comes from one cup of sour cream. This balances the spices well. I also add one cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. It melts beautifully, making the chili rich and thick. To finish, fresh cilantro adds color and a burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
To start, gather your ingredients. In your crockpot, add the following items:
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cups chicken broth
Next, sprinkle in your spices:
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Now, gently stir the mix to combine all the flavors. This step is key for a great taste.
Cooking the Chicken
You have two options for cooking time: low or high. If you choose low, set your crockpot for 6-7 hours. For high, set it for 4-5 hours. The chicken needs to cook until it is tender and fully cooked.
To check for doneness, simply cut into a piece of chicken. If it’s white and the juices run clear, it’s ready.
Final Touches
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to eat and mix back in.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Now it’s time to add creaminess. Stir in:
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Mix until everything is melted and creamy. Taste your chili and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste. Enjoy the warm, hearty flavors!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cooking
Choosing the Right Chicken
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook well and stay juicy. You can also use thighs for more flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you switch.
Ensuring Creaminess
To keep your chili creamy, stir in the sour cream and cheese at the end. This step makes the dish smooth and rich. Make sure to mix well until everything melts together.
Flavor Enhancements
Additional Spices and Ingredients
Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding more spices like paprika or cayenne. You can also toss in a squeeze of lime for some brightness. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add great freshness, too.
Variations for Different Tastes
You can change this dish to fit your tastes. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce. If you want it milder, leave out the green chilies. You can even switch the beans for black beans or pinto beans for a twist.
Pro Tips
- Use Thighs for Extra Flavor: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge to save time on cooking day.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the heat by adding more diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Garnish for Freshness: Always add fresh cilantro right before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation of the chili.

Variations
Different Protein Options
You can switch up the protein in your chili. Using turkey instead of chicken gives a lighter taste. Ground turkey works well. It cooks fast and stays moist. If you prefer beef, use ground beef for a heartier dish. Just brown the beef first to add flavor.
For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or lentils. Both options add protein while keeping it plant-based. Use the same amount as the chicken. You can also add mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Altering Spice Levels
You can control the spice in your chili easily. To make it mild, skip the diced green chilies. Use sweet bell peppers instead. Also, reduce the chili powder. Taste as you go.
If you want more heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can also try using hotter chili powder or a splash of hot sauce. Start with a little, then adjust until it’s just right for you.
Bean Options
Switching beans can change the flavor and texture. Cannellini beans are a great swap for white beans. They are creamier and hold their shape well. Black beans also work if you want a bolder taste.
You can also add other vegetables to the mix. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach can boost nutrition. Just chop them small and add them in with the other ingredients. They will cook down nicely in the crockpot.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Best Practices for Refrigeration
To keep your crockpot white chicken chili fresh, place it in a container. Use a tight lid to seal it well. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Freezing Options
When freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for the chili to expand as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
Microwave vs. Stovetop
You can reheat your chili in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for a few minutes, stirring halfway through. On the stovetop, warm it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to ensure even heating.
Maintaining Creaminess
When reheating, stir in a bit of sour cream or cheese to keep it creamy. If the chili seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Mix well until it’s smooth and warm.
FAQs
What can I serve with Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
You can pair your chili with several tasty sides. Here are some great options:
– Cornbread: This classic side adds a sweet touch to the meal.
– Tortilla chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up the chili.
– Avocado slices: Creamy avocado brings freshness and a nice contrast.
– Fresh salad: A simple green salad can lighten the meal.
– Sour cream: Add a dollop on top for extra creaminess.
These sides enhance the chili’s flavors and make the meal more satisfying.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily prepare this chili ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep and storage:
– Make the chili: Follow the recipe and let it cool before storing.
– Refrigerate: Place it in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
– Freeze: You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
– Reheat: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Preparing this dish ahead saves time and gives you a great meal ready to go.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can last for a few days if stored correctly. Here’s what to know about shelf life and spoilage:
– In the fridge: Your chili will stay good for about 3 days.
– In the freezer: It can last for up to 3 months.
– Signs of spoilage: Look for off smells, mold, or any change in color.
If you see any signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it out. Enjoy your chili while it’s still fresh!
In this blog post, I covered how to make delicious Crockpot White Chicken Chili. We explored the main ingredients, including chicken, beans, vegetables, and spices. I walked you through step-by-step instructions for cooking, from preparing the base to adding cream and cheese. We also discussed variations to customize the dish, tips for perfecting flavor, and how to store leftovers.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili is simple and fun to make. Enjoy your meal with family and friend
Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
A hearty and creamy chili made with chicken, white beans, and spices, perfect for a cozy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 hours hrs
Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can 15 oz white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 4 oz diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- for garnish fresh cilantro
In your crockpot, add the chicken breasts.
Add the white beans, diced green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, and corn to the crockpot.
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper over the top.
Stir the mixture gently to combine everything.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot.
Stir in the sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
Keyword chicken, chili, crockpot
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