There’s nothing quite like the aroma of white chicken chili slow cooker wafting through your home. Imagine coming home after a long day, the scent of savory spices and tender chicken making your mouth water. It’s like a warm hug from Grandma, except this time, you didn’t even have to put on pants to get it.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were over for game night, and I decided to whip up something hearty yet effortless. Little did I know that this would become our go-to comfort food for every occasion. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this chili is sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This white chicken chili slow cooker recipe is a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is rich and comforting with a hint of heat from the spices
- Its creamy texture pairs beautifully with toppings like cheese and cilantro, making it visually appealing in any bowl
- Versatile enough for customizing ingredients based on personal taste or dietary needs
The reactions from my friends were priceless; they all went back for seconds—some even thirds! Who knew that such deliciousness could come from just a slow cooker?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well for this recipe; feel free to adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
White Beans: Canned white beans are convenient and add creaminess without much effort; drain and rinse them first.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while still keeping the flavors rich.
Green Chiles: These add a mild heat that complements the dish perfectly; opt for diced canned chiles for convenience.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed; dice it finely so it cooks evenly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will provide aromatic richness; crush them right before adding for maximum flavor.
Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices are essential for depth of flavor; use fresh ground if possible to elevate the taste.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess at serving time; choose full-fat versions for a richer experience.
Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors as a garnish; chop finely before sprinkling on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor while cooking. Place them in the slow cooker.
Add Your Veggies and Spices: Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, green chiles, and beans into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
Pour in Chicken Broth: Add enough low-sodium chicken broth to cover all ingredients. This will create a beautiful sauce as everything cooks down.
Set Your Slow Cooker: Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once done cooking, shred the chicken using two forks right inside the slow cooker. Mix it back into the chili to combine all flavors beautifully.
Add Creaminess at Serving Time: Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving for that luxurious creaminess everyone loves. Top with fresh cilantro if desired.
Enjoy your culinary triumph! Serve hot with tortilla chips or warm bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious white chicken chili slow cooker magic!
You Must Know
- White chicken chili slow cooker is a game-changer for busy nights
- It’s simple to make and full of flavor, making meal prep enjoyable
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s for dinner long before it’s served
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding the chicken and spices. This elevates the flavor, ensuring a deliciously aromatic base for your white chicken chili.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different beans or add corn for sweetness. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika to give it a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through to preserve flavor and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best white chicken chili slow cooker experience, use high-quality chicken breasts for moisture and flavor
- Avoid overcooking; you want tender but not mushy beans
- Lastly, let it simmer longer for deeper flavor development, making each bowl irresistible!
The first time I made this dish, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They thought I had slaved over the stove all day, but really, it was my trusty slow cooker doing all the work!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in white chicken chili slow cooker?
Yes, you can add frozen chicken directly; just increase cooking time by one hour.
How spicy is white chicken chili?
You control the heat! Adjust jalapeños or use mild green chilies for less spice.
What toppings go well with white chicken chili?
Try avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.

White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker
Experience the heartwarming flavors of White Chicken Chili, effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. This creamy and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. With tender chicken, savory spices, and a hint of heat from green chiles, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Top it off with cheese and fresh cilantro for an irresistible finish!
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place in the slow cooker.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, green chiles, and white beans. Stir to combine.
- Pour in enough chicken broth to cover all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken in the pot using two forks; mix well to combine.
- Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg